Sheltered Times issue 8 Spring 2016

News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents

Sheltered TimesISSUE 8: Spring 2016

Tell us how to get even better

Havering Council is working with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), the national professional body for housing, to make sure that the services we offer are of the highest possible standard and include best practice from councils across the country.Speaking at the SHOUT Forum, CIH Inspector, Domini Gunn, explained national changes taking place in housing and how she thought they would impact on Havering.

Doing well She said: “Havering does particularly well in the way it involves residents, those in sheltered housing have a particularly strong voice through the SHOUT Forum.“It does well with the way it allocates places and the help given to new residents by the scheme

managers, but where it is weak is that not all of its scheme are future proof and fit for purpose. For example, some don’t have lifts making it difficult for some residents living on the first floor.”

Share your concernsDomini added: “The CIH is asking residents to let us know their top five concerns so we can prioritise these as part of our work with Havering Council.”If you have suggestions you wish to make to the CIH on how services can be further improved please complete the form on the website putting CIH improvements as the headline.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

2 |

Contact detailsLooking back If you want to check out a previous issue of Sheltered Times, they are now online at www.havering.gov.uk/shelteredtimesHousing Services Customer Contact Service The easiest way to contact us is at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing Anti-social Behaviour www.havering.gov.uk/housingasbEmail For rent queries [email protected] To find out about the Decent Homes programme residents are now encouraged to look online for planned works or log an enquiry through the website at www.havering.gov.uk/askhousingSocial media Follow us on Twitter @LBofHavering. Facebook – log in and in the search box type: Get involved – Havering Council tenants and leaseholdersOut of hours If you have a problem outside normal office hours that can’t wait ring 01708 756699.

Ashley looks after Cockabourne Court, Delderfield House and Park Lane. Email [email protected]

Kelly looks after Thomas Sims Court Serena Court, Solar Court and Sunrise Court. Email Kelly.murray@havering,gov.uk

Emma looks after Charlbury Crescent and Cole Court. Email Emma.daly@havering,gov.uk

Nadine looks after Beehive Court and Holsworthy House. Email Nadine.quinlan@havering,gov.uk

Carol looks after Bards Court and Brunswick Court. Email Carol.foley@havering,gov.uk

Andra looks after Dell Court and Garrick House. Email Andra.ramsay@havering,gov.uk

Stephanie looks after Royal Jubilee Court and Poplar Street. Email Stephanie.johnson@havering,gov.uk

Denise looks after Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House. Email Denise.smith@havering,gov.uk

Lisa looks after Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House. Email Lisa.matthews@havering,gov.uk

Gillian looks after Cottons Court, Fambridge Court and Queen Street Villas. Email Gillian.wallis@havering,gov.uk

Ideas for this magazineIf you have ideas for future articles contact Chelsea Potts, from the Housing Services Community Engagement Team (pictured) by emailing [email protected]

Sharon is the Sheltered Housing Manager and is in charge of the scheme managers. Email: [email protected]

How to contact your scheme manager

Sheltered Times, Issue 8 | 3

Safety first is police message

Older people are often seen as easy targets by scammers and criminals, so although Havering Council’s sheltered housing schemes are generally secure, it’s always worth reminding people of simple steps they can take to make life difficult for criminals.That’s why PCSO Kaser Aleem was the guest speaker at the most recent SHOUT Forum.PCSO Aleem said: “What Havering Police wants to do is prevent crime before it happens and that’s where we need everyone’s help.“Crime prevention is basically common sense and just taking some simple steps can make it less likely you’ll become a victim.

Door chains“Door chains are important in keeping people out of your home who shouldn’t be there. If someone knocks on your door, use your spyhole to see who it is and if you don’t recognise them put your chain on before opening the door.“If a visitor claims to be an official, but you weren’t expecting them, ask for their

identification pass, shut the door and then look up the number of the organisation they say they are representing and ring it to check them out. Don’t use a number printed on the pass as

that could be part of a scam if they aren’t genuine.”

Property markingPCSO Aleem added: “Havering Police has a Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) for each Council Ward so every housing scheme has its own team of officers who will call in and mark property, so if it’s stolen it’s more likely to be

returned. They also give crime prevention advice including where to put window alarms for maximum benefit.“By working together we can make life difficult for the criminals and that makes them go away.”

More information www.havering.gov.uk/communitysafety

PCSO Kaser Aleem explains crime prevention steps to the SHOUT Forum

PCSO Kaser Aleem chats with Peter Cox and Mike Droy of Thomas Sims Court

PCSO Kaser Aleem chats with some of the SHOUT Forum representatives

4 |

Freeze out the cold callers

As part of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations residents are being encouraged to clean up a local area.It could be an area where litter gathers, where graffiti needs painting over or just some waste land which needs clearing of weeds but if we all join in we can make our area an even nicer place to live.If you have an area you think needs clearing do let us know.

Party for the QueenThe Queen will officially celebrate her 90th birthday on Saturday 11 June and across the country street parties will be held to celebrate this special occasion.These are great ways to bring communities together and we know a lot of sheltered housing residents will want to hold a party in honour of Her Majesty.This could be a fantastic opportunity to invite older people in your community, particularly those who live on their own, to come along and join in the fun.Organising a street party can take a lot of time but they are very rewarding so if you want to hold a birthday party for our Queen, start planning now.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/streetparties

The start of this year has seen a couple of occasions when cold callers have visited sheltered housing schemes claiming to represent charities, but when they’ve been challenged they’ve departed quickly.If you find a caller knocking on your door, put your door chain on before opening it and ask them

for identification.If they try to push their way in or won’t provide an ID pass, pull your alarm cord or push your pendant button to alert our call centre. The call centre will alert the police.Remember: » NEVER put yourself in danger » ALWAYS make sure external

doors close behind you so strangers can’t follow you in

» If in doubt, keep them out!

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/CleanfortheQueen


The computers installed in the communal lounges are proving popular as the table here shows.If you haven’t yet had your training and want to get online please contact your scheme manager.

Scheme Number of logins Beehive Court 1,870 Maygreen Crescent 967 Charlbury Crescent 787 Brunswick Court 766 William Tansley Smith House 729 Garrick House 701 Cotton and Fambridge Courts 612 Dell Court 535 Queen Street 517 Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts 498 Holsworthy House 497 Royal Jubilee Court 482 Cole Court 466 Thomas Sims Court 451 Bards Court 356 Lombard Court 355 Ravenscourt Grove 329 Cockabourne Court 162

If you want to know what’s happening at your local library or the latest news from your GP, sign up for email newsletters from Havering Council. A new email update for voluntary organisations in the Borough has recently been launched.Remember we also send out At the Heart online each month, which is news just for Council tenants. All you need is an email address, then go to the website below and choose which newsletters interest you.You can use the computers in the communal lounge.If you’re not sure how, your scheme manager will be happy to help

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/enews

Keep in touch by email update

Popular computers

TEEN BEE

6 |

From Monday 21 March 2016 library opening hours are changing.The opening hours for each library are set out below.

Collier Row, Elm Park Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South HornchurchMonday and Tuesday closed Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 4pm Thursday 2 – 8pm

Harold Hill, Romford and Upminster

Monday and Thursday10am – 8pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 5pmSaturday 10am – 4pm

Hornchurch Monday to Friday 1 – 10pm Saturday 10am – 3pm

Rainham Monday and Wednesday 10am – 8pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday 10am – 4pm

Library Opening Times

Use your mouse to manage your Council Tax, Council Tax Support

and Housing Benefits online

Help us bee more efficient and reduce costs

apply u pay u report u www.havering.gov.uk/myhavering

Your Counci l, anyt ime

During the next six months an increasing number of services from Havering Council will only be available online.

You can now check your Council Tax record online as well as report faulty street lights, damaged pavements or potholes in the road.You can also apply for blue badges for your car or for a Freedom Pass online.

Going digital saves you moneyOn average, for the Council to respond to an online query it is 20 times cheaper than a telephone call, 30 times cheaper than a letter, and 50 times cheaper than a face-to-face meeting. Money saved means more is available for front-line services such as social care and road repairs.

TrainingFree training is available for sheltered housing residents wanting to learn how to use the computers for online banking, shopping or accessing Council services, or even for keeping in touch with the grandchildren. Ask your scheme manager for more details.

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Online for Council services


Sheba is a record breaker

Tell us about your petDo you have a beautiful budgie, a pampered pooch or a crazy cat?If so we want to hear from you as we are planning a feature in the next issue of Sheltered Times on what your pets mean to you. If you want your pet to be in the feature please send details, including how to contact you and, if possible, a photo of your pet to [email protected]

One resident of Beehive Court, Harold Wood, has won a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest living cat in the United Kingdom.Sheba, aged 35, moved in with Jeff and Madeline when her then owner was moving house and wasn’t allowed pets in his new flat.Jeff said: “We were the first tenants in Beehive Court, moving in at the end of 1972 and Sheba has made it her home too. “She really likes it here and is very happy as the neighbours spoil her rotten.

They call her the complex’s cat.“For her age she is doing very well, thanks to care from her vet, Mr Loughton, who is based in Oak Road, Harold Wood, although she does have a touch of arthritis in her rear legs now.”Sheba, who is a Bengal Tabby, has a younger friend, five-year-old Simka, who sadly has three legs having lost one during a collision with a car.Do you have a pet with a claim to fame? If so please email details to [email protected]

8 |

SHOUT for your representative

SHOUT Forum dates

Each sheltered housing scheme has representatives who attend the SHOUT (Sheltered Housing Users Team) forum. If you have an issue you wish to raise, please contact your representative.The current representatives are:

8 Bards Court John Ashwell26 Bards Court John Hunter40 Beehive Court Jeff Haimov47 Beehive Court Joyce Rafis15 Brunswick Court Ann Christian45 Brunswick Court Paul Clark58 Charlbury Court Barbara Hughes94 Charlbury Court Rosie George9 Cockabourne Court Brian Morland22 Cockabourne Court Kenneth Turrell3 Cole Court Beryl Lodge10 Cole Court Doreen Richardson82 Delderfield House Shirley Fletcher7 Dell Court Maureen Marsh14 Dell Court Maureen Piller11 Fambridge Court Bert Morley18 Fambridge Court Jean Freeman7 Garrick House Malcolm Hales29 Garrick House Susan Moore35 Holsworthy House Stan Tackley

87 Holsworthy House Margaret Boyd29 Maygreen Crescent Sue Hutton35 Maygreen Crescent Mary Cross 87 Neave Crescent Margaret Boyd41 Poplar Street Daphne Clifford41 Poplar Street John Clifford14 Queen Street Ted Jones90 Queen Street Sue Attfield147 Ravenscourt Grove Jim Clement109 Ravenscourt Grove Jean Garbett34 Royal Jubilee Court Tom Walsh21 Royal Jubilee Court Pat Linsell13 Solar Court Frances Rowntree3 Sunrise Court Brian Laws6 Thomas Sims Court Peter Cox11 Thomas Sims Court Mike Droy5 William Tansley Smith House Lucy Proctor11 William Tansley Smith House Adrienne Bell

New Royal Jubilee Court representative, Pat Linnell

In 2016 the SHOUT Forum is scheduled to meet on:

» Tuesday 26 April Thomas Sims Court Hornchurch

» Tuesday 26 July Cole Court, Harold Hill

» Tuesday 25 October William Tansley Smith House, Hornchurch

New Ravenscourt representative, Jim Clement

New Holsworthy House representative, Margaret Boyd


Heard at the SHOUT Forum

» Keeping in touch through regular surgeries where scheme managers and the SHOUT Forum representatives are available in communal lounges to meet residents and hear their suggestions, is one suggestion being considered to improve communication.

» Concerns that the new automatic doors stay open too long after people have gone through them were expressed. The contractor is

reducing that period. » Automatic doors are due to

be installed at Dell Court in the next financial year.

» Exterior gates at the Park Lane scheme are to be made more secure.

» Calendars are to be displayed on each scheme’s noticeboard showing communal lounge bookings so residents can plan ahead if they wish to use the lounge for a party or other event.

» We have now appointed the housekeepers for all the schemes and they will be taking up post towards the end of March. There will be six full-time posts across all schemes with cover for holiday and other absences.

» Hedges that need trimming will be done by the end of March to avoid the bird nesting season.

» Inspections are taking place every six weeks at each scheme to check standards of cleaning and ground maintenance. SHOUT Forum representatives are invited to join the inspectors’ visits.

SHOUT Forum representatives representing local residents

Chairman Paul Clark chairs the meeting

Community Engagement Manager, Julie Bennett, briefs the SHOUT Forum

Representing youThe SHOUT Forum aims to represent the views of every resident living in Havering Council’s sheltered housing. If you have an idea you want to express please tell your SHOUT Forum representative so they can ask for it to be discussed.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

10 |

Spotlight on Brunswick Court

Just a short walk from Cranham shopping centre is Brunswick Court, a Havering Council sheltered housing scheme that has 47 flats, a large communal lounge, laundry, kitchen and massive landscaped garden complete with an impressive pond, which is home to scores of Koi Carp.Scheme manager, Carol Foley, said: “Many of the residents have lived here a long time so know each other well but because the flats are in 12 different blocks people have plenty of space.“The lounge sees a lot of activities from Bible Studies to bingo (see page 18 for full details) and the garden is very well used when the weather is nice, watching the fish in the pond.“There’s even a regular visit

from a local hairdresser to keep everyone looking well groomed.”

Family connectionsOne of the reasons residents choose Brunswick Court is family connections. Annie Rugg, who has lived there 15 years took time off from her art club work and said: “I like it here as it’s near to where my son lives so it’s easy to visit.”Fellow artist, Brenda Draper who has lived there 12 years, added: “It’s also close to my family which is handy. There’s a good bus service and a nice range of different activities if you want to join in.”

Waiting listMalcolm Hallows has lived at Brunswick Court for 24 years and was one of the first residents to move in, having previously served in the

Merchant Navy. He said: “When I applied there was a waiting list to get in here. Over the years I’ve made a lot of good friends.”Malcolm is now unable to leave his home but gets lots of visitors including a daily visit from Carol to check he is ok and a weekly visit from one of Tapestry Befrienders who chats with him.

StoriesCarol added: “Everyone living here has a story to tell. Malcolm served in the Arctic while with the Merchant Navy and has some fascinating tales of his voyages.“Iris Curtis, who is 86 and has lived here 12 years, does some fantastic knitting. She’s even knitted a mascot of darts player, Eric Bristow, out of wool and sent it to him. Her knitted fruit is amazing and so life-like, she even puts a button them so you can peel away the outer skin to see the fruit underneath.

Enjoyment“I really enjoy working here, it’s

The exterior of Brunswick Court was recently refurbished

Residents enjoy watching the Koi Carp in the pond


Spotlight on Brunswick Court so rewarding when something comes together.”SHOUT Forum representative, Paul Clark, said: I enjoy being the SHOUT Forum rep, at least most of the time, as I believe it’s important that the voice of residents is heard and then action needs to happen to meet their needs.”

Gladys Smith and Ann Christian enjoy a game of dominoes while Brenda Draper takes part in the art club

Malcolm Hallows shares a joke with scheme manager Carol Foley during her visit

2nd Upminster Brownies carol singing

Resident Iris Curtis is a great knitter making all sorts of creatures

The entrance to Brunswick Court includes seats and attractive landscaping

Scheme manager Carol Foley in her office

Len Male uses a computer in the communal lounge

12 |

100 years young

“She loves to look after people.” That was the message from family and friends who gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Jane Holly or Jenny as she is better known.Jenny, who lives in Cottons Court, Romford, whose birthday was on Monday 14 December, started celebrating the previous Friday when her family and the committee at the sheltered scheme organised a special party for her, including

entertainment from singer Dave Wallis.Scheme manager, Gillian Wallis, said: “Jenny is well-loved and well thought of by everyone in the scheme.“She goes everywhere with her neighbour and friend, Elsie Cross, who is 98.“Every week they join in the bingo and any other activities that are taking place.“I visit Jenny every day, as she doesn’t have a carer and looks

TV licences There is some confusion about which residents should pay for their licence so please see the summaries below. If you have any questions please ask your scheme manager.

If aged 75 and aboveAll are eligible for free TV Licences. The scheme manager will action this on your behalf directly with TV Licensing on an annual basis. Anyone turning 75 will be included for a free licence.

If aged under 75For residents under the age of 75, a TV Licence will need to be personally arranged, at your own cost, at the current Licence Fee, and renewed on an annual basis.

‘Protected Rights’Some sheltered schemes have a ‘Protected Rights’ agreement for reduced cost TV Licences. Each has an individual cut-off date, which means that only residents under the age of 75 living at the scheme before that date will qualify for a reduced price licence. The scheme manager will action the TV Licence directly each year, which will include payment of the Protected Rights Concessionary Fee. For residents under the age of 75 who qualify under this agreement, the cost of the concessionary fee is reflected in individual rent breakdowns.

Jenny Holly gets ready to cut her cake surrounded by her family

Jenny Holly opens some of her presents and cards


100 years young

Jenny with her best friend and neighbour, Elsie Cross

Singer Dave Wallis serenades Jenny

time to go dancing.“She used to work as a tailor in London and also looked after her husband, who died many years ago from cancer.“All her life she has loved looking after people and still does so today.”

Funny fallsBrenda added: “She does seem to enjoy a fall. When shopping with her sister, Louise, at Tesco in Hornchurch some years ago they fell down the travelator bouncing their way to the bottom where they were covered in bruises and both had black eyes.“The Tesco staff wanted to call an ambulance but they both said no as they were laughing so much they wouldn’t be taken seriously but they did accept the taxi Tesco offered to take them home!”

after herself preparing her meals and everything.”

War storyJenny was born in Bethnal Green and during the Second World War was living in Hazard Street when the family home got bombed. Her sister-in-law was killed in the explosion and her mother badly injured. Jenny was also taken to hospital for treatment.Her niece, Brenda Burkey, explained: “The hospital staff thought Jenny was ok until she got out of bed and just collapsed on the floor, that’s when they discovered she’d broken her back during the bombing.“When she was released from hospital she was soon out looking after her mother and nieces, despite being in a plaster cast from her neck to the base of her spine. She brought us all up, but still found

14 |

There were four rounds – It’s Christmas, W is for…., Sixties music and Ends with a T – and a total of 60 questions as The Holsworthy Eight, The Ravens and The Tansley Terrors battled for the prize of chocolates and the coveted Sheltered Housing Quiz Trophy.Holsworthy Eight were leading until the bonus round when they were knocked out with 59 points, just one behind joint leaders The Ravens and Tansley Terrors.The tie breaker question saw both teams guessing How tall, in feet, was the world’s tallest Christmas tree erected in a Washington shopping mall in 1950? The Ravens came closest with 221 feet to scoop the prize.

Heads down and thinking caps on

Young Santas bring festive cheerPupils from Gidea Park Primary School brought festive fun to Royal Jubilee Court when they crossed the road to sing carols for residents and also presented them with hand-made cards.Scheme manager, Stephanie Johnson, said: “The cards were beautifully decorated with glitter and bright colours and each contained personal festive greetings from the children. “The tenants loved receiving the cards most especially the ones who were alone for Christmas.”

Christmas quizThree teams put their thinking caps on for the Christmas quiz hosted by William Tansley Smith House.

The Ravens display their prizes

A Craft Fayre at Brunswick Court, run by students from Havering College of Further and Higher Education, had plenty of goodies for residents to choose from.

Carols at Cole CourtPupils from Drapers Academy in Harold Hill visited Cole Court to provide residents with a carol concert as part of the festive celebrations.


Poetry pleaseThe Christmas Time is Right for Rhyme competition in our Winter edition attracted a lot of entries and gave the judges some difficult decisions to make.At the end of the day three winners were chosen and we publish their poems here.

Christmas is coming

With all the darkness of the October nights

And children dressing up to give Halloween frights

Tricking and treating is so much fun

As we head closer to Christmas and the Holy son

With bonfires being built and guys being made

Fireworks have been bought with funds the guy has raised

With the haze from the smoke coming from the fires ablaze

The Sky lights up from all the sparkling displays

The flickering flames dancing on the burning embers

Bring back memories of all my Decembers

The hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush

And the melting snow now turning to slush

The Christmas countdown that started in June

Half a year has passed and Santa will be arriving soon

Christmas cards have been stamped and sent

Arriving in time for this year’s Advent

Carol singers are singing the songs of Noel

People called to church by the sound of the bell

Christmas day has arrived, families gather for the fun

Another year almost over and soon will be done

A Christmas poem by Donna WilkesDecember arrives crisp and bright,

fires are lit for warmth at night.

A tangible excitement is in the air, as stores start to fill with Christmas fair.

Plans are made for Christmas day, hopes to see those from far away.

Cards are sent, presents wrapped, decorations light up as energy is zapped.

Nativity plays and pantomimes seen, now time is taken for what has been.Christmas day arrives in all its glory,

each one of us will tell our story.

Laughter, joy and love is given, but thoughts are there for those in heaven.

Memories are made as another year passes, and now we all raise our glasses.

A Merry Christmas is wished to each of you, and hope the next year will be good too.

3rd Place “I’m feeling fine” Irene Ormiston, 76 Queen Street

1st Place “Christmas is Coming” Brian K Weston, 30 Cottons Court (pictured with his hamper)

2nd Place Christmas poem, Donna Wilkes, 169 Ravenscourt Grove

16 |

Got a door that is sticking?Do your smoke alarm batteries need replacing?

Has your toilet seat fallen off?Is that tap still dripping?

Do you need somebody to do those little jobs around your home?Our Handyman Scheme is a free service to Havering tenants to help people over 60, vulnerable or disabled residents who need minor repairs and maintenance to their home. Through the scheme many repairs can be carried out for you including:• Door security such as fitting extra locks,

security chains and spy holes on your front door

• Putting together flat pack furniture• Changing light bulbs• Moving small items of furniture• Fixing a sticky door or window• Fixing or replacing doorbells

• Fixing or replacing toilet seats• Minor repairs to taps • Securing carpets • Fixing curtain rails or blinds• Hanging curtains• Putting up shelves, pictures or mirrors• Fitting smoke alarms or changing

the batteries.

HANDYMAN SCHEME

How can you find out more or request a repair?For more information or to ask for help from the Handyman, call us on 01708 434087. Our administrators can discuss your needs and assess whether our Handyman can assist you.

What the Handyman Scheme cannot do:• Electrical or gas work• Ladder work• Major works• Decorating• Gardening

• Fencing • Roofing • Cosmetic jobs• Emergency repairs• Private residents or leaseholders

Who can use this service? This service is open to all Havering Council tenants who are:• Elderly or frail• Have a physical disability

• Have a learning disability• Have a mental health problem

Meet our Handyman Paul Call 01708 434087 or 0800 1513444

to arrange for one of our Handymen to visit your home

Perhaps we can help?


Dogs must have their chips

Touch in and touch out to keep costs down

If you own a dog a new law means it must be micro-chipped before Wednesday 6 April.The aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and help councils reunite stray dogs with their owners more quickly.In Havering, during 2014-15, the Council picked up 245 stray dogs and only returned five dogs to their owners.

The rest were rehomed.If you become the owner of a dog you will be committing an offence if you do not update the microchip database with your details.You can get your dog micro-chipped by The Dog’s Trust on Thursday 24 March 11am – 3pm Kingsbridge Circus Harold Hill RM3 8PB.

When using your Freedom Pass for a journey it’s important that you touch in at the place your journey starts and touch out at the station where your journey ends.This means Havering Council gets charged just for the journey you actually make.If you don’t touch out at the end of the journey the Council is charged as if you went to the very end of the line.Touching out at the end of your

The Freedom Pass gives older and disabled residents free travel on almost all public transport in London. If you have a Freedom Pass that expires on 31 March 2016 you should have received a letter explaining how to renew it.That letter has a unique renewal number to use online when you renew your Freedom Pass.As passes take up to four weeks to arrive, renewing as soon as you receive your letter is important.

Renew your Freedom Pass now

journey means we save money, which can then be spent on other Council services.

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/freedompass

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/freedompass

18 |

Activities for you to enjoyScheme Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Bards Court Coffee Morning, Afternoon Tea and Darts

Coffee Morning, GamesClub meet in Afternoon

Computer lessons in Morning, Coffee Morning, Games Afternoon

Coffee Morning 11am -1pm Computer Training Bingo Afternoon

Coffee MorningQuiz Afternoon

Beehive Court Fitness Club Morning

Tapestry Morning Bingo Evening

Afternoon Tea Lunch, Hoy Bingo afternoons

LunchDinner/ Entertainment Evenings

Brunswick Court Bingo Afternoon Table Games Afternoon; First Tuesday of each month at 2pm, Supported Housing Surgery

Perky Pensioners Lunch

Bible Studies MorningHairdresser Visits Afternoon Darts Evening

Lunch Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon

Charlbury Crescent Bingo EveningCockabourneCourt

Bacon Sandwiches Morning

Bingo Coffee Morning Entertainment Evenings

Cole Court Coffee Morning Lunch every other Wednesday Activities Evening

Cottons Court Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening

Pool Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening

Pool Afternoon

Dell Court Bingo Afternoon Darts Afternoon Keep Fit Afternoon Board games afternoon

Fambridge Court Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening

Pool Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening

Pool

Garrick House Bingo Afternoon Line Dancing Afternoon

Bingo Afternoon Tea and Cake Afternoon Bingo Evening

Holsworthy House Coffee Morning Bingo Afternoon

Coffee Morning Computer Lessons

Coffee Morning

Coffee Morning Bingo Evening

Keep Fit Coffee Morning

Lombard House Bingo Afternoon Breakfast Morning Knitting AfternoonMaygreen Crescent Coffee Morning Snooker EveningPark Lane Coffee Morning Snooker EveningPoplar Street Bingo Afternoon Breakfast Morning Knitting AfternoonQueens Street Coffee Morning Board Games AfternoonRavenscourtGrove

Darts Evening Let’s have a chat Current affairs Discussion evening Board Game evening

Coffee, cake and quiz, Bingo Afternoon, Cards Evening , alternate weeks Social Brunch from 11am

Royal Jubilee Court Coffee Morning Computer Games Coffee Morning Computer Games

Computer Games Coffee Morning Computer Games

Serena, Solar and Sunrise Court

Coffee Morning Coffee Morning Fish and Chips Night

Thomas Sims Court

Tea and Coffee Morning Bingo and Bonus Ball Game Lunch

Tea and Coffee Morning Pool

Tea and Coffee MorningSilver Linx Craft Club AfternoonCards Evening

Tea and Coffee MorningBacon and Sausage Sandwich Lunch

William Tansley Smith House

Coffee Morning Knitting /Craft Afternoon

Entertainment Evenings

There are lots of activities for you to enjoy as you can see below, check scheme noticeboard for details.


Cabinet Member’s SurgeryCabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the Borough so residents in Sheltered accommodation can call in and discuss any issues with him.Delderfield and Poplar Street bungalows do not have communal lounges, however a visit can be arranged if requested. Residents can attend any date or venue. All discussions will be confidential.The next meeting dates are:

Monday 04 April 2016

10am12 noon2pm3.30pm

Cottons Court /FambridgeQueen Street Park LaneGarrick House

Friday 08 April 2016

2.15pm3.45pm

Holsworthy HouseBeehive Court


9.30am11.30am

Bards CourtCharlbury Crescent


9.30am10.45am12 noon

William Tansley SmithRavenscourt GroveDell Court

Friday 29 April 2016

1.30pm3pm

Solar, Serena, Sunrise (SSS)Thomas Sims

Friday 06 May 2016

2.15pm4pm

Royal Jubilee CourtCockerbourne Court

ListingsTea DanceEvery Thursday 1.30 to 3.30pmNew Windmill Hall, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster RM14 2QHMore informationwww.nwhall.org.uk

Techy TeasEvery Thursday 10am to 12 noonNat West Bank, 10 South Street Romford RM1 1RDIf you would like to find out how better to use your mobile phone, laptop or tablet device why not bring it along and join us for a cup of tea or coffee while you learn some new skills.More [email protected]

There are already more than 290 local residents who volunteer at the 10 local libraries and the local studies and family history centre.But we need more, so if you have a couple of hours, please do get in touch. Among the things we are looking for volunteers to do are:

Volunteers needed at local libraries

More information www.havering.gov.uk/LibraryVolunteers

» Promoting books, reading and learning

» Delivering books to residents who are stuck at home

» Running events and activities for children, young people and families

» Offering IT sessions to improve computer and digital skills - from setting up email accounts to ordering shopping online

» Joining our shelving squad

making sure that the books are where our customers need them

» Helping residents explore our local history and archives.

20 |

Voting for London’s Mayor, the GLA and in EU referendum

The Greater London Assembly and Mayor of London elections are on Thursday 5 May and the European Union referendum will be on Thursday 23 June. You need to be on the electoral register to vote. If you are already registered, you don’t need to reapply.

If you need to update your details on the electoral register or if somebody has moved out, you must email the elections team with the details..If you can’t get to the polling station you can choose to vote by post or by proxy, where someone else votes on your behalf.Application forms for postal and proxy vote are available on the elections website.

Deadlines for the Greater London Assembly and Mayor of London elections If you are not already registered to vote, you must apply by Monday 18 April 2016.The deadline for us to receive new postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 19 April 2016.

This is also the deadline for amending or cancelling existing postal and proxy votes.The deadline for us to receive new proxy vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 26 April 2016.

Deadlines for the European Union referendumIf you are not already registered to vote, you must apply by Tuesday 7 June 2016.The deadline for us to receive new postal vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 8 June 2016. This is also the deadline for amending or cancelling existing postal and proxy votes.The deadline for us to receive new proxy vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday 15 June 2016.

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/elections [email protected]

Register to vote at www.gov.uk/registertovote

Des

ign

& P

rint

by L

ondo

n Bo

roug

h of

Hav

erin

g. Jo

b N

o: D

4591

Have your say on three key housing policiesLocal residents, tenants, organisations and other partners are currently being asked to take part in an online consultation survey

about the changes the Council is proposing to make to key housing policies.

The consultation period ends on Monday 4 April 2016 and you can make your views known using the online form.

What we are consulting on? Havering Council is consulting on the following housing policy areas:

» Housing Allocation Policy » Homeless Placement Policy » Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy.

The policies explain how Havering Council intends to allocate homes and ensure the people with the greatest needs are housed.

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/housing

Documents

Sheltered Times issue 8 Spring 2016