Your Sherwood January 2015

YOURSHERWOOD NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2015

Keep warm and well this winter

tips to stay on top of the cold pages 6-7

What’s in season

healthy and affordable eating page 19

New Year financial blues? resolve to get them back on track pages 16-17

Caring for an older parent reassuring practical measures pages 14-15

welcome... ...to the January issue Having taken over from Steve Mandaluff at the end of last year, I have really enjoyed putting my first edition of Your Sherwood together. It’s been a really interesting few months, getting to know all the lovely staff at Town & Country, Kent High Weald Partnership and Hill, and visiting many of the supportive community groups in and around Sherwood.

This month we have introduced a few new ideas like the ‘What’s in Season’ and a general health article, which this issue looks at tips for keeping well and warm this Winter.

TN2 Community Centre has some really exciting events coming up with a couple of art workshops leading up to an Art exhibition in March, a workshop for the Lantern Parade as well as a Health & Wellbeing Event on 21 January. For more details turn to page 10.

I look forward to hearing your ideas on how we can make this an even better community magazine and invite you to send in ideas, stories, articles and photos. If you have any suggestions please get in touch by emailing yoursherwood@ tchg.org.uk or calling 01892 501446.

News bites Exciting times for Cyber Café St. Philip’s Church was recognised in two prestigious awards for the Cyber Café which is run by St Gregory’s School, supported by St Philip’s. They won the group award for Love Where You Live and the AXA PPP sponsored award for the Heart Of The Community.

The Cyber Café runs on Wednesday mornings from 9am to 11.30am term-time. Laptops are provided by St Gregory’s but take your own if you have one.

Mr Dunwell’s good deed....

Mr Dunwell, a Sherwood resident has generously given his time to paint a number of gates in Greggs Wood and Harries Road with paint kindly donated by Countrywise Repairs. If you or any of your neighbours have donated their time to improving the area please let us know so that we can share with the rest of the neighbourhood.

Pictured Mr Dunwell (left) John Sinclair (right), Town & Country Housing Manager.

Rachel Branson Your Sherwood Editor

Useful Websites .......................................

Voluntary Action Within Kent www.vawk.org.uk St Philip’s Church www.stphiliptunbridgewells.org.uk Kent High Weald Partnership www.khwp.org.uk Tunbridge Wells Borough Council www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk Town & Country www.tchg.org.uk

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Your quickest way to get that job Three easy steps: 1. Come to Acess All Areas 2. Update your skills 3. Get that job Many Sherwood residents are now back to work having done these three simple steps!

Every Wednesday from 12 noon to 1.45pm..............

Contact Dawn Grant on 07736 946333 St Philip’s Church, Birkin Road, TN2 3TE

Move, Eat, Grow October saw the completion of the innovative weight management programme ‘Move, Eat, Grow!’.

This programme enabled 14 adults with learning disabilities and difficulties to find out more about healthy lifestyles including growing their own veg, and to develop new skills in plant propagation, green woodworking, and pumpkin carving! The programme was based at TN2 Centre, and made use of the community garden and the lake and woods. More than 75% of those participating in the 9-week programme successfully lost weight, but everyone reported an increased sense of wellbeing from having taken part.

‘Strictly’ stays in Tunbridge Wells for 2015 The Tunbridge Wells Tea Dances will return in the New Year. If you enjoy meeting new people, listening to live music and dancing then the tea dances are just right for you. They start 29 January and run once a month.

For just £2.50 a session you will get music, dancing, refreshments and friendship. You can’t beat a cup of tea and a slice of cake with friends. You don’t need to be a pro to come along, or need to come with a partner, all are welcome. The more the merrier though so please tell all your friends and family.

Share your memories Local Councillor Bob Backhouse is continuing his project to document Sherwood’s history. You may have seen some of the photographs already uncovered but he is keen to keep digging to see what else he can uncover. If you can help Bob with his history project then please get in touch to share your story.

01892 535086 bobbackhouse@gmail.com 23 Blakeway, Sherwood, TN2 3DF Or Bob can be contacted every Wednesday 9.30am to 10.30am, when he holds his weekly surgery at the TN2 Centre.

It’s snowing in Sherwood!

This issue we have managed to track down another Sherwood, this time we have discovered Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1955 on farmland of the Smeltzer family, Sherwood Park has enough people to be Alberta’s seventh largest city, but technically retains the status of a hamlet.

During January temperatures can plummet as low as -17°C with a wind chill of -30°C and residents can be banned from parking on residential streets to allow the snow plough through.

They look forward to seeing you on Thursday 29 January and 26 February at 2.30pm at the Camden Centre, Tunbridge Wells. The tea dances are run by VAWK in partnership with TWBC. For more information telephone Liz James at the VAWK office on 01892 530330.

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SHERWOOD PARTNERSHIP

Your team at the heart of your

From left to right: John Sinclair, Lucy-Ann Bett, Kirsty Foden, Helen Lindop, David Gillham, Heather Town, Harriet Amos

The Sherwood Partnership team has been based at TN2 Community Centre since the beginning of October. You may have seen them, but you may not know why or what they can do for you...

Who is the Sherwood partnership?

The Sherwood Partnership is a neighbourhood team that has been set up with the support of over 25 different organisations including Kent Police, Kent County Council (KCC), Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), schools, GP surgeries, Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS) and Kent High Weald Partnership (KHWP).

What is its aim?

Its aim is to work with Sherwood residents to empower them to take a much more active role within their community as well as making sure that the services delivered within the area are meeting the needs identified.

The Partnership will focus on a number of priority areas that have been identified by local residents. They are: • Improving emotional well-being and mental health • Reducing dependency on alcohol and drugs • Supporting parents • Supporting residents to move into employment or other opportunities • Supporting residents with money concerns and offering debt advice Community Organiser Harriet Amos (pictured top right) will be knocking on doors to ask residents for their views and to find out who would like to get more involved.

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Co-ordinated support The Partnership has already been approached by schools, GPs, KCC and housing, as well as by families themselves, identifying those who may need support from the partnership. Community Engagement Manager Heather Town has been working directly with the families and individuals offering access to services and support. If you think you may need help or advice in any of the priority areas please call Heather Town on 01892 523464.

One concern that the team is acutely aware of at the moment is how to make sure you are warm enough through the winter months. Cold weather can be a risk to health, so it’s not a good idea to cut down too far on heating. If you are trying to save fuel, heat the living room during the day, the bathroom just when needed, and the bedroom just before you go to bed. For some useful ideas and tips to help you keep well and warm this winter turn to page 6. You may be entitled to free support this winter, by calling Family Mosaic on 0800 028 3172.

Free advice surgeries The Neighbourhood Team will be running open surgeries at the TN2 Community Centre: Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays

First Monday of the month, Kent Police, PSCO Foden & PCSO Gillham Community Organiser, Harriet Amos, 10.00am-12.00pm Town & Country, John Sinclair, 9.30am10.30am & 5.00pm-6.00pm once a month

Special events for residents Community Organiser Harriet Amos runs regular events tailored to specific groups of Sherwood residents where they

r community New social club for young people is just ACE!

can meet and socialise with others in similar situations or of a similar age, and where they can find a support network if they need it or just have fun.

For young people and their parents...

The ACE Club meets on a Wednesday at 5pm at TN2 Community Centre. ACE is a social support group for children and young adults with additional needs and their parents. It provides a place for children to socialise and parents to talk without prejudice to other like-minded people.

For seniors...

An over 50s lunch club meets at 11.30am on every other Tuesday at TN2 Community Centre. There, senior Sherwood residents (who are 50 or over) can enjoy the company of others as well as a hot meal, dessert and tea or coffee for just £3.50.

For more information about either of these regular events, please call Harriet on 01892 535305.

Your neighbourhood team at TN2 • • • •

Delivery Manager - Lucy-Ann Bett Community Engagement Manager - Heather Town Community Organiser - Harriet Amos Police Community Support Officers PCSO Kirsty Foden & PCSO David Gillham

• Community Warden - Gary Simpson • Neighbourhood Housing Manager - John Sinclair • Income Manager - Helen Lindon

find out more... about the Sherwood Partnership. Contact Lucy-Ann Bett lucy-ann.bett@tunbridgewells.gov.uk 01892 523464

Ace is a social group for children and young adults who have additional needs and who would like to meet people and make friends in a safe environment. I came up with the idea after speaking to our community organisers about what I felt Sherwood needed. It was my vision to create this club and, with their support, it has happened. I felt strongly about this as there was nowhere local for my daughter to come to socialise and, as a parent, I wanted to meet others who could relate to us and to make new friends. We have lots of fun things for everyone to play with and also have lots of colouring books, quizzes and sensory toys to keep everyone entertained. We are also looking into activities that we can do and invite guest speakers in so we can learn something. It’s free to come and join in and we have a great time, so please come along and say ‘Hi’!

Sam Davis, Sherwood Resident.

for more information... find us on Facebook Ace Support Group ednaturnblad@msn.com 07736 276415 Wednesdays 5pm – 6pm at TN2 Community Centre

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Keeping warm and

Top tips to stay on top of the cold As you get older it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for your health. The cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, and breathing in cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.

Winter is also the season when coughs, colds and other illnesses seem to multiply. You can help yourself by following the advice of health professionals on managing minor illnesses and what to do when something more serious happens.

If you are one of those people who find winter weather invigorating then there are lots of outdoor activities to get involved in. Staying safe is important, but if you can get outside it can really help you stay well this winter.

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Follow our tips tips to keep you, your family and those around you warm and well in extremely cold weather.

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Take simple practical steps to reduce heat loss

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To keep warm and well during spells of cold weather: • Draw your curtains at dusk and keep your doors closed to block out draughts. Place a draught excluder on the floor behind the door to stop cold air coming through the gap – a towel rolled up into a sausage shape will do the trick • Remember that several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the individual layers trap warm air • Keep as active in your home as possible. It’s important to stay active as this generates heat and helps to keep you warm. Try to keep moving when you’re indoors, and don’t sit still for more than an hour. If walking is difficult

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you can do chair-based exercises. Even simply moving your arms and legs and wiggling your toes will get your circulation going. But remember to speak to your GP before starting any strenuous exercise plan Wrap up warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside on cold days Wear warm clothes in bed. When it’s very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat – a lot of heat is lost through your head If you have reduced mobility, are 65 or over, or have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, you should heat your home to at least 18ºC and make sure you wear enough clothing to stay warm. It’s a good idea to keep your bedroom at this temperature all night If you’re under 65 and healthy, you can safely have your house cooler than 18ºC, if you’re comfortable Keep your hands and face warm – if they get cold they can trigger a rise in blood pressure which puts you at risk of a heart attack Don’t put your bed directly against an exterior wall. You’ll be warmer if you leave a little space.

Eat well to keep warm It’s important to make sure you eat enough in winter and hot meals and drinks will help to keep you warm: • Try to eat at least one hot meal each day and have hot drinks during the day • Include a good range of foods in your diet and aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, so that you’re getting plenty of nutrients and vitamins. Remember that frozen vegetables are just as good as fresh • If you’re worried about a poor appetite, speak to your GP

well this winter Fire! Fire! ..........................

In severe weather you may be tempted to make use of fires and candles for warmth or, in the event of power cuts, for light.

To use any kind of fire or naked flame you should ensure that you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test it regularly.

You should also avoid the danger of a fire starting by following these golden rules:

• Have a hot drink before bed and keep one in a flask by your bedside.

Go carefully in icy weather Icy pavements and roads can be extremely slippery so you should take extra care if you go out: • Wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles • Put grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping • Wait until the roads have been gritted if you’re travelling by car • Bear in mind that black ice on pavements or roads might not be clearly visible, and compacted snow may turn to ice and become slippery.

Check out the weather warnings The Met Office provides the weather forecasts for broadcasts on radio and TV, so listen in to these bulletins regularly to keep up-to-date with what’s happening with the weather. For the forecast in a particular area go to www.bbc.co.uk/weather and put in a town or postcode.

Severe weather warnings are also issued on the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk, or you can ring the Weather Desk on 0870 900 0100.

Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relatives Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people or people with serious illnesses, so check in on them if you can. People with heart or breathing problems may have worse symptoms during a cold spell and for several days after temperatures return to normal.

Open fires: have your chimney swept before lighting a fire for the first time in the season, always use a fireguard, don’t leave a fire unattended and make sure the it’s put out properly before you leave the room for the night.

Electric heaters: keep them well away from curtains and furniture, and don’t use them for drying clothes.

Always unplug them when you go out or go to bed.

Electric blankets: do not use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.

Unplug blankets before you go to bed, unless they have thermostat control for safe all-night use.

Candles: lit candles must never be left unattended and should be safely secured in a proper candle holder away from materials that may catch fire, such as curtains.

Visit the Energy Pop-Up Shop!

Switching energy supplier can save you £100s. Come and meet the Energy Pop-Up Shop advisers and get free, independent energy bill advice and tips on how to save money on your energy use. Bring your energy bill in to Café Bliss at 142 London Road, Southborough, TN4 0PJ from Monday 2 – Friday 6 February between 10am and 4pm and get free tea and coffee along with free advice.

For more information............................ email events@communitiesmatter.org.uk or call Carol Francis at Town & Country on 01892 501630.

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Keeping warm and well this winter - continued

Winter Fuel allowance

You still need to claim even if your partner is already receiving a Winter Fuel Payment for your household.

The deadline to make a claim is 31 March.

How to apply You can apply online at www.gov.uk, or you can call the Winter Fuel Helpline to claim over the phone.

To claim you’ll need to know: • your National Insurance number • your bank or building society details If your claim is for 2014/15 it must arrive by 31 March.

With average energy costs typically around £1,000 a year energy bills can be a huge burden, especially for older people relying on limited retirement income. But if you’re over the age of 60, help is available if you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.

The Winter Fuel scheme was set up to help elderly people pay their heating bills, and is worth between £100 and £300 every year. This is how it works: - I f you were born on or before 5 July 1952 you could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’ - W inter Fuel Payment does not affect any other benefits you may receive, and you won’t have to pay Income Tax on it - M ost payments are made automatically between November and December. You should get your money by Christmas each year ou usually receive a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if - Y you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit) - I f you qualify but don’t get paid automatically, you’ll need to make a claim - T he Winter Fuel Payment scheme for 2014/15 is open. If you need to claim, you can apply until 31 March.

Who needs to apply to claim Winter Fuel Payment?

If you receive State Pension or received any of the other benefits listed you will be paid automatically and don’t need to claim.

You will need to claim your Winter Fuel Payment if the following apply: • you qualify • you’re not receiving any of the benefits listed in ‘Those who don’t need to claim’ • you are getting Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit only • you have received a Winter Fuel Payment before but your circumstances have changed. For example, you have stopped receiving any of the benefits above in ‘Those who don’t need to claim’, or you have deferred your State Pension.

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To apply online: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ winter-fuel-payment-claim-form. You can complete the claim form online, or you can print it out and fill it in with black ink.

You then need to post the completed form to: Winter Fuel Payment Centre Mail Handling Site A Wolverhampton WV98 1LR To apply by phone: Call the Winter Fuel Helpline Phone number 0845 915 1515 Text phone 0845 601 5613 Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

Those who don’t need to claim If you receive State Pension or certain other benefits you will be paid automatically and don’t need to claim.

You don’t need to claim if you’re eligible and received at least one of the following during the week of 19-25 September 2014: • State Pension • Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support • Jobseeker’s Allowance • Pension Credit • Attendance Allowance • Bereavement Benefit • Carer’s Allowance • Disability Living Allowance • Graduated Retirement Benefit • Incapacity Benefit • Industrial Injuries Benefits • Severe Disablement Allowance • War Pension • Widow’s Benefit •

If it gets freezing cold You may be entitled to Cold Weather Payment, which is made automatically to eligible people who receive Pension Credits or certain other means-tested benefits.

Find out more...

Several guides are available from AgeUK www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters

Get a better energy deal with collective switching ‘Energy Deal’ offers a new way to save money on your gas and electricity bills.

It’s a council-led collective energy switching scheme that aims to negotiate lower energy tariffs.by using collective buying power. The more households signed up to the scheme, the better the deal that can be negotiated with energy suppliers.

If, like the majority of households, you have not switched energy supplier recently, then you could benefit from the helping hand offered by Energy Deal. You just need to be registered for the scheme by 2 February 2015 at the latest.

Easy to benefit The scheme overcomes the confusion of searching through the large number of energy tariffs available. Instead, Energy Deal will negotiate directly with suppliers through an ‘energy auction’ to find a winning tariff and send a personal offer to everyone taking part. The two previous auctions supported by the

council, in conjunction with the Big Community Switch, saved householders on average £100 to £200 per year off their energy bills.

On 3 February, an energy auction will be held where energy suppliers will compete to offer the best energy deal. A personal offer will then be sent to everyone who has registered, informing them of the auction result and showing whether, based on their energy usage, they could make a saving under the new tariff compared with their current tariff plan.

annual energy statement or recent bills.

You can use the same email address to register up to five households, so if you have friends or family who do not have internet access you can help them join in to take advantage of the scheme.

If you want to join the scheme but don’t have computer access you can register at Tunbridge Wells Gateway, but remember to take your energy statement or recent bills with you as you will need them.

There is no obligation to switch supplier once you are offered a new tariff. If you do decide to opt in to switch you must confirm your decision by 16 March, and you will be helped through the process.

Easy to register Whatever your current energy contract, the scheme is free to join.

Online registration is quick and easy at www.energydealswitch.com To register, all you need to provide is a few simple pieces of information from your

Take your energy bill in to Café Bliss 142 London Road, Southborough, TN4 0PJ from Mon 2 – Fri 6 February from 10am to 4pm and get free tea or coffee along with independent advice and energy saving tips.

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TN2 – your community Winter Lantern Parade The CREATE Lantern Parade workshop will take place at TN2 on 25 January 10am to 3pm. This year’s theme is ‘WATER - on, above & below’. Come along and have some fun creating lanterns for this year’s parade.

New year, new you A new health and wellbeing event will take place on Wednesday 21 January at the TN2 Community Centre. The Health Day will be a fun, interactive day raising awareness about physical, mental and emotional health for both adults and children. The free event will run from 9.30am to 6pm and will offer interactive stalls provided by local agencies, GP’s, community organisations and local businesses.

The 2015 parade, sponsored by Town & Country, takes place on the evening of Saturday 7 February 5.15 pm to 7.30 pm and will go from outside the Library down Monson Road and Camden Road, finishing at St Barnabas School for food and entertainment.

For a full list of workshops visit www.winterlanterns.org

It will be a fantastic opportunity for you to meet face to face with the local health and wellbeing specialists, ask health related questions, seek guidance and support for you and your family. So pop along, no need to book.

An informal way of being approached by residents to talk about health promotion with the focus on smoking, alcohol, weight and nutrition - we can offer general guidance and talk about local resources Nicola Stone, Kingswood Surgery

Are you creative?

Come and have some crafty fun at TN2 on 16 and 20 February from 11am to 2pm. Whether you love painting, drawing, making, photography or fashion come along for some fun creating a piece of art. Everyone who takes part in these workshops will be invited to exhibit their work at the TN2 Art Exhibition on 20 March.

The TN2 Art Exhibition is being organised

by Meghan Edwards. If you have created a piece of art celebrating how you see and feel about your community, Meghan would like to invite you to drop your work into the TN2 Community Centre.

Remember to label it with your name and contact details and a brief explanation about your art entry.

Meghan Edwards would like to exhibit your art

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The art exhibition will be open from Friday 20 March until Tuesday 24 March. Keep an eye out for invitations to the evening launch.

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TN2 volunteer scheme Do you have a few spare hours a week?

Do you want to do your bit for the community? Are you looking to meet new people? Then you should consider joining the volunteer scheme at TN2.

Volunteering helps you gain confidence and self esteem, meet new people and feel valued as part of a team. To find out more pop into TN2 Community Centre or call them on 01892 538230.

White lines completed Residents of Sherwood have been campaigning to get the white road lines repainted as many of them have faded. Now that all the building work has finished in Lynes Place and Bluebell Walk, Hill has been able to complete the road markings, making it easier for road users to see these junctions.

Christmas festivities at TN2 TN2 Community Centre would like to thank Hill and their subcontractor Raleigh Landscapes for the wonderful Christmas tree which bought lots of smiles and Christmas cheer to the centre.

Edna and the team really went to town and turned the reception of the TN2 Centre into a sparkly Christmas grotto.

Their display was announced as Runner-up in the annual Best Dressed Office Competition judged by the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells.

More members needed for Neighbourhood Watch.......

Sherwood Road district recently launched a Neighbourhood Watch scheme at the TN2 Community Centre, also attended by local Councillors Lynne Weatherly and Bob Backhouse. The Neighbourhood Watch lead co-ordinator for the area is Simon Ford-Forrester, and Simon would like more residents to come forward to join the scheme.

‘It’s an important part of being in a community to watch out for our neighbours, and prevent crimes happening to those around us.’

Simon Ford-Forrester

The main role of co-ordinators is to help educate their neighbours as to how they can stop themselves becoming victims of crime in the first place.

But they also have an important role in ensuring that on the occasion crime does take place in their neighbourhood it is reported effectively and to the right people.

The role of NHW co-ordinator is rewarding and being a member of such a scheme helps bring the local community together in a very special way. Also, the part all members play in crime prevention is greatly appreciated by the police. Let’s all work together to help keep our community safe.

If you would like to know more about becoming a member of NHW in the area contact Simon at simonforrester1968@ gmail.com or phone 01892 263711.

Great fun was had by all at the Christmas Tea

Dance at TN2

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Sherwood Lake

The big de-silt begins

Following a successful application for a SITA (landfill tax) grant, topped up with a developer contribution from Town & Country, Kent High Weald Partnership (KHWP) now has enough funding in place to remove some of the silt that has built up at Sherwood Lake over its 120 year existence.

It has taken a long time to negotiate permissions from the Environment Agency and get everything else in place but, by the time you read this, work should have started. The contractors, Miles Water Engineering, estimate the work will take six to eight weeks, so should be finished by the end of February, weather permitting.

Road), to give access around the lake and to clear part of the quarry where the silt will be spread.

Following the dam repairs the site looked very bare, but hard work from volunteers putting in paths and sowing wildflowers means it has recovered very quickly. As part of the de-silt new wooden and willow bundle edging will be installed to prevent further erosion, and there are also plans for a reed bed to contain and treat any inflow from the culvert at ‘Smelly Gap’. KHWP will also be planting native shrubs and trees to replace the rhododendron cleared around the lake, as well as native pond plants to

As at the time of the dam repairs there will inevitably be some disruption, although every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum. But it won’t be possible to fish during the work or for some time afterwards, to reduce any stress on the fish stocks. There will be heavy machinery working on site, so paths will have to be closed, but this will be kept to the minimum possible, and any diversions will be clearly signposted.

Some trees will have to be coppiced to allow access for machinery to the site (behind the flats on Greggs Wood

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Photograph: Rowen Purkiss

help keep the water clear after the de-silt.

They will need the help of volunteers to complete this, so why not pitch in and help out? (See winter activities column below.)

It’s all a lot of work, but KHWP is confident that the improvements to water quality that will follow the work will be worth any Photograph: Rowen Purkiss disruption that may have been caused, and Sherwood residents will be able to enjoy all the benefits that the improvements will bring over the coming months and for years to come.

Further details and a map of the works can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/SherwoodDesilt and download Sherwood Lake De-silting information.

Join in KHWP’s warming winter activities Once again there will be a packed program of activities coming up between January and April, guaranteed to stop Jack Frost from nipping at your nose! KHWP will be looking for help with woodland work, making the paths around the lake and through the woodlands better. There will also be a chance to create some better cover for birds by getting stuck in with a bit of tree planting. KHWP will also dedicate time to lakeside management tasks: shoring up the banks, and replanting the lake’s edges with beneficial plants.

Saturday 7 March, 10.30am to 1.30pm - ‘Weekend family event’ Tree planting around the lake, to replace the non-native species we’ve been removing. A chance to plant for the future

Share your man skills – join a Shed!

Kent Sheds is a new initiative that aims to establish a number of Shed projects across Kent.

A Shed provides opportunities for men to participate in practical group activities – such as engineering projects, woodworking or gardening – where they can share and learn new skills and, by working together ‘shoulder to shoulder’, support one another.

A Shed is about men from any background, including ex-Services, coming together to work alongside each other, share skills, help local communities and develop friendships.

Kent High Weald Partnership is working with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and a number of local partners to help set up a Shed in Sherwood. They are looking to set up a meeting with members of a Shed from Dartford to talk about how it works and what they do.

You can find out more about Kent Sheds at www.kentsheds.org.uk Get involved...

If you feel you might be interested, or have any skills to offer, get in touch with Nick Robinson at KHWP. nick.robinson@khwp.org.uk 01580 212972 07917 473611

Wednesday 18 March, 10am to 3pm Lakeside management – bank revetment, cutting back the wildflowers on the dam, more Rhody Wrangling (tackling the invasive rhododendron and laurel to give the woods a chance to breathe) Thursday 19 March, 10am to 3pm Follow up on Wednesday’s work, and replace the boardwalks.

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Caring for an older relative Technology to give you comfort Mum having a fall, Dad having a stroke, Gran developing dementia… all events that trigger the need to adapt to caring for an older parent or relative.

But how can families cope when they live a distance from their ageing relatives? Even when we live close by, we will still worry about them during the night, or during the day when they are alone.

The specialist advice website www.myageingparent.com has published an online guide to the types of support and services that are now available to keep a watchful eye over our loved ones – including the latest generation of support technologies that will help transform the way Britain looks after its ageing population in the years to come.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones can be a great help in everyone’s life, especially when going out, but we don’t all have the manual dexterity and

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eyesight needed to use a mobile phone comfortably. Check out simple and easy-to-use phones from companies like Doro.

Designed especially for the elderly or those with a disability, these can have large buttons which are easy to read and press, and an extra large display with a choice of display settings. They may also have a speed dial function to a selection of important numbers, and some have a special button that you can set up to automatically contact a list of people to be alerted in an emergency.

Smartphones and tablets

While encouraging older people to start using email, Facebook, Skype etc offers enormous benefits, patience may be needed if the person has no background in computers. Focus on one thing at time over a reasonable period and make sure they repeat each step of the operation to make sure they have grasped it.

Think about using the grandkids to introduce new technology – they may well be more successful than you! Tablets are generally easier for older people to use, as they are more intuitive and physically easier to handle.

Telephone monitoring services There are call services available, like ‘3rings’, which will get in touch with a person on a regular basis during the course of each day to check that they are well and send the family text or email updates or alerts.

Personal alarm monitors These are excellent for those prone to falls. Loved ones wear a pendant or wrist strap with a red button that can be pressed in an emergency. This triggers an alarm at a control centre, where the phone operator will deal with the emergency as appropriate, calling the emergency services or nominated family member as necessary.

Clever new enhancements are being added to these products all the time. These can monitor the home (for CO2, room temperature, fire or water) or the person’s vital signs (body temperature, movement or heart rate) and let the carer or care service know if there is an issue.

Fall detectors An increasing number of devices and apps will send out alerts if a fall happens – either within or outside the home, providing alerts and GPS positioning.

GPS monitoring For families concerned about someone with dementia, GPS trackers can have boundaries set and alerts sent should your loved one go outside the house or garden, for instance.

While there have been concerns expressed about the ‘Big Brother’ aspect of this, many families will welcome the peace of mind these provide.

For more information check out www.myageingparent.com

Good Neighbours help the elderly Good Neighbours aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people aged over 65 in Tunbridge Wells, enabling the elderly and often socially isolated to stay independent. The team works alongside Social Services, GPs and other professional agencies and offers additional and complementary help such as a befriending scheme, including a home visiting service for those who are unable to leave their home without assistance.

For more information call 01892 510200 or email info@goodneighbourproject.org.uk.

Take the pain out of managing medication Older people can often get confused when it comes to their medication or don’t understand how to take pills and medicines safely.

Here are a few handy tips to help you and them manage their medication properly.

Keep a list - Keep a list of medicines your older relative is given and what they are for. We all have medicines in our cupboards which we cannot remember the uses for and this can be dangerous. It’s also helpful to keep a list in case your parent is taken into hospital or has to see an emergency doctor. Include any supplements taken in this list as well, as they can affect medication.

Use this list to record any allergies, your relative’s blood type and any contraindications to certain drugs, such as penicillin.

Take medicine as prescribed - It is really important to follow the dosage and timings instructed by the doctor, but sometimes it’s easy to forget if a tablet has been taken or not.

Pill dispensers can be very handy for this purpose and to remind your relative when and how many tablets to take. You can pre-load these for them.

It can also help to write larger labels and to colour code medicines as helpful reminders of how and when to take them.

If your relative misses a dose, they should take it as soon as they remember.

Try to use the same pharmacy, so that they get to know your elderly relative’s requirements and prescriptions. It takes away a great deal of confusion and it’s good for an older person to feel they can go somewhere where they will be recognised and someone understands their needs. Many pharmacies will also manage repeat prescriptions or offer a home delivery service for those who are housebound.

Clear the medicine cabinet or drawer - It is very important to throw out expired medicine, so do a quarterly check.

Store medicine correctly - Make sure medicines are stored at the specified temperature and refrigerated if necessary.

Renewing prescriptions - Many older people need repeat prescriptions of drugs, so keep an eye on how many they have left to ensure they don’t leave getting more to become an emergency. That may mean going without vital medication until they can get an appointment to see a doctor. A pharmacy that you use regularly and consistently may offer a prescription service so they automatically renew the prescription direct with the surgery when it’s due, and have the medication ready for collection or home delivery.

Finally, if you are ever concerned about your elderly relative’s medication, call their GP or pharmacist for advice or contact NHS Direct.

For more information visit www.myageingparent.com

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Are your finances g The Christmas festivities may be over but are you still paying for it? January can be the month that most people dread – large credit card bills arriving along with bills such as car tax, insurance, council tax, rent or mortgage…

However, January can also be a good time of year to review the bank balance, set budgets and get your finances in order.

Assess your priorities When you do get money in it’s important to deal with any urgent debts first. Some debts are more urgent than others because the consequences of not paying them can be more serious. These debts are called priority debts and include things like mortgage, rent and council tax.

As well as priority debts, you may have other types called non-priority debts. These include: • benefits overpayments • credit debts such as overdrafts, loans, hire purchase, credit card accounts and catalogues • student loans • money borrowed from friends or family • parking penalties issued by local authorities

Face up to problems If you have a problem with debt, it’s important not to panic.

But don’t ignore it either – it won’t go away. To deal with a debt problem, you will need to:• sort out how much money you owe • work out which are the most urgent debts for you to pay off • work out if you’ve got any money to pay your debts off and, if so, how much • deal with the most urgent debts as a matter of priority • look at your options for dealing with the less urgent debts and work out how to pay them off • contact your creditors and make arrangements to pay back what you owe • work out your options if you don’t have enough money to pay off all your debts.

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Top tips to get your finances • Forget takeaway and ready made meals - Start cooking meals from scratch. You can save a huge amount off your weekly shopping bill. Instead of takeaway pizza try buying pizza bases, tomato puree, cheese and a selection of fresh veg for a healthy and cheaper alternative.

• Get fit to save money - Walk instead of catching the bus or parking in the car park: every little bit helps and you get fitter in the process.

• Buy a water bottle - Cut back on buying drinks when you are out and about; take a water bottle or flask out with you instead. Buying canned and bottled drinks may only be a few pounds but how much could you save over a week, month or year?

• Plan and prepare lunch - Many people spend an average £5 a day on lunch and over the course of a year that could add up to £1,200. By making your own sandwich and carrying a refillable drinks bottle you could end up saving nearly £1,000.

• Cut the cost of fuel bills - Shop around for the best energy deal on your gas and electricity and if you think the price is good you can opt to fix for a number of years to help you budget. (See the article on collective switching on page 9).

• Consider installing a water meter - A water meter allows you to only pay for the water you use. If you have a big home with few occupants you may be surprised to learn you could halve your annual bill.

• Cut your phone bills - If you have a phone at home there are many cheaper alternatives that package your telephone, television and broadband access, some of

getting out of hand?

Where to get advice If you find your debt too overwhelming then get some debt advice.

West Kent Debt Advice

01732 300425 03444 111 444 0808 808 4000

www.wkda.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau www.adviceguide.org.uk

National Debt Line www.nationaldebtline.org

back on track which offer low-cost alternatives using your existing BT line. When your mobile phone contract comes to an end, instead of upgrading to the latest model keep your existing phone and choose a cheaper monthly package.

Alternatively you can buy phones for less than £10 and top up with a pay-as-you-go voucher.

• Make a shopping list - Plan what food and household items you need before you go shopping.

Supermarket special offers are designed to encourage the shopper to spend more than they need to. Food shopping online is a great way to see how much you are spending and work out if you really need to buy all the things you have put in the basket before you check out!

• Sell your clutter - ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. Take this quick test: Open your wardrobe or cupboards and look inside. If they’re full of clothes you haven’t worn or things you haven’t used for three years you really don’t need them. Why not sell them to someone else who does? Online auction sites like Ebay or sites like Preloved and Gumtree are popular and easy to use. You’ll be surprised how much you can make from selling your unwanted stuff, so give it a try!

• Shop around for cheaper insurance - Before you automatically renew your car or home insurance take a look at other providers. Use a comparison site to check out the deals. You will be surprised how much you can save by switching.

• Learn to say ‘No’ - Just one more drink in the pub, just one more packet of sweets for the kids, just one more takeaway this week – all these little items can add up over the course of a month. Try saying ‘No’ a few times and see how much you can save.

Step Change

0800 138 1111

www.stepchange.org

Town & Country (Resident) www.tchg.org.uk

01892 501480

Understanding Universal Credit Universal Credit is replacing certain benefits in parts of the UK and you may be able to claim if you’re on a low income or out of work.

Universal Credit is paid differently from current benefits. It’ll be paid once a month, usually direct into your bank or building society account.

Contact the Money Advice Service to get help budgeting and planning for Universal Credit.

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

A current account with a difference Kent Savers is working in partnership with credEcard to offer credEcardplus, a current account with a difference. There are no credit checks and no overdraft charges with this account and it is available to anyone, whatever your credit score or financial history. Plus, you get a Visa debit card and cashback rewards as standard. You can pay bills and shop online with the Visa debit card, and use it anywhere you see a Visa logo. You can also save money on treats and everyday shopping with cashback rewards. Start saving for next Christmas now via www.kentsavers.co.uk

JANUARY 2015 YOUR SHERWOOD

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New year – new Sherwood!

If you have any queries about the development, please do not hesitate to contact Hill’s Resident Liaison Team on 0800 032 6760 or email residents@hill.co.uk.

Phase four – consulting with residents

Following the resident consultation in October 2014, Town & Country plans to consult local people again within the next couple of months with a view to making revisions to the development proposals. Details of the next consultation event will be released nearer the time.

Residents living in the blocks affected by this phase will be contacted by Town & Country following the consultation event to discuss their re-housing requirements.

Clifton and Burslem Road – progressing well

Work on both these projects is well underway and on track for completion in the Spring.

Hill Partnerships’ Sherwood team

Lakewood’s first phase – work completed

As you can see from the photos, phase one of the newlook Lakewood development has now been completed.

This phase consisted of 63 houses and apartments and all of the residents have now moved into their new homes.

People in photo left to right are all from Hill (except Darren Tracey) Andy Burton, Site Manager • Chris Homewood, Project Manager • Barry Dacey, Technical Manager • Matt Grogan, Trainee Contract Surveyor • Valentina Williams, Resident Liaison Officer • Tom Watson, Technical Coordinator • Darren Tracey (Cliffe Contractors) • Allan O’Brien, Commercial Manager • Adam Boylin, Technical Coordinator • Adrian Davanzo, Senior Site Manager

Phases two and three – work well underway

Hill is currently building 122 new homes (including 40 homes designed specially for older people), a neighbourhood park and community square. Work is well underway with all of the external structures up, and the team is now working on completing the internal works.

The first homes in this phase will be ready by late Spring and the community park space will be open in late Summer.

Tis the season for giving The festive period is always a time for giving. This year Hill supported the food bank initiative set up by St Philip’s Church by donating non-perishable food, such as cooking sauces, tinned vegetables and stollen cake.

St Philip’s Church distributed the food donations to a number of families in the community. The benefits from the food donation mostly went to single people or families with children.

Hill also donated four large boxes of toys including dolls, cars, books and the famous Hill teddy bear to the

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new Tree of Hope centre on Camden Road. Tree of Hope offers hope to the families of sick and disabled children in the UK who need specialist medical surgery, treatment and therapy.

What’s in season...

There are a number of good reasons to eat more local, seasonal food: • to avoid paying a premium for food that is scarcer or has travelled a long way • cuts down on carbon emissions caused by transporting food.

• to support the local economy • to reconnect with nature’s cycles and the passing of time but, most importantly, because seasonal food is fresher and so tends to be tastier and more nutritious.

During January, February and March there is an abundance of tasty vegetables available, have a look to see what’s available from your local greengrocer.

Beetroot Broccoli Brussel Sprouts Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Celeriac Celery Garlic Kale Leeks Lettuce Mushrooms Onions Parsnip Potatoes Pumpkin Red Cabbage Spinach Squash Swede Apples Clementines Cranberries Pears Pomegranate Satsumas Tangerines How to choose the best beetroot The beetroot should be firm, smooth, and a bright red-purple, not soft, wrinkled or dull. Fresh beets with the greens attached can be stored for three to four days in the fridge, but beets with the greens removed can be stored in the fridge for two to four weeks.

Nutritional benefits Beetroot has amazing nutritional content; especially the greens, which are rich in calcium, iron and vitamins A and C. Beets are an excellent source of folic acid and a very good source of fibre, manganese and potassium. The greens should not be overlooked; they can be cooked up and enjoyed in the same way as spinach.

How to cook Wash the beets gently, making sure that you don’t tear the skins, then place in a pan of warm water, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer until tender – around 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can steam whole beetroot or bake them in the oven for 2-3 hours at 150°C/gas mark 2.

Recipe - Beetroot Soup Serves 6 people for under £2.00 15 minutes (preparation time) 45 minutes (cooking time) Ingredients 50g butter • 1 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 750g beetroot, cut into small pieces 750ml vegetable or chicken stock Sea Salt • Freshly ground pepper Soften onion in butter and oil, add the cumin seeds. Add beetroot chunks and then add stock. Simmer for 30 minutes, or till beetroot is tender. Puree the soup, return to the pan and season. Serve with a swirl of crème fraîche or yogurt and a few toasted cumin seeds on top.

SAFETY TIP For some people, eating beetroot may induce beeturia; a red or pink colour in the urine or stool.It is totally harmless! Beet greens and, to a lesser extent, the roots contain high levels of oxolate.

Individuals with a history of oxalate id avo uld containing kidney stones sho over–consuming beetroot.

TIP If your hands become stained during preparation and cooking beetroot, rub some lemon juice over them to help remove the colour.

DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY JUICE Juicing one small raw beetroot with the skin on, one green apple and two carrots makes a wonderful healthy drink, the juice can also be frozen into ice lollies to make a tasty alternative to sugary ice lollies for children.

JANUARY 2015 YOUR SHERWOOD

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Dates for your diary

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE UNLESS STATED

Regular events First Monday of every month 1pm to 3pm TN2 Centre

Autism and Aspergers Support Group Support group for adults with high functioning autism or Aspergers.

Share experiences and gain confidence through working on social skills and discussing important issues.

Mondays 1.45pm 3.45pm St Philip’s Church Day Centre

Golden Years A Senior Citizen’s get-together in the Day Centre.

Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm TN2 Library

Work Club If you are looking for work why not take advantage of free access to computers and the internet for job searching. The library has books to borrow that can help you in your search for work.

Alternate Tuesdays (starting 13 January) 12.00pm TN2 Centre

Over 50’s Lunch Club Hot lunch, dessert and hot drink all for £3.50

Tuesdays (term time only) 5.30pm to 8pm TN2 Centre

TN2 Youth Group If you are 11 to 17 come along for sports, board games and arts and craft.

Alternate Wednesdays 12noon to 2pm TN2 Centre

CAB surgeries Get free, independent and confidential advice from a trained advisor. Call 01892 533 880 for information. 14, 28 Jan & 11, 25 Feb, 11, 25 March

Wednesdays 5pm to 6pm TN2 Centre

Ace Club Ace is a social group for children and young adults who have additional needs and would like to meet people and make friends in a safe environment.

Wednesdays 8pm TN2 Centre

TN2 Bingo

Wednesdays 9am to 11.30am St Philip’s Church

Cyber Café (term-time only) Improve your IT ability with a free cyber café. A crèche is also available.

Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.30pm Every third Wednesday at TN2 Centre from 5pm to 6pm

Housing Surgery Turn up to discuss any tenancy related issues you may have with your Housing Manager.

No appointment necessary.

Fourth Thursday of each month The Tunbridge Wells Tea Dance Get your dancing shoes on and enjoy music, dancing, tea and cake – meet 2pm to 4.30pm Camden Centre new friends. £2.50 Thursdays (term time only) 4.15pm to 5.30pm St Philip’s Church

KidzKlub Activity club for children in school years 3 to 6, enjoy some free fun and games!

Second Saturday of each month 12noon and 2pm St Philip’s Church

‘Ladies of a certain age’ This group of ladies over 50 meet to share a spot of lunch and some spiritual discussions.

Sundays 6.00pm TN2 Centre

Spiritualist Church Service Service each Sunday starting with a demonstration of clairvoyance.

Designed by writemessage.co.uk and sandstonecreative.com

Special events Wednesday 21 January 9am to 6pm TN2 Centre

Health & Wellbeing Day To promote and raise awareness about physical, mental and emotional health for both adults and children.

Thursday 22 January 6.30pm onwards TN2 Centre

Arriva Q&A Come and talk to Arriva about your questions and concerns over their bus service.

Sunday 25 January 10am to 3pm TN2 Centre

Lantern Parade Workshop Join the fun and help make lanterns for the parade.

Saturday 7 February 5.15pm to 7.30pm

Lantern Parade Start from outside the Library, Tunbridge Wells.

Monday 16 & Friday 20 February 11am to 2pm TN2 Centre

Art & Craft workshops Come and have some crafty fun - paint, draw, make, photograph, then enter your creation into the TN2 Art Exhibition on 20 March

Saturday 7 March 10.30am to 1.30pm

Weekend family event Tree planting around the lake, to replace the non-native species we’ve been removing. A chance to plant for the future

Wednesday 18 March 10am to 3pm

Lakeside management Including working the sloping structures placed on the banks and cutting back the wildflowers on the dam, and clearing rhododendron

Thursday 19 March 10am to 3pm

Lakeside management Follow up on Wednesday’s work, replace the boardwalks

YOUR SHERWOOD – CONTACT US Your Sherwood goes to every home in the Sherwood ward and we are always on the lookout for Sherwood related news and stories. Please get in touch if you have something you think readers might be interested in. yoursherwood@tchg.org.uk

01892 501446

Brought to you by T&C Foundation

@tandcfoundation