Our House, Winter 2012

The winners of the Great Resident Awards - as nominated by you -can now be revealed.

Residents presented with trophies included: Ian Cook, Cecil Cowdell, Humphrey Fitzgerald, Sophie Mckay, Joan Proctor, Doris Tranter, Andrew Bennett, Adam Burnham, Martin Jennings and the Old Vicarage Social Committee.

The winners were presented with their awards at a special ceremony on Wednesday, 14 November at Wolverhampton Race Course. You can find out more about some of the winners inside this newsletter.

And the winner is...

News from around the Group

The sessions, open to all residents and

service users of the Accord Group, are taking place now until March next year at venues across the Midlands.

Each workshop is designed to give attendees a taster of using the internet to do everything from applying for benefits and managing their money to searching for jobs and enrolling on training courses.

Lasting for two hours, the sessions are informal and interactive and are open to everyone regardless of their age or experience of IT.

Louise Creswick, Resident Engagement Co-ordinator for the Accord Group, said:

“Being able to use the internet is really beneficial as you can use it to do everything from your weekly food shop to applying for a job.

“The changes to benefits also mean that people will be expected to apply for them online and manage their claim through an online account, which is another good reason to learn more about the internet.”

To register your interest in attending a session, call the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2067/2064 or email [email protected]

Dates of sessions can be found on page 15.

Residents who are interested in learning how to use the internet are being invited to sign up to a series of free taster sessions.

DECEMBER2012

Christmas and New Year opening times

The Customer First contact centre which deals with enquiries from all members of the Accord Group (except

for Fry Housing Trust) will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Customers of Fry Housing Trust should contact their scheme manager or support worker for opening times during the festive period. Customer First will re-open temporarily

on Thursday, 27 December, Friday, 28 December and Monday, 31 December from 10am to 2pm to handle emergency enquiries. An emergency out of hours service will be available at all other times by calling 0300 111 7000.

Please remember the emergency out of hours service is there to assist with emergency repairs and/or serious incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Customer First will re-open fully from 8am on Wednesday, 2 January and we expect to

very busy, especially between the hours of 9am to 2pm.

We strongly advise that all non-emergency enquiries are emailed to [email protected] to avoid any delays in getting through to the team.

Benefit changes - your questions answered

Top tips to avoid New Year debt

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Prizes up for grabs Families flock to fun day

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News from the Accord Group

Get online and get ahead with free internet training

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DECEMBER 2012 DECEMBER 2012

H ello and welcome to the December

edition of your newsletter, Our House.

December is a time of celebration for many and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by announcing the winners of our Great Resident Awards.

The awards took place

just a few weeks ago and we’d like to congratulate the winners and everyone else who was nominated for an award.

We received scores of nominations from staff and residents and it was a difficult task for our judges to pick the winners. You can find out who won and more about some of the winners right here in Our House.

Another cause for celebration is the free internet training sessions that we will be running until March next year. You can read all about these on the front page of this newsletter.

If you’re already looking ahead to the New Year and the resolutions that you’d like to make, why not make one of them getting involved in the

work of the Accord Group.

There are a host of ways that you could make a difference, such as becoming an armchair auditor, which you can read all about below.

Lastly, I would like to wish you a Happy Christmas on behalf of everyone at the Accord Group.

Message from the Editor

News from the Accord Group News from the Accord Group

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Benefit changes

As you’ll have read in Our House, the

benefits system is changing.

If you receive Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or a range of other benefits you will be affected.

To help you to understand some of the changes and to act now to prepare for them, we’ve answered your questions.

W e are on the hunt for budding

resident auditors to carry out spot checks on our services from the comfort of their own homes.

The Resident Engagement team is appealing for ‘armchair auditors’ to carry out checks on areas such as communal cleaning,

landscaping and repairs. Once the results of

the checks have been collected, a report will be issued from the Accord Group to the auditors explaining the results.

If you’d like to become an ‘armchair auditor’, call Abdul Mumith on 0300 111 7000 extension 9031 or email [email protected]

Are you on a low income but still want to be

able to make and receive telephone calls? Then BT may be able to help you.

BT Basic is a low-cost telephone service for people claiming Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance (Income related) or Pensions

Credit (Guaranteed Credit).

The service lets you make and receive calls and helps you to manage how much you spend.

To find out more about the benefits of this service, go to www.bt.com/includingyou/bt-basic-applying.html

To request a BT Basic application form call 0800 800 864 (8am-6pm Monday-Friday). Hunt is on for

armchair auditors

Low cost phone package could ring your bell

A lucky resident from Wolverhampton

is enjoying a new lease of life after winning a top bike.

Robert Jenkins, aged 63, scooped the brand new bike in a prize draw organised by Accord Group contractor Lovell.

Lovell ran the competition at this year’s Accord Group Resident Conference, which was held at the Paragon Hotel in Birmingham.

Robert, who was presented with his prize by

Stacey Tyler from Lovell, said:

“This couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m recovering from some health problems at the moment and started going down the gym a couple of weeks ago to get a bit fitter. This bike is just what I need.”

Lovell undertakes day-to-day repairs and provides a 24-hour a day reactive repairs service to a number of Accord Group homes.

Robert rides to victory with prize win

Your questions answered

1: If I’m already claiming benef its do I need to reapply for them online? The Government is aiming to make online applications the way everyone makes and updates claims. However, there may be some telephone or face-to-face support for people who need help from the Department for Work and Pensions. We don’t know all the details yet, but we will continue to keep you updated in this newsletter.

2: What age groups do the changes to benef its apply to? The changes apply to people of working age, so if you are aged 16 to 61 years old by April next year, you will be affected.

3: If my circumstances change will I need to go back online to explain this? As far as we’re aware, yes. However, the Department for Work and Pensions has said that there will be a helpline - although details of this are yet to be announced. If your circumstances do change, you can also get advice from your housing officer.

4: Will these changes affect my Council Tax? Council Tax will continue to be administered by your local council, but any council tax benefit is likely to be reduced by at least 10 per cent depending on where you live. These reductions will only apply to people of a working age.

5: How will the changes affect me if I’m under 25 years old? The reforms apply to anyone between the ages of 16 to 61 years old, so if you fall into this age bracket and are claiming benefits you will be affected.

6: How will my benef its be paid to me and when? You’ll receive one payment each month into your bank account. From this, you’ll need to cover your bills, including your rent. The best way to make sure everything is paid on time is to set up direct debits. If you don’t have a bank account, you need to open one soon. Your housing officer will be able to help you to do this.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered or want to know how the changes will affect you, call your housing officer on 0300 111 7000 or speak to your support worker.

Robert Jenkins is presented with his bike prize.

“We’re here to help you find

out about your benefits...”

“... and how we can work together to get ready for the

changes.”

“Look out for us and other

characters next year.”

Residents who have signed up to become

improvement and scrutiny advisors have completed their first inspection.

The advisors, who work alongside the Scrutiny Panel, examined the services of Customer First, the Accord Group contact centre which

responds to your calls and emails.

They carried out mystery shopping exercises to collect information on how well Customer First is doing and benchmarked the results against other housing associations.

The results of their inspection are currently being collected and will

be published in a future edition of Our House.

If you’d like to become an improvement and scrutiny advisor, call Abdul Mumith on 0300 111 7000 extension 9031 or email [email protected]

Your resident engagement team

1, 2 and 3. Accord Group Louise Creswick, Joan Halstead and Abdul Mumith 0300 111 7000 extension 2064, 2067, 9031 or email [email protected]

4. Caldmoreaccord (Darlaston)Fiona Perry 0300 111 7000 extension 3938 or email fiona.perry@caldmore accordha.org.uk 5. Ashram Housing AssociationGopal Karir 0300 111 7000 extension 3828 or email [email protected]

6 and 7. bchsChrissie Muirhead and Phil Brown email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 0121 764 3808

8. Caldmoreaccord (Caldmore Green)Nazir Ahmed 01922 728 235 or email [email protected]

9. Fry Housing TrustKimberley Evans 0121 559 9081 or email kimberleye @fryha.org.uk

2 and 3. Moseley and District Housing AssociationJoan Halstead 0300 111 7000 extension 5006 or email [email protected]

Abdul Mumith 0300 111 7000 extension 9031 or email [email protected]

10. Redditch Co-operative HomesHazel Lengden 01527 591170 or email [email protected]

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Resident advisors carry out first inspection


Don’t start the New Year in debt - pay your rent

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News from rch and bchs

Pay your rent the easy way

If you rent your home with Redditch Co-

operative Homes, there’s an easy way to make sure that you always pay your rent on time.

A direct debit is a regular payment that comes straight out of

your account most commonly on a monthly basis.

It is easy to set up, ensures that you never miss a payment and we can help you to do it. To set up a direct debit, Redditch Co-operative Homes’ residents can call 01527 591 170.

Survey thank you

W e would like to thank all Redditch

Co-operative Homes and bchs co-operative members and residents for filling

out and sending back a ‘Getting to Know You’ survey.

You can read more about the surveys on page 4 of this newsletter.

Ian scoops scrutiny award

Ian Cook from Victoria Co-operative in

Birmingham scooped the Best in Scrutiny award at this year’s Great People Awards for his work in shaping the resident inspector project.

Congratulations Ian, were you surprised to win? I was extremely surprised. Even being nominated was a surprise. When they announced the winner I was clapping thinking it was someone else who had won before I released it was me.

How did you feel when you were presented with the award?I felt very honoured. The resident inspector project is all about investigating different services to see if we can make them more effective or cost less and it’s nice to be recognised for this work.

What would you say to people thinking about getting involved in the work of the Accord Group? If you want to know how things work and make them better, get involved.

The results are in! Survey success revealed


As part of our on-going bid to make

homes more energy efficient and save you money on your energy bills, we are ‘making over’ more than 1,000 homes across the West Midlands.

The work will include a number of upgrades including, the installation of external wall insulations, new ‘A’ rated boilers and central heating systems, loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught proofing.

Once the works are completed, the 1,000 homes being ‘made over’ could see their fuel costs reduce by up to £350 a year.

In the next few months other programmes, developed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), such as the Green Deal will offer you the opportunity to make your homes warmer,

more efficient and reduce fuel bills.

For more information about how you can make your home more energy efficient, email Paul White at [email protected]

Over 1,000 homes to receive eco upgrades

N o one wants to start the New Year in debt,

so it’s really important that you pay your rent and other bills over Christmas.

Here are our top tips on making sure that your finances don’t snowball out of control this winter.

1: Rent first. It’s vital that you continue to pay your rent as missing payments could result in you losing your home. If you’re having problems paying your rent, contact

us as soon as possible.2: Don’t be tempted

by door step lenders. Their rates of interest can be very high so instead, contact your local Credit Union (findyourcreditunion.co.uk) or My Home Finance (myhomefinance.org.uk or 0845 838 7597) for realistic loans.

3: Be realistic and budget accordingly. Christmas can be an expensive time of the year so plan early, budget accordingly and manage

expectations about what you can afford to give.

4: Shop around. Whether it’s for Christmas presents, food or the company that suppliers you gas and electric – you never know how much you can save.

5: Be organised. If you’ve borrowed money it won’t be long before you have to make a payment. Make sure you pay on time or you could be faced with additional charges.

6: Get advice. There are lots of organisations out there to help you get debt free. For free and independent advice, go to nationaldebtline.co.uk, citizensadvice.org.uk or moneymadeclear. fsa.gov.uk

If you’re worried about falling into debt, call your housing officer or speak to your support worker. You can also contact debt charity Step Change for free by calling 0800 138 1111.

As part of this energy efficiency work, we have a number of job and training opportunities available to you, these include:

• Six external wall insulation fitter placements. No previous skills or experience needed. Full training provided.

• Twenty photo-voltaic roof panel fitters. Previous experience in either plumbing or electrical works preferred, although additional training will be provided.

If you’re interested in the above opportunities, call Kally Bhatti, Jobs and Skills Co-ordinator, on 0121 442 5008 or email [email protected]

Alert! Job and training opportunities

T he latest co-operative to be built

and managed by Redditch Co-operative Homes (RCH) is starting to take shape.

The first residents of Chariot Springs (formerly known as Marlfield) have been allocated properties

and are working with RCH to choose designs for their new bathrooms and kitchens.

They are also meeting regularly with RCH to learn more about the processes involved in being a co-operative.

Once completed, Chariot Springs will be the largest Norwegian timber frame housing

development in the UK and will boast 79 homes made out of panels imported from Norway.

The development will also include other features such as allotments for residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Over the last year, we have been

asking you to fill in a survey so that we can get to know you better.

We can now reveal that a staggering 80 per cent of you have done this and we’d like to thank everyone who took the time to complete a ‘Getting to Know You’ form.

We asked you to fill in a survey so that we can tailor our services to you and provide the information and support that you need.

The survey was also your chance to let us know if anything’s changed in your household.

If you haven’t yet filled in a survey, or your circumstances have changed, please contact

your housing or support worker or the Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000 or email [email protected]

The winners of the survey prize draw (who will also be notified via post) are: Mr G Griffith, Mr S Carson, Miss H Ellis, Mr M Osborne, Ms E Deer, Mrs J Marvania and Mrs A Ali.

A plan for keeping your information updated on a yearly basis is being developed and more information on this and the results of the survey will be in the next Our House.

Ian Cook (L) is presented with his award.

Office Christmas and New Year opening times

Redditch Co-operative Homes’ office

at Britten Street will close for Christmas and New Year on Friday, 21 December at 1pm.

The office will re-open at 9am on Wednesday, 2 January 2013.

For the opening hours of the Customer First contact centre, please turn to the front page of this newsletter.

Redditch Co-operative Homes and

bchs take anti-social behaviour very seriously and we will work with you to tackle it.

If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, here are the steps you should take:

1: If you feel you are able to, speak with the neighbour concerned. It’s amazing how much of a difference this small step

can make.2: If the problem

persists, contact us. We will be able to provide the appropriate advice and guidance in relation to your circumstances.

3: Keep diary notes of any incidents so that they can be referred to when discussing your case. You can find blank diary sheets and more guidance on our website at www.rch.coop/asb or www.bchs.coop/asb

Tackling anti-social behaviour in your co-ops

Latest Redditch co-operative comes together

How the new homes will look.

DECEMBER 2012 DECEMBER 20126 7

News from Ashram Housing Association

Walkabouts with a differenceFamilies flock to annual fun day Did you know

that our housing

officers carry out regular walkabouts in your estates and neighbourhoods?

They are a great opportunity for you to flag up any concerns you may have or ask us questions about where you live.

To make sure that we continue to provide the

best services to you, future walkabouts are now going to include more than ever before.

Not only will you be able to meet housing officers face-to-face but you’ll be able to get information and advice about:

• Employment and training opportunities from a qualified coach

• Changes to benefits and welfare

• Support service for over 50s, Taste for Life Birmingham

Estate walkabouts are held on a monthly basis and a letter will be sent to you to let you know that we are coming beforehand.

To find out more about the walkabouts, call your housing officer on 0300 111 7000.

A family fun day attended by the Mayor of

Solihull went off with a bang as a troupe of drummers launched the event.

The Dhol drummers were amongst a number of musical acts to perform at the free ‘One Solihull’ event, held at the Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre.

Organised by Ashram Housing Association in partnership with Solihull Community Housing, the event featured a host of stalls promoting history, health, fashion and food.

Visitors were also treated to performances from award winning street dance crew Pressurize, African drummer Asha Barnes and local rapper Arty Sketcha.

The event, on Saturday, 20 October, celebrated Black History Month and World Mental Day.

Joyce Wallace, Health and Wellbeing Activities Co-ordinator at Ashram, said:

“The event was truly a multi-generational and multi- racial success; building awareness, providing entertainment and promoting cohesion.”

A new drop-in clinic for people

looking to quit smoking has opened in Coventry.

The clinic will be held at Ashram Housing Association’s Ribbon Court Extra Care Scheme in Foleshill every Friday.

Run in partnership with the NHS, the clinic is open to residents of the scheme, their family members and the local community.

To find out more, call Kim Gill, Resident Engagement and Wellbeing Worker, on 0121 358 9051.

The Queen has thanked residents of

an Ashram sheltered housing scheme for a card that they sent her to mark her jubilee year.

Resident of Kalyan Ashram in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, sent the Queen a card packed full of messages wishing her a happy diamond jubilee.

Buckingham Palace has since responded to the residents thanking them for “the splendid card and kind messages”.

Diamond jubilee celebrations are taking place throughout this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne.

Ashram’s office at Fairgate House in

Tyseley will close for Christmas and New Year on Monday, 24 December at 1pm. The office will re-open at 9am

on Wednesday, 2 January 2013.

For the opening hours of the Customer First contact centre, please turn to the front page of this newsletter.

Stub it out with a little help

Queen thanks residents for jubilee wishes

Office Christmas and New Year opening times More than

6,000 first time social

housing residents in Birmingham are to be offered help managing their finances as part of a new initiative.

The ‘Pay Ahead, Stay Ahead’ scheme will target those at risk of becoming

homeless due to rent arrears by teaching techniques to equip them with the skills to sustain their tenancies.

Councillor John Cotton, Cabinet Member for Social Cohesion & Equalities, said: “Ashram’s Improving Financial Confidence project will help

thousands of young Birmingham people develop those vital skills. This is good news for young people and good news for Birmingham.”

It will be funded by a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. For more information about the project, call Natalie Jones on 0300 111 7000.

First time tenants to get support managing finances

You said, we did

W e take your complaints and

requests seriously, so here we’ll explain how we are improving our services for you.

Residents living in Nuneaton told us that they felt left out of

Ashram’s regular estate walkabouts because the association has fewer homes in the area than other neighbourhoods.

As a result, housing officers carried out a walkabout in October and have scheduled future walkabouts throughout next year.

News from Ashram Housing Association

What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Rachel Perks and I am Senior Neighbourhoods and Employment and Skills Coach. I help residents get into training and jobs by up-skilling them and giving career advice. My work in the Neighbourhoods’ team involves helping residents to be more involved in their community.

What does your job involve?

My job involves providing one- to-one coaching support, identifying training opportunities, helping to improve interview skills and CVs. My work with residents in the Bordesley Green area is focused on developing projects to improve the neighbourhood.

How long have you worked in your current job and what did you do before?

I have worked as a Neighbourhood Development Officer at Ashram for six months, supporting residents in Bordesley Green. I then started my new post in October which combines neighbourhood

development and employment support. Previously, I managed an over 55’s support service.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy meeting new people and seeing them grow in confidence and reach their potential.

How as a resident can I get involved?

If you’re looking to get into work or training or even if you would just like to talk to me about doing a project around improving your local area, please contact me

How can I contact you?

You can email me at [email protected] or call me on 0121 764 3811.

60 seconds with...

The Mayor of Solihull gives the event

his seal of approval. Getting cultural: youngsters explore the world.

Little beats, big sounds as drummers

of all ages celebrate.

Pupils get employment support as part of new project

Over 1,000 school pupils in

Birmingham are set to benefit from a Government-funded initiative that will support and prepare them for the world of work.

Schools Linking Network (SLN) and Ashram Housing Association are working with 30 secondary schools over the next three years as part of the project.

It will target pupils who are set to enter the workplace, focusing on

equipping them with the skills that they need to get jobs or start their own enterprises.

Birmingham’s pilot is part of a national

initiative which will bring together the business community and more than 120 schools across the UK.

Rosie Ginday (R) helps launch the project.

DECEMBER 2012

News from care and support schemes across the Group

New service to provide a helping hand to older people in Telford

Designed to help older people to

readjust to life after a stay in hospital or when recovering from an illness in their own home, the ‘Rehabilitation and Reablement’ service provides a package of short-term support.

Support includes up to six weeks of accommodation and support at care scheme Cartlidge House and a programme of treatment,

including physiotherapy and help with everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

David Williams, Director of Care and Support for the Accord Group, said: “It can be daunting to leave hospital and know that you are going back to an empty home or suffering an illness and losing your sense of independence.

“This service is a vital tool in helping people to recuperate and readjust to life

after a hospital stay, illness or loss of independence.”

The service is run on a referral basis only and is open to anyone over the age of 65 who lives in the Telford and Wrekin borough.

Referrals must be made via Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust (PCT) and the service is funded by Telford and Wrekin Council.

A specialist service to help older people leaving hospital or recovering from an illness at home to get back on their feet has been launched.

Residents take a bite out of club Review of the year

Personalisation – your questions answered

Meet the team behind tasty meals

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News from Care and Support

CareSupportand

8

A grandad of six has toured West Bromwich Albion’s football ground more than 60 years after he played for the top flight club as part of a digital project.

Tom Bromley, from West Bromwich, used to sweep the terraces at the Albion’s stadium, The Hawthorns, before he started playing for the club’s youth team in the 1940s.

The 79-year-old was given the opportunity to visit the Club as part of a special project being run by the Accord Group’s Dementia Café support groups.

To find out more about the project and the Dementia Cafes, turn to page 2.

Former footballer boings back in time for unique digital project

DECEMBER2012

News from Fry Housing Trust

CoventryIn this edition

of Our House, clients and staff

from our Coventry scheme tell you all you need to know about the city.

Tell us about Coventry? Coventry is the ninth largest city in England and the thirteenth largest in the UK. It is home to The Ricoh Arena which won the bid to be the only

Midlands venue to host the London 2012 Olympic Football Tournament. During the games, the Arena was known as the City of Coventry Stadium and hosted 12 games over eight days.

What can I do in Coventry? There are lots of things to do in the city, from shopping and sightseeing to eating out and relaxing. One

of Coventry’s most famous landmarks is the cathedral, which was re-built after it was severely bombed during World War II. For a free day out you can visit The Motor Museum, The Herbert Art Gallery or if it’s a nice day walk around the War Memorial Park.

Where are the best places to eat? There is a huge variety of restaurants and takeaways in the city catering to all sorts of tastes and budgets. Why not check out the coventry-restaurants.co.uk for reviews of eateries across Coventry.

The Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

Property firm sow the seeds for a brighter future

Around 25 kind-hearted volunteers from a property company branched out when they spent time sprucing up a garden at a Fry Housing Trust scheme. The Trust’s Solihull scheme was chosen as Lend Lease’s community project of the year and as a result received a garden make-over worth around £2,000.

Work included trimming hedges and foliage, replacing and painting fencing, installing bird boxes and

planting new shrubs and flowers. An outdoor recreational area was also created and new rotary washing lines were also installed.

Steve Watts, Manager of Fry Housing Trust’s Solihull scheme, said: “We are very grateful to Lend Lease for choosing us as their project of the year and to the staff for giving up their time to make-over our tired looking garden.”

Sporty clients and staff are celebrating

after completing a gruelling ‘wild’ race which raised cash for a good cause.

Six clients and two members of staff took part in the Wolf Run Challenge, a race across

natural terrain including open ground, woodland, lakes and mud.

Clients and staff completed the Leamington Spa run in less than an hour and a half, raising money for the Trust’s benevolent fund.

Entries to this year’s Christmas

card competition have flocked in and we’d like to thank everyone for taking part.

Packs of the winning cards will be handed out to you to send to your friends and family and will also be available to buy.

All money raised from card sales will go towards the Trust’s benevolent fund, which supports clients to move on from supported accommodation.

Festive competition entries flock in

Race success in Wolf Run

Steve Watts (centre) digs deep with

Lend Lease.

Staff and clients celebrate race triumph.



Hello and welcome to the December

edition of Our House Care and Support. This section of Our House is especially for residents of our care and support schemes and for those of you who use our support services.

As 2012 draws to a close, it’s the perfect

opportunity to look back and reminisce about everything that has happened across your schemes this year.

From the expansion of new services like the Accord Group’s Dementia Cafes to all the different activities and events that have taken place, it’s been an exciting year. You can read a review of the year on page 3.

Next year looks set to be just as interesting as 2012, with some important changes coming up such as personalisation – you can read all about this on page 4.

In this edition you can also meet the award-winning team behind the catering service at the Accord Group’s Cartlidge House scheme and find out about new

activities taking place at Moseley and District’s Carpenter Place scheme.

Don’t forget to also enter our competitions on page 16, where you could be in with the chance of winning some top prizes.

Lastly, I would like to wish you a Happy Christmas on behalf of everyone at the Accord Group.

Message from the Editor


2 3

V isitors to special support groups for

people with dementia and their carers are taking trips down memory lane as part of a unique digital project.

The Accord Group’s Dementia Cafés are working with attendees to put together digital scrap books of their lives to aid communication skills.

Tom Bromley (featured on the front page) is just one of those being

supported to compile his life story using My Life Digital Reminiscence Therapy Software.

The lifelong Baggies fan and former footballer was invited to tour West Bromwich Albion’s stadium The Hawthorns as part of the project and to take photographs to add to his book.

Dementia Cafes are held in Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall and they offer friendly support and a range of activities for people with dementia, their carers and families.

My Life Digital Reminiscence Therapy Software is a touch screen programme featuring a range of photographs, video clips and music, dating from the 1930s, which can be hand-picked to form digital scrap books.

To attend a Dementia Café or to find out more information, call Janine Hayes on 0300 111 7000 or 0755 7153 571, or email sandwelldementia [email protected]

Delving into the past with digital scrap books

As 2012 draws to a close, we look

back on the different activities and events that have taken place at care and support schemes across the Midlands this year.

January: A new social centre for older people and residents of the Accord Group’s Showell Court extra care scheme in Wolverhampton opens its doors.

February: Residents at Old Rectory Gardens keep the winter blues at bay with a host of fun-filled activities.

March: Thanks to donations from the public and businesses, a music room for children is launched at an Ashram-managed refuge.

April: Residents at Ashram’s Ribbon Court extra care scheme celebrate International Women’s Week

May: Age UK Walsall and Caldmoreaccord invite the Mayor to open a one-stop advice centre for older people in Walsall

June: Residents of the Accord Group’s Rowan Village in Stoke-on-Trent raise a toast to the opening of a new café and bar facility at the scheme

July: Ashram’s Ghulab Ashram scheme throws open its doors to the local community to promote the activities and services it has on offer.

August: Young people at Caldmoreaccord’s supported housing schemes celebrate their successes at a special achievement day.

September: People with dementia and their carers are invited to a special Food for the Brain event to hear about the benefits of healthy eating.

October: Residents of Moseley and District’s Annand House raise a toast to their scheme as it marks its 25th anniversary

November: Celebrations all round at the Great Residents Awards as Old Vicarage’s Social Committee scoops the Resident Group of the Year award.

December: Caldmoreaccord’s Taste for Life initiative launches a new cookery club in Caldmore.

Review of the year

Happy reading

Tom Bromley (L) with tour guide Alan Ceverley (R).

Take a bite out of fruity Friday’s

Residents in Birmingham are being

encouraged to take a bite out of a new activity that is all about discovering new fruity flavours.

Fruity Friday sessions, where residents have the chance to try a range of exotic fruits, are being held weekly at Moseley and District’s Carpenter Place scheme.

The first session saw residents dig into kiwi fruit and mango, savouring the textures, tastes and colours of

different fruits whilst also encouraging residents to talk about their different cultures.

Dorrell Townsend, Care and Support Manager, said: “Healthy eating is important at any age and Fruity Fridays offer residents the chance to try new fruits which they can then choose to introduce into their daily diet.”

If you live at Carpenter Place and would like to take part in Fruity Fridays, speak to the scheme manager.

What is the name of your team and what do you do? We are the Catering team at Cartlidge House in Telford. We provide meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner to all residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What does your team’s role involve?We provide a nutritional, well-balanced menu for all residents of Cartlidge House, ensuring that there is choice every day.

We also provide meals to a local day centre once a week and get involved in special events, providing buffets or themed menus.

What is your team most proud of achieving?We have recently been nominated for the 2012 SPIC Award for Healthy Eating and we have a five star award for hygiene from the local authority.

What do you enjoy most about being in your team?

We all work very well together and enjoy each other’s company. We constantly share our knowledge and experience of working within a catering environment with both our team and other members of staff. We also really enjoy working with residents to provide the best possible nutritional support.

How do residents play their part in your team’s work?They give us feedback on the quality of meals that we cook and take part in consultation about what we have on our menu when we change from summer to winter.

How can I contact you? You can call Cartlidge House on 01952 618293.

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New advice hub to open in Sandwell

A new hub that will offer first time social

housing residents help in managing their finances is to open in Sandwell.

The Sandwell Financial Services Hub will support residents aged 16-24 years old to develop new financial management skills so that they are better

equipped to manage their finances.

It will bring together a range of different partners including, Sandwell Council, the Accord Group, Sandwell Community Information & Participation Service and many others.

Community clean-up brings garden back into bloom


4 9

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News from Caldmoreaccord

Caldmore celebrates its 40th anniversary.


My name is Wendy Powell and I’m the Director for Transformation for Caldmoreaccord.


I manage the Transformation team which looks at new ways of working and improving services. Our main focus

so far has been helping residents into work. We have two jobs and skills coaches who offer one-on-one support, which can include help in putting together a CV, using the internet to search for jobs or simply building confidence. The team is also taking a lead role in preparing the organisation and residents for the changes to benefits, which you can read more about on page 3.


This job is a new role which was introduced this year. Before then, I

was Director of Housing for Accord Housing Association.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best part of my job is seeing the successes of those individuals who are now more confident, determined to get into work and enthusiastic about the help that we can give.

How can I contact you? You can email the Transformation team at [email protected], call 0300 111 7000 or visit us at Jervis Court, Dog Kennel Lane, Walsall.

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Residents set for festive fun with Christmas party

Residents from Accord’s learning

disabilities schemes will get into the festive spirit of things when they come together for a fun-filled Christmas party later this month.

Guests from schemes including Harborne House and Fallings Heath will tuck into tasty

festive treats and drinks before enjoying a disco and prize draws.

More than 60 residents attended last year’s bash and organisers hope this year’s event will be just as successful.

If you live at one of Accord’s learning disabilities scheme and want more information about the party, speak to your scheme manager.

Volunteers help tidy up Darlaston.

Last year’s party was a great success.

Residents knit and natter at new club.

Lifetime award for Humphrey

F ive trucks full of rubbish were filled by

volunteers as part of a week-long clean-up of Darlaston town centre.

The Darlaston Town Partnership co-ordinated the annual community clean-up project, which involved a range of partners, including

Caldmoreaccord.More than 50

volunteers spent a week focusing on cleaning and tidying 10 hotspots across the town.

Members of staff from Caldmoreaccord also worked to bring a local community garden back into use for the Walsall Tenants and Residents Federation.

Humphrey Fitzgerald was awarded

the Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Great People Awards. Humphrey is the resident representative at his housing complex in Stourbridge, a role he has held for 25 years.

Congratulations Humphrey, were you surprised to win?

Yes. I try to be available to my neighbours as

much as possible and friendly so it’s nice to be recognised for this with an award.

How did you feel when you were presented with the award?

I felt very proud and impressed with the

award itself. I’ve lived at the scheme since day one and I’m very good friends with my neighbours which is vital as after all you never know when you may need them.

Personalisation...

I n the last edition of Our House Care and Support,

we told you about personalisation –

which is all about giving you more choice over the services that we provide.

To help you to understand more about personalisation, we’ve answered your questions below.

Your questionsansweredHow much money might I get to pay for my care and support under personalisation? The money you’re entitled to will depend on your needs. If you receive services through your council, they will already be paying for them. Under personalisation, you’ll receive an assessment and be told clearly the amount of money that the council think you need to meet your needs.

What is a personal budget? If you’re entitled to receive care and support services from your council you will be told how much money they think you need to pay for this care, and this amount of money will be called your “personal budget” or your “individual budget”.

What could I spend my personal budget on?You can spend your personal budget on a variety of services of your choice, as long as these services meet one of the needs you have identified in a support plan. Your support worker will help you to identify these needs.

What is a direct payment? If you want to arrange and pay for your care and support services yourself then you can ask your council to receive your personal budget as a “direct payment”. If you do this, the council will give you the money that makes up your personal budget and you will be responsible for arranging and paying for services yourself.

How would I pay for services?If you choose a direct payment and want to purchase care and support services from us, we’ll be able to offer you a range of ways to pay, including a direct debit. We will send you a regular invoice detailing the services you’ve received and the cost.

I am happy with my current arrangements and don’t want anything to change - is this ok?If you’re happy with the services that you receive from us then we can continue to provide them and the council will pay us directly for your care. If your personal budget isn’t enough to cover the cost of the services which you usually receive from us, we will work with you to try and find a solution.

I’m not entitled to any help from the council and I pay for my own care - – will personalisation make any difference to me?Yes. Regardless of who pays for your care and support, we will make sure the services we provide are tailored to your individual circumstances and preferences.

A new knitting club has been set up at a

Moseley and District scheme for residents who want to hone their sewing skills.

Carpenter Place in Birmingham has launched the club for everyone at the scheme, from seasoned knitters to those who have never tried it before.

Dorrell Townsend, Care and Support Manager, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the impact the knitting club has had on the residents, the chatting, the laughter and them having fun.”

If you live at Carpenter Place and would like to join the knitting club, speak to Senior Care Worker Gurmej Grewal.

Residents have knitting all sewn up at new club

Humphrey (R) is presented with his award.



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New homes for sale in Darlaston

Are you looking to get onto the property

ladder but are struggling to afford it? Then we may be able to help you.

We have two-bedroom homes available to buy on our brand new Pattern Gardens development in Darlaston from as little as £62,500* (for a 50 per cent share).

The stylish development of low-

carbon timber homes features a range of property types and sizes and includes homes for outright sale, from just £125,000 for a two-bedroom house.

For more information, or to book a viewing of our show home, call Paul Dubberley Estate Agents on 0121 663 0360 or email [email protected].

New resident organisation starts to take shape

Learning lab gets set to open

A new organisation that will see

residents work together to manage their own homes is starting to take shape.

The Pattern Gardens Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) is made up of residents who have or who are set to move into

homes at a new housing development in Darlaston.

To date, members of the TMO have been given presentations on tenancy agreements, lettings and income collection and are currently undertaking a training programme to support them through the process.

Pattern Gardens is the first development

of homes to use timber panels manufactured at the Accord Group’s factory, LoCaL Homes.

Once completed, the development will feature over 100 new homes, including 90 low carbon timber houses for affordable rent, shared ownership and sale.

A hub offering free advice and support

on how to find jobs has to opened its doors in Walsall.

Called the Learning Lab, the new service is based at Jervis Court, Dog Kennel Lane, and is managed by Caldmoreaccord in partnership with Job Centre Plus.

Job seekers can attend weekly job clubs to get support in writing CVs and covering letters,

searching for jobs and preparing for interviews.

Youth engagement website Social Breakfast is also running weekly sessions from the Learning Lab, which is fully Wi-Fi enabled.

The Learning Lab will be open from 1.30pm - 4.30pm on Tuesdays for 16-24 year olds and Thursdays from 9.30am - 12.30pm for single parents.

If you live or work in Caldmore you may have seen

a new shop on the Green called the Village Hub.

Launched in May, the Hub is open to everyone and is used for a host of different activities, from advice sessions to an exhibition space for local artists.

Here’s what’s on at the Hub now.

Every Thursday (10am-12pm) – Informal information and advice on a host of different topics from Walsall South Area Partnership

Every Thursday (5.30pm-6.30pm) – Coffee and chat with Caldmoreaccord’s community organisers (who you can read more about above)

Every third Saturday (1.30pm onwards) – Artists’ meeting (to

discuss current work and future exhibitions)

Don’t forget, the Hub is also home to the Time for Real time bank – a unique way of volunteering.

To find out more about any of the activities taking place at the Hub, drop into the centre or call Phillip Gaw on 0300 111 7000.

It’s all happening at the hub

New organisers on hand to help change your community

Watched by you, reviewed by you W ould you

like to change

something in your community for the better but don’t know where to start? Then we may be able to help you.

As part of a UK-wide programme, we have two community organisers whose role it is to help you to take

action to tackle local issues that are important to you.

Caldmoreaccord’s community organisers are Donna Ebanks and Anna Rogozinska

(pictured below). If you would like to work with them to resolve an issue in your neighbourhood, call our Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000.

Resident Nadia Shayler from Walsall tells

us all about her jewellery making hobby.

Tell us about your hobby?I started to learn how to make silver jewellery two years ago. Wolverhampton adult education had a silver jewellery course for people of all abilities, so as a complete beginner it was great for

me. I now love making jewellery using various materials including silver.

Of all the pieces that you’ve designed, what is your favourite?My favourite pieces of jewellery are my treble clef designs, made up of a bracelet, a pendant and a choker.

What did you find most difficult about jewellery making when you first started

out?Holding the tools was the most difficult part of making jewellery due to weakness in my right hand.

Where do you get inspiration for your designs?My ideas come from the things that I love like music and images that I see in everyday life.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into jewellery making? My advice is to give it a go and never give up,

it is very rewarding when you have a piece of jewellery that you have actually made.

Do you have a hobby to share with us? Call editor Claire Morrall on 0300 111 7000 extension 2340.

Resident Amy Hedgecock reviews the

latest flicks to hit the big screen.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra MillerDirected by: Stephen ChboskyRated: 12

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heart-warming tale of Charlie (played by Logan Lerman), a teen who is introduced to the world of sex, drugs and rock and roll courtesy of his new friends Patrick (Ezra Miller) and Sam (Harry Potter star Emma Watson). The film is an emotional roller coaster that will have you hooked from the get go. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll love. A must see.”

***** (5 star rating)

Here Comes the Boom

Starring: Kevin James, Salma Hayek and Henry WinklerDirected by: Frank Coraci Rated: 12A

Kevin James stars in this hilarious feel good film about a biology teacher who begins to raise money for his school by partaking in martial arts. Scott Voss works at a high school, cut backs mean the school faces cancelling the music programme. Scott steps up, becomes a local hero and risks all for the kids. If you like action and adventure mixed with a family comedy twist you’ll love this.

*** (3 star rating)

Donna Ebanks. Anna Rogozinska.

Me and my hobby

Nadia with some of her jewellery.

Crackdown on former residents who owe rent

Residents who leave their homes owing

rent to their landlord are being targeted as part of a bid to tackle the problem.

Caldmoreaccord have launched a tough campaign to target former residents who leave their homes with rent arrears. A range of measures, including court action, are being used to recover the lost rents.

Robert Collins, Business Support Manager at

Caldmoreaccord, said: “Whilst many residents keep their rent accounts up-to-date, a small minority leave their homes owing us money.

“This new, tougher approach is recovering money that helps us to keep our rents affordable for the vast majority of residents who pay their rent on time.”

If you are having problems paying your rent, contact our Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000.


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Getting arty at the Village Hub.


Help on offer at support group Gardeners urged to plan ahead for competition

News from Moseley and DistrictNews from Moseley and District

Are you worried about anti-social

behaviour in your neighbourhood or on your estate? Then why not come along to our support group.

Launched in partnership with the

local police, the Witness Support Group is open to any resident who is experiencing or has come across anti-social behaviour.

Confidential information and advice from qualified staff is on offer

at each meeting and there are presentations from guest speakers.

For more information, call Peter Helly on 0121 442 5030 or email [email protected]

This year we invited you to pull on your

gardening gloves and dig out your trowels to enter the annual Moseley and District gardening competition.

Scores of you entered and the winners were presented with top prizes, including £50 worth of shopping vouchers.

If you’ve got a garden to be proud, why not enter next year’s competition?

To get you started, here are some top tips on how you can look after your garden over the winter months.

1: To protect bushes, shrubs and hedges in your garden from high winds this winter prune them back.

2: To keep your lawn at its best over the winter avoid walking on it if it’s very wet or frosted over and clear away any leaves or other debris.

3: For a colourful garden next spring, make sure you plant any bulbs such as daffodils and tulips, before the first frost.

4: If frost is forecast, protect your potted plants by moving them to a covered area such as a greenhouse or pop some bubble wrap over them.


My name is Katie Gallon and I am a Temporary Assistant Housing Officer at Moseley and District.


My job involves lots of different tasks, from assisting our housing officers with anti-social behaviour cases to helping to organise and attend

resident meetings and visits to tenants’ homes. I also work with the witness support group, organising exciting events and training opportunities for the group.


I started working for Moseley and District in 2010 as a receptionist at head office and have recently been given the opportunity to be an assistant housing officer for the next 12 months.

What do you enjoy about your job?

The team I work with are great and there is always something exciting going on. I enjoy the contact I

have with residents and I like seeing the happy reactions from new residents when you offer them a place to make a home with a tenancy in a Moseley and District property.

How can I contact you?

You can call me on 0121 442 5042 and my email address is [email protected]. Or you can pop into the reception at 106 Alcester Road and if I am in the office I can meet with you. If I am not available a member of my team will always be on hand to help or you can book an appointment with me in the office for another day.

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Get your voice heard at new forum

Love your community this winter - be a good neighbour

As the cold weather draws in

being a ‘good’ neighbour is more important than ever. Older neighbours in particular are often more prone to ill health during the winter and can become isolated and lonely.

At Moseley and District, we are encouraging all residents to be ‘good’ neighbours this winter by:

• Checking on older or vulnerable neighbours to

ensure they are well• Offering to do

shopping for older or vulnerable people

• Carefully clearing drive ways or paths of snow and ice

Mustafa Ramji, Service Improvement Manager, said: “Just showing an interest in others can have a great effect on a person’s emotional health and well-being. In return, you will benefit from knowing that you are making a difference in your community.”

Don’t forget, if you know someone who may need support you can also refer them to Taste for Life Birmingham – a free support service that helps people aged over 55 to get the help they need to remain independent. For more information about this, call 0121 764 3879.

Residents who want their voices to be

heard can now join a new group to talk about the issues that affect them.

The Moseley and District Residents’ Focus Group has been launched to give you a stronger voice with the aim of sharing opportunities and ways of dealing with common issues.

Mustafa Ramji, Service Improvement Manager at Moseley and District, said: “We want residents to have as many opportunities as possible to be involved in things that affect them.

“This focus group will allow them to consider what current issues are faced by Moseley and District and how they impact on residents. It will also act as a consultation mechanism.”

Launched last month, the focus group will meet five times a year and will be chaired by a resident with support from staff at Moseley and District.

To join the Residents Focus Group, please email ServiceImprovement [email protected] or call 0300 111 7000 and ask for the Service Improvement team.

A sheltered housing scheme in

Birmingham has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Friends, family and residents of Annand House in Sparkbrook marked the special event with a fun-filled party.

Food, refreshments and activities, including dance craze Zumba, belly dancing and mehndi were also tried out by guests.

Annand House, which provides housing and care for residents aged over 55, is managed by Moseley and District.

Sheltered scheme celebrates anniversary

Office Christmas and New Year opening times

Moseley and District’s office at 106

Alcester Road will close for Christmas and New Year on Friday, 21 December at 5pm.

The office’s reception area will close its doors at 4pm as per normal.

The office will re-open

at 9am on Wednesday, 2 January 2013.

For the opening hours of our Customer First contact centre, please turn to the front page of this newsletter.

Moseley and District just a click away

Did you know that you can get a host of

information and news about Moseley and District at the click of a button?

All you need to do is log onto moseleyanddistrict.org.uk to find updates about changes to benefits, report a repair or look for a new home.

M oseley and Balsall Heath

are blooming with pride after scooping top accolades in this year’s Heart of England in Bloom competition.

Moseley in Bloom struck gold for the fifth year running by clinching the Urban Communities category while Balsall Heath in Bloom was awarded silver in the same category.

Residents and staff at Moseley and District supported both bids, making hanging baskets to display in Moseley and sponsoring Balsall Health in Bloom.

Neighbour-hoods scoop top award

Green fingered residents at the Grange.


Events and activitiesFestive fun puzzle Up-and-coming dates for your diary from around the Group and your community.

Draw a line from dot to dot until all the numbers are connected. Once you’ve finished, colour in the picture and send it to, The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG by Wednesday, 12 January 2013. The best entry will appear on the Accord Group’s Facebook page.

Events and activities

14 15


DecemberWednesday, 12 December (until 15 December).

Penn Hospital: Exploring the History exhibition, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield St, Wolverhampton. For details, call 01902 552055Friday, 14 December (until 22 December).

Frankfurt Christmas Market, Victoria Square and New Street, Birmingham. 10am-9pm.Saturday, 15 December.

Christmas drop-in craft session for children, Walsall Museum, Lichfield Street, Walsall. 11am-1pm. 75p per child. All materials provided, suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. For further information, call 01922 653116 or email [email protected], 15 December.

Christmas Fayre with live music, The Crossing St Pauls, Darwell Street, Walsall. 10am-4pm. Saturday, 15 December.

It’s Christmas - Live Nativity, Queen Square, Wolverhampton. 11am-3pm.Saturday, 15 December.

Acocks Green Farmers Market,1157 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham. 9am-3pm.

Saturday, 15 December.

Deer Feeding, Attingham Park, Atcham, North Shrewsbury, Shropshire. 2pm-3pm. Admission charges apply. For details, call 01743 708123/ 708162Tuesday, 18 December (until 31 December).

Tolkien Display, Weoley Castle Library, Beckbury Road, Birmingham. Free. For details go to www.birmingham.gov.ukTuesday, 18 December.

Tots Time Out (singing and storytelling), Small Heath Library, Muntz Street, Small Heath, Birmingham. 10.30am-11.30am. For children under 5 and their carers.Wednesday, 19 December.

Community lunch. Bosworth Drive Community Centre, Bosworth Drive, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham. 12pm-3pm. For details call, 0121 770 8570.Wednesday, 19 December.

Carols in the Square, The Square, Shrewsbury

Shropshire. From 5.30pm. Free

JanuaryThursday, 10 January.

Memories in the Making (a friendly way for older people and those with dementia to share memories through arts and interesting activities), Bilston Craft

Gallery, Mount Pleasant, Wolverhampton. 10.30am -12.30pm. Free. For details call, 01902 552507 Monday, 14 January (every second Monday of the month).

Ancestry sessions (learn more about tracing ancestors), Rounds Green Library, Martley Road, Oldbury. 2pm-4pm. Free. For details, call 0121 552 2879. Tuesday, 15 January.

Accord Group Online training taster session, Moseley and District, 106 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham. 9.30am-11.30am. Booking essential. Call the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2067/2064 for details.Thursday, 17 January (every Thursday).

Tiny Tadpoles swimming (under 5’s with adult fun sessions), Dudley Leisure Centre, Wellington Road, Dudley. 12.30pm-1.30pm. For details, call 01384 812800Monday, 21 January (every Monday).

Credit Union session (Find out how you can open a Credit Union account) Bleakhouse Road, Oldbury. 10am-12pm. For details, call 0121 422 2798.Wednesday, 23 January.

Big Brum Antiques Forum (antiques and collectors fair), Bull Ring Rag Market, Edgbaston Street, Birmingham.

7.30am-1.30pm. Free admission.Tuesday, 22 January.

Accord Group Online training taster session, Fairview Court, 1 Broad Lane, Bloxwich, Walsall. 9.30am-11.30am. Booking essential. Call the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2067/2064 for details.Saturday, 26 January (every Saturday).

Spring Vale Library Saturday Storytime (for children aged under 10), Spring Vale Bevan Avenue, Parkfields, Wolverhampton. For details call, 01902 556 284.Thursday, 31 January (until Saturday, 2 February).

Youth Theatre present ‘The Lion, The Witch

and The Wardrobe’, Redditch Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcestershire. From 7.30pm. For ticket prices and to book, call 01527 65203.

FebruaryFriday, 8 February.

Accord Group Online training taster session, Carpenter Place, 103 Oldfield Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. 9.30am-11.30am. Booking essential. Call the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2067/2064 for details.

Friday, 8 February.Accord Group

Online training taster session, Annand House, 37 Hickman Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Booking essential. Call the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2067/2064 for details.Thursday, 21 February.

‘The owl who was afraid of the dark’ production, Stourbridge Town Hall, Crown Centre, Crown Lane, Stourbridge. From 1.30pm. Adults £8, children £6 and family of four £25. For details call, 01384 812960. Wednesday, 13 February.

The D-Day Darlings, Redditch Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcestershire. From 2.30pm. For tickets prices and to book, call 01527 65203.Saturday, 16 February.

Acocks Green Farmers Market,1157 Warwick Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham. 9am-3pm. Thursday, 21 February (every Thusday – term time only).

Aqua Natal, Smethwick Swimming Centre, Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, Sandwell. 11am-12pm.

DECEMBER 2012

CompetitionsQuiz

Wordsearch

Simply answer the following 10 questions

correctly to be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love2Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores.

Send your completed questions to, The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG or email them to [email protected] by Monday, 28 January, 2013.

Remember to include the name of the competition that you are entering, your name, address and a phone or email contact. One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner of Summer’s competition was Miss A Padya.

Simply find the word that is NOT in

the wordsearch to be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love2Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores.

Send your answer to The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, west Midlands, B70 6QG or email [email protected] by Monday, 28 January, 2013.

Remember to include the name of the competition that you are entering, your name, address and a phone or email contact. One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.

The Accord Group, Tel: 0300 111 7000 Email: [email protected] Write to: Customer First, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QGOn request, we will do what is practical to translate information into different formats including large print, Braille and other languages. If you need a document translated into a different language or format, call Customer First on 0300 111 7000.

Competitions

1: Christmas2: Snowman3: Cracker4: Reindeer5: Star6: Tree7: Bauble8: Stocking9: Presents10: Mistletoe11: Holly12: Turkey13: Tinsel

B R O O C T T I C K E F V

R A T S H W R H H O L L Y

R S U F R Y K E P A M A U

I R W E I E A R E P S E C

E E S A S K E M I T G L O

O E T D T R T R O E S B B

T D N A M U E C S T R U W

E N E D A T K R C E N A E

L I S B S I D D K I R B B

T E E I N S M C A E R D V

S R R G T N A Y U O A T U

I U P M N R T I N S E L H

M S H A C K N A M W O N S

16

1: In which country would you find the city of Milan?

2: What is the name of band that X-Factor judge Gary Barlow sings in?

3: Who wrote the children’s book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?

4: What two colours make up the flag of Sweden?

5: What is the name of the Red Bull-sponsored sky diver who jumped to Earth from a helium balloon from the edge of space this year?

6: Name the actress who plays Kat Slater in BBC soap EastEnders?

7: In athletics, what is traditionally the last event of the Decathlon?

8: What spirit is the base of a Pina Collada cocktail?

9: Who first developed the theory of evolution by natural selection?

10: Where did this year’s Great Resident Awards take place?

"

The winner of Summer’s wordsearch was Miss D Corbin.

You’ll find the next answer in this newsletter.

Documents

Our House, Winter 2012