Sixty years of wedded bliss

“Plenty of arguments and then enjoy making up” is the recipe for 60 years of enjoyable marriage according to June Morley of Fambridge Court.Commenting after celebrating her Diamond Wedding with husband Bert and friends at a party held in the communal lounge, June Morley said: “We met at a dance at Stoke Newington in 1947 when I was 17 and found we liked the same things, especially dancing, and we’ve been together ever since.“We didn’t get married until

1955, but spent a lot of time together. .“We’ve lived in Havering since 1957, moving to Fambridge Court in 2002, and really enjoy it here.”

Queen’s CongratulationsJune added: “The party was really enjoyable and we got a card from the Queen congratulating us, which was really nice.”When asked what was the secret to 60 successful years of marriage, June chuckled and said: “Plenty of arguments and

News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents ISSUE 6: Autumn 2015

Sheltered Times

Continued on page 4June and Bert with their telegram from HM The Queen

The happy couple on their wedding day

then enjoy making up; we also both like the same things and enjoy each other’s company. We’re always together and never go out on our own.”Bert added: “When I first saw June I admired her as she was a lovely dancer and we’ve been doing ballroom and Latin American dancing together from then until about 11 years ago when we had to give up.“We’ve both had double hip replacements but still like to get out and about.

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Contact details

Ideas for this magazineIf you have ideas for future articles contact Chelsea Potts (pictured) by emailing chelsea.potts@havering.gov.uk

Looking backIf you want to check out a previous issue of Sheltered Times they are now on line at www.havering.gov.uk/shelteredtimes

Housing Services Customer Contact ServiceThe easiest way to contact us is by using www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Anti-Social BehaviourEmail: asb@havering.gov.uk

EmailFor rent queries housingrents@havering.gov.ukTo find out about the Decent Homes programme capitalprojects@havering.gov.uk To get involved www.havering.gov.uk/ask housing

Social MediaFollow us on Twitter @LBofHavering.Facebook – log in and in the search box type: Get involved – Havering Council tenants and leaseholders

Out of hoursIf you have a problem outside normal office hours that can’t wait ring 01708 756699.

Final managers appointed to complete teamSharon Nunn is the new Sheltered Housing Manager and is in charge of the

scheme managers.She has spent seven years as an area manager for a charity which provided supported housing and also worked in Havering Council’s Adult Social Care Team.“I’m really pleased to be working directly with people again and look forward to supporting the managers help residents enjoy as independent a life as possible.”

Nadine Quinlan was previously a Senior Neighbourhood Officer at Havering

Council and will be looking after Beehive Court and Holsworthy House.“I’m looking forward to making these schemes enjoyable places in which to live.”

Ashley Cowlin will be managing Cockabourne Court, Delderfield House and Park Lane.

She previously was manager of sheltered housing schemes in Brentwood.“As a Havering resident I am pleased to be looking after residents in my own Borough, helping to promote independent living and a good quality of life.”

Havering Council produces a monthly Active Living email update for the over 50s full of news and information on events, trips and much more. Sign up for your copy at www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates

In the last issue of Sheltered Times we reported on the first eight managers and here are details of the final three who complete the team

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 3

A day in the life of Gillian Wallis“It’s people that matter most,” is the philosophy that Gillian Wallis brings to her job as scheme manager for Cottons Court, Fambridge Court and Queen Street Villas sheltered housing schemes, and it’s a philosophy that’s put into action every day.With responsibility for residents in 92 flats Gill is kept busy from her start time of 8.30am.Gill said: “I split my time between the three schemes so residents can pop in for a chat or ask any questions they may have. That’s a really important part of my job as many residents live on their own and just need a quick chat with someone about something they are anxious about.“I visit the more vulnerable residents at least once a day to have a chat with them.

Many issues“There’s no such thing as a typical day. One minute I could be sorting out a breakdown in the laundry or the trip switch in a flat and the next I could be helping someone use a computer to claim the benefits they are entitled to receive.“But all the time I’m dealing with real issues; often people just need a little bit of help to boost their confidence and they can then do what needs to be done themselves, supporting such independent living is important.”Gill added: “It’s really easy for people to become

SHOUT Forum representative Sue Attfield helps Gill prepare for the Coffee Club

Gill checks out the apples in the garden

isolated and loneliness can be a big problem for older people so we try to make sure that doesn’t happen. The Tapestry Befriender Scheme has worked really well for some residents, providing someone to one visits and excursions.

New clubs“Social events are important to bring residents together and encourage them to come out of their flats. When I came here there were no activities at Queen Street but good programmes of events at Cottons and Fambridge Court, so I’ve concentrated on starting some activities at Queen Street.“Our Coffee Club on a Tuesday morning is now attracting between 10 and 20 residents each week and the board games on Thursday afternoon is also proving popular.“These are simple things to organise but make a big difference for some residents.

Time with people“There’s some good fun in the job too. We recently picked the plums from the tree in Queen Street Villas garden and enjoyed getting together to eat them. Soon we’ll be picking the apples from our tree which could mean apple pie on the menu at one of our Coffee Club mornings.“That type of activity generates community spirit. I like being able to spend time with individuals and bringing people together as that’s what makes the job worthwhile.”

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Over 50s Forum“We’re both on the Havering Over 50s Forum Executive Committee as we think it’s important to keep that up even though June’s 85 and I’m 89 in December.“We’re still members of the Royal British Legion’s Romford Branch and also sign up for the day trips the council organises for sheltered housing residents.“Since we moved here 13 years ago we’ve made some really good friends and spending time with them is always great fun.”

June had a successful career as a seamstress. As well as making her own wedding dress she made Julie Andrews first wedding dress; a dress for the then Princess Elizabeth when she was bridesmaid at the wedding of Earl Mountbatten‘s daughter, Lady Brabourne; dresses for the late Duchess of Kent and also one of the dresses for Marilyn Monroe, which she wore in The Prince and The Showgirl. In that film Marilyn won the Best Foreign Actress award in The Crystal Star Awards 1959.

June in her wedding dress

The wedding party

June and Bert cutting the cake at their Diamond Wedding party

Continued from page 1

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 5

Facebook for housing newsHavering Council Housing Services has its own page on

Facebook which is used to provide information to tenants and leaseholders, including details of forthcoming events.You can also use the page to

share ideas and views with other tenants and leaseholders.The computers in the communal lounges can be used to access this page so do check it out and click ‘Like’ today.More information www.facebook.com/haveringhousing

Computers are well used

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

Scheme Number of log ins Beehive Court 1197 Charlbury Crescent 1083 Holsworthy House 746 Maygreen Crescent 625 Brunswick Court 592 Cotton and Fambridge Courts 571 William Tansley Smith House 569 Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts 468 Queen Street 424 Garrick House 421 Dell Court 405 Cole Court 392 Lombard Court 311 Bards Court 265 Poplar Street 260 Ravenscourt Grove 241 Thomas Sims Court 231 Royal Jubilee Court 210 Cockabourne Court 120

Investing in webcamsEach sheltered housing scheme should soon have a webcam on one of the computers in the communal lounges so residents can use Skype, or similar programmes, to chat with family or friends.

Keep up to date with the CouncilSome new email updates have been launched to keep you informed of what is happening in your area – so if you want news on Cranham, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Hornchurch, Rainham, Romford or Upminster sign up today.Launching next month is an email update about health issues, covering news from Havering Council, local GPs and hospitals. At the Heart online is a monthly update containing the latest news from Housing Services. Click on the website below and choose the newsletters that interest you.More information www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates

IT Training at Holsworthy House

Robert Salmon at Queen Street Villas computer

6 |

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. Our Handyman Scheme can carry out many repairs 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?

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 7

Direct Debit is best for billsUsing Direct Debit means you don’t have to remember when your Council Tax or rent is

due as the payment is made automatically and for the right amount every month.You can choose whether the payment is made on the 1st or the 15th of each month to suit your financial situation and it’s easy to set up too.All you need is your bank account details and your Council Tax or rent reference number and then contact us and we’ll

do the rest.The Direct Debit will continue until you cancel it, which you can do at any time, and we will tell you of any changes to the payments before they are taken so you know exactly where you stand.And as long as the payments are made you will never get in arrears.So why delay? Check out the website today and sign up to pay by Direct Debit.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/paywww.havering.gov.uk/counciltax

On Thursday 5 May 2016 Havering residents will be voting for a new Mayor of London and Greater London Assembly representatives.Before you can vote you must be on the electoral register. Every property in Havering should have received a Household Enquiry Form, which lists the names of people registered to vote at that address.If you have not already checked, amended if necessary, and returned your form, please do so as soon as possible. This must

be done even if the details are correct.If you don’t return the form reminders will be sent out and election staff may personally visit that property to collect the form.Adding a name to the form DOES NOT add them to the electoral register, that should be done online by each individual living at the address.

More information www.gov.uk/register-to-votewww.havering.gov.uk/elections

More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Warmer days in Park LaneFlats in Park Lane, Havering have recently received new PVCu windows and doors thanks to our window contractor Anglian Building Products. A tenant of Park Lane said “We love our new windows, my flat remains warm all day long and I can look out at of my window without feeling a draught.”Anglian Building Products has replaced the windows and doors to individuals’ flats and communal areas and updated the cladding as part of the Council’s major improvement programme.

Online for Council servicesDuring the next six months an increasing number of services from Havering Council will only be available online.Free training is available for sheltered housing residents wanting to set up their own email accounts and learn how to use the computers for online banking, shopping or accessing Council services.

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SHOUT for YOUR representative

How long do you want your grass?

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:

Bards Court vacantBards Court vacant40 Beehive Court Jeff Haimov47 Beehive Court Joyce Rafis15 Brunswick Court Ann Christian45 Brunswick Court Paul ClarkCockabourne Court vacant58 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 Piller 11 Fambridge Court Bert Morley18 Fambridge Court Jean Freeman7 Garrick House Malcolm Hales29 Garrick House Susan Moore

35 Holsworthy House Stan Tackley29 Maygreen Crescent Sue Hutton35 Maygreen Crescent Mary Cross75 Neave Crescent Bill Brace Park Lane vacant35 Poplar Street Pamela Skipworth41 Poplar Street Daphne Clifford41 Poplar Street John Clifford14 Queen Street Ted Jones90 Queen Street Sue Attfield135 Ravenscourt Grove Lesley Duke109 Ravenscourt Grove Jean Garbett34 Royal Jubilee Court Thomas Walsh39 Royal Jubilee Court Gladys Collier13 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

Making sure the gardens and grounds of sheltered housing schemes look good is important which is why SHOUT Forum representatives have been briefed on three options for the length of grass and frequency of shrub pruning in the new service level agreement.Estate Services Manager, Roy Ojelade, said: “The grounds

maintenance service level agreement is being reviewed and before any changes are made we are asking residents what level of service they would like to see, bearing in mind the different costs involved.“Full details of the options available, including frequency of shrub cutting and emptying of dog waste bins as well as grass cutting standards, will be

circulated to residents who will be asked to choose between three options.”The proposals will go out to consultation with residents in late summer this year with the results then being used to help shape the grounds maintenance service delivered on your estate.”More information www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 9

How long do you want your grass?

Heard at the SHOUT Forum » Consultants are completing a

three-month long review looking at how the Council can meet the future housing needs of older people in the Borough. The recommendations in the report will be discussed at the next SHOUT Forum meeting.

» Work converting existing bedsits at Beehive Court into flats is due to start by the end of the year. Bedsits are hard to let and the new flats should provide much-needed additional sheltered housing for local resiidents.

» If you want to move to a new flat in the same sheltered housing scheme you need to apply in the usual way. Priority will be given to people with medical or mobility needs.

» London Fire Brigade has made it clear that mobility scooters can no longer be stored, or have batteries charged, inside

Roy Ojelade explains the grounds maintenance proposals

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

housing schemes. Scooter sheds have been provided to allow mobility scooters to be kept secure when not in use and to charge batteries at the same time. If you need to use a scooter shed please talk to your scheme manager.

» With more people in sheltered housing getting involved in gardening, Havering Council is offering a free workshop on composting to help turn food and paper waste into useful compost for communal gardens. If you have 10 or

more people interested the workshop will be run at your scheme.

» On average Havering residents throw away around £60 worth of food each month but the Love Food Hate Waste Champions aim to change that. Free workshops explaining how to cut food waste are available to be held at each sheltered housing scheme.

Current service, grass between 40mm and 60mm costs £3.83

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Grass between 60mm and 90mm costs £3.61

Grass between 70mm and 110mm costs £3.52

Costs shown are per week over 48 weeks in any calendar year.

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Spotlight on Ravenscourt GroveHaving your own front door that opens on to a garden not a corridor is what makes Ravenscourt Grove, in Hornchurch, so popular with residents.Eileen Wiltshire, who moved in 19 years ago, said: “This is the best place I’ve ever lived, everyone is so friendly and when you open your front door there’s a garden and footpath rather than a corridor, which is what you often get in other sheltered housing.”That view is echoed by Thelma Lombard, who has also lived at Ravenscourt Grove for 19 years, who said: “I’m very happy here, there are lovely gardens to enjoy and very nice people – I’ve made some very good friends here.”

Helping handOne of the people who helps keep the gardens looking so good is resident, Ivan Dobson. Ivan said: “It’s nice and relaxing to be able to work in the gardens and I enjoy seeing the end result and the pleasure it brings people.”Lillian Webster has lived at Ravenscourt for 31 years, longer than any other resident. She said: “I’ve seen some changes but am comfortable here.”Relative newcomer, Jean Garbett, has only lived at Ravenscourt for 15 years but has the trust of her neighbours, having been elected as one of their two representatives to the SHOUT Forum.

Jean said: “Ravenscourt is great for me, I’m very settled here. The new managers are getting things done and you can see the improvements already.”Jean’s colleague on the SHOUT Forum is Lesley Duke and between them they make sure the views of the residents they represent are heard loud and clear.

Social activitiesThe social scene is good too, with darts every Monday evening and cards on a Thursday evening.Starting this summer is coffee, cake and quiz, a new event which will take place in the communal lounge every Thursday afternoon to get the ‘little grey cells’ working to test general knowledge with friends.Every Friday at 2pm it’s eyes down and look-in at the

Jean Garbett has a chat with Lisa Matthews

One of the murals which brightens up the corridors

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 11

communal lounge when residents gather to play bingo over a cuppa. Calling the numbers with her electronic scoreboard Is Lillian Webster who has been caller for eight years.She said: “People seem to enjoy the bingo as it’s a nice way to end the week.”Ravenscourt Grove has two scheme managers – Lisa Matthews and Denise Smith - who job share and between them, also look after William

Tansley Smith House.Lisa said: “We have 49 flats and three bungalows at Ravenscourt, and it took a little time for the new system to settle in, but all is going well now.“We’ve already managed some improvements in individual flats and also in the communal gardens, which have produced benefits for residents. That’s an important part of our job and we’re pleased it’s working so well.”

Bingo caller Lillian Webster with Eileen Wiltshire, Jean Garbett and Denise Levy

Jean Garbett has a chat with Lisa Matthews

Thelma Lombard in the laundry

Ivan Dobson tends one of the hanging baskets in the gardens

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Party to meet the new neighbours

Pets welcome herePets can make great companions, which is why residents in Havering Council’s sheltered accommodation can have a cat or dog to keep them company.Tenancy agreements allow residents in sheltered housing to have one pet, but please make sure they don’t cause a nuisance to other residents.Maureen Goodey, and her cat

Tiggy, recently moved into the new bungalows at Vaudeville Close, next to Garrick House in Hornchurch.Maureen Said: “We’re both really happy here. Tiggy is often bringing home voles and field mice which we let loose in the garden, hoping they don’t get caught again.”Garrick House Manager, Andra Ramsay, added: “Maureen knows that it’s only one pet per flat but we haven’t taught Tiggy that yet so she keeps bringing home her own pets which we have to release so they can go their own homes.”If you want more information please contact your scheme manager.

Nominate your neighbourIf your neighbours go that extra mile to give you a helping hand you still have time to nominate them for the Havering Council Housing Services Good Neighbour Awards 2015.The help they give could be to individuals or to the wider community. It can be from doing your shopping to maintaining a housing scheme’s communal garden – the list is endless.To make your nomination complete the form on the website to let us know who you think should win.Closing date is Wednesday 30 September. More information www.havering.gov.uk/GoodNeighbourAward

Moving into a new home is always stressful but the residents of the nine new bungalows at Vaudeville Close soon found they had great neighbours at a special party thrown in their honour.The bungalows were built next to Garrick House so residents looking to move from a large council house would have somewhere suitable for them.Garrick House manager, Andra Ramsay, said: “We decided it would be a good idea to hold a ‘get to know your neighbour’ party so the residents from the

nine new bungalows (pictured) could meet Garrick House residents and make some new friends. “We provided a buffet and one of our residents, Matthew Hales,

spent the afternoon in the kitchen making sure the tea and coffee flowed.“Everyone had a great afternoon and our new neighbours were made very welcome.”

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 13

Time for a cuppa and a chat

A nice cuppa and a regular friendly chat at home or on the phone can make all the difference when you live on your own.

Regular visitsTapestry’s befrienders are volunteers who will visit you at home or phone you on a regular basis.

If you are a Havering resident, live on your own and are aged over 60, or you care for someone who fits the bill, please do contact us. They’ll call in for a chat to make sure befriending is right for you. If it is, they’ll get the ball rolling. If one of Tapestry’s other services might be better, they’ll recommend something more suitable.Use the service in confidence: all befrienders are specially trained and criminal record

checked to ensure the safety of everyone they visit.

Friendly encouragementTapestry’s befrienders are great at inspiring confidence and independence where it’s helpful. They can also offer basic advice on things like local services and help with day to day matters too.For anything else they might need, like someone to accompany them to appointments or look after their home or personal care needs,

other services are available, so talk to Tapestry.

More informationwww.tapestry-uk.org “I really enjoy visiting my client, he loves his music and we talk about the good old days. He has a wonderful sense of humour.” A befriender.

“I really enjoy being a befriender. I like to lift people’s spirits and listen to their stories.” A befriender.

“I am now enjoying going to the club and meeting other people. Thanks to my befriender, who encouraged me to take the first step.” A service user.

“I look forward to my befriender coming each week, we have a good laugh. She’s fantastic. Thank you.” A service user.

The Tapestry Befriending Team - Pat Mattock, Brian Reeves, Mel Dukelow and Ranmal Burkmar

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Silver Sunday is an annual day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK. Held on the first Sunday in October it celebrates the value and knowledge older people contribute to our communities, while bringing people together to combat loneliness and isolation.This year Silver Sunday takes place on 4 October. The week before Havering Council is planning a programme of popular events, so reserve your place soon using the Ask Housing form online.Current plans are:Monday 28 September Charlbury Crescent, Harold Hill 1pm – 2.30pm The Great Havering Bake OffBake your best cakes and bring them along for the judges to

Havering’s Silver Weekexamine and see if your sheltered housing scheme’s entries win the prize (A Cup Cake perhaps?). After the judging enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea while chatting with fellow bakers.

Tuesday 29 September Hacton Lane Hall Hornchurch 1pm – 2.30pm Countdown for HaveringYou’ve seen the popular word and number game on TV and now it’s your chance to get a team together to test your word and number knowledge. Prizes are there for the winning team. Coffee and tea will be available but bring your own nibbles.

Wednesday 30 September Dell Court, Hornchurch 1pm start Film afternoon Blue Hawaii, starring Elvis Presley.Popcorn and ice creams will be available.

Thursday 1 October Pool Tournament Details to follow but start practising now.

Friday 2 October Hacton Lane Hall, Hornchurch 1pm – 2.30pm Tea Party Buffet lunch, entertainment and a free raffle.More details will be announced as they become available.

More informationwww.havering.gov.uk/askhousing www.silversunday.org.uk

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 15

Sizzling good funThe summer may not have been as sunny as we wanted but there was still plenty of good barbecue weather.Each cluster of sheltered housing schemes had chefs Mark and David cook up a barbecue feast for residents to enjoy.SHOUT Forum Chairman, Paul Clark, said: “The barbecues were a great way to bring residents from different sheltered housing schemes together so they could make new friends and enjoy some great food.“Bringing together people from different schemes is important so ideas can be shared.

“Our thanks go to the team which organised these barbecues and to Mark and David for doing all the cooking.”

SHOUT Forum chairman, Paul Clark (in check shirt) joined residents at William Tansley Smith House for their barbecue

A shady corner at Bards Court helped these residents enjoy the barbecue away from the hot sun

Salads and sausages galore at Serena, Solar, and Sunrise Court

Chefs Mark and David with another satisfied customer at Bards Court barbecue

Ready, steady, cook – chefs Mark and David get ready for another barbecue

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New panel helps make wishes come true

Dave King, a Charlbury Crescent resident, planting, runner beans with Layla Hicks,the grand-daughter of fellow resident Rosie George

Great grandsons of long term resident Betty Dean, Lennie Milton-White, Harley Bristow and George Milton-White at Charlbury Crescent’s Jaws ‘n’ Claws afternoon

When Renee Smith, of Park Lane, heard that friend and neighbour Minnie Jennings had never had a birthday cake and was approaching her 80th birthday, she decided it was time for a party. Friends and neighbours organised the party and Minnie was able to blow candles out on a birthday cake for the first time in her life. That’s what friends are for

A new panel of tenants has helped decide how £40,000 will be spent on the 19 sheltered schemes run by Havering Council.

The SHOUT Committee met recently and recommended to the Cabinet Member for Housing that a number of projects be approved to start soon.Community Services Manager, Marina Crofts, said: “Our environmental improvements budget is much smaller this year and the panel has worked hard to spread the money across as many schemes as possible, while still allowing worthwhile projects to go ahead and getting good value for money.“It will take some time for all the projects to be completed but work on the projects should

begin this summer and all should be finished by March.”

Fencing and netsAt Beehive Court renewing fencing, installing handrails and buying some cushions got the green light, while at Brunswick Court new net curtains and work on the pond and installing an external hose for the garden were agreed.Security lights, work on the patio and new net curtains have been approved for Charlbury Crescent and patio work and new net curtains were agreed for Cole Court.

Washing machinesNew washing machines and pictures are to be installed at Cottons Court and Fambridge Court. Dell Court will get some new taps while improved parking and a new cooker were

agreed for Garrick House.Approval was given to a new patio area at Holsworthy House, new pictures at Queen Street Villas and pond improvements and new shrubs at Ravenscourt Grove.At Royal Jubilee Court approval has been given for repainting walls and a new door mat. Sunrise Court will get some new pictures and have the mound in the grounds flattened which will also happen at Thomas Simms Court where residents will also benefit from new curtains in communal areas and maintenance of the lift.Residents at William Tansley Smith House will have a fire installed in the lounge, walls painted and new pictures.

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 17

Egg-heads battle it out

It was a battle of the egg heads as teams from different sheltered housing schemes across Havering took part in the Quiz of the Year.Quizzers from different schemes joined forces to form four teams to represent their respected sheltered residences in a battle over four intense quizzing rounds: » Lucky People (Bards Court

and Brunswick Court) » Micks Marauders

(Thomas Sims Court) » The Intellectuals (William

Tansley Smith, Cottons Court and Fambridge Court)

» The Ravens (Ravenscourt Grove)

After answering questions that called on knowledge of a wide variety of topics including geography, movies and punk rock .two teams – The Intellectuals and The Ravens were tied for first place.But it was The Intellectuals that won the two Marks and Spencer luxury hampers,

donated by CUBE, as they knew that 17 was the answer to the tie-break question – How many UK number ones did The Beatles have?The Ravens won the consolation prize of two bottles of wine, donated by Trident.Dorothy Coote, Len Male and Pearl Morris won the raffle prizes which had been donated by contractors CUBE, Trident and Breyer Group.

Some of the questions(answers at foot of page)

1. In which bay is Alcatraz?2. How many Carry On films

were made?3. Who had a Heart of Glass

in 1979?)

Raffle prize winner Dorothy Coote from Thomas Sims Courtbridge Court

The joint team from Cottons Court and Fambridge Court with their prizes

1. San Farncisco Bay2. 29 between 1958 and 1979

3. Blondie

Answers

Doing the Lambeth Walk at Charlbury Crescent’s popular Cockney Night

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Activities for you to enjoyScheme Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Bards Court Coffee Morning, Afternoon Tea and Darts

Coffee Morning.Club 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 LunchBingo Evening

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 Darts Afternoon Keep Fit AfternoonFambridge Court Activities Club

Afternoon Bingo Evening

Pool Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening

Pool

Garrick House Bingo Afternoon Line Dancing Afternoon

Bingo Afternoon Tea and Cake Afternoon

Bingo Afternoon

Holsworthy House Coffee Morning Bingo 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 Coffee, cake and quiz Afternoon Cards Evening

Bingo Afternoon

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 in each of the Sheltered Housing Schemes as you can see below:

Sheltered Housing , Issue 6 | 19

Special Events Cabinet Member’s SurgeryDuring 2015 Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Damian White, is holding regular surgeries across the Borough so Council tenants can call in and discuss housing issues with himThe surgeries are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and any tenants are welcome to come along. All discussions will be confidential.The next meeting dates are:

Friday 25 September 4pm to 6pm

98A Macon Way Cranham RM14 1NY

Friday 23 October 4pm to 6pm

Hacton Hall, Haydock Close Hornchurch RM12 6EA

Friday 20 November 4pm to 6pm

Highfield – room next to Highfield Towers, Hillrise RoadCollier Row RM5 3DQ

Holsworthy HouseTuesday 15 September Afternoon Quiz

Lombard CourtTuesday 22 September Afternoon Quiz

Poplar StreetTuesday 22 September Afternoon Quiz

Ravenscourt GroveMonday 28 September Afternoon Quiz

Royal Jubilee CourtTuesday 8 December London’s Christmas Lights tour

Thomas Sims Court

Tuesday 8 September Trip to BroadstairsSaturday 7 November Fireworks PartyMonday 14 December London’s Christmas Lights tour

William Tansley Smith House

Thursday 17 September Afternoon Quiz

Tea DanceEvery Thursday 1.30pm 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 1RDActive Living 50+ is working in partnership with Nat West Romford Town Branch to deliver FREE Techy Tea sessions. If 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 information:kim@haveringcab. org.uk

Silver Sunday Sunday 4 OctoberWhy not organise a special event to mark Silver Sunday?More informationwww.silversunday.org.uk

Care Act financial changes delayedThe Government has postponed phase two of the Care Act until 2020. The changes, which were due to be introduced in April 2016, planned to cap the amount people pay for their care and give more people help with their care bills Havering has London’s oldest population and this decision has implications for anyone planning for their future care needs - or for those who unexpectedly find themselves having to pay for social care.

More information www.havering.gov.uk/careact

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Pond dipping with a differenceSitting alongside a pond, watching the fish is a relaxing way of spending a summer afternoon but those ponds need maintaining.And one afternoon recently saw a team of willing volunteers join Ravenscourt Grove manager, Lisa Matthews and her colleague Andra Ramsay, in their wellies and rubber gloves to clear out the over-grown pond at Ravenscourt Grove in Hornchurch.

Lisa said: “The plants in the water had started taking over the whole pond so we needed to take drastic action.“A lot of them were cut back and taken out to give the fish more room in which to swim as well as giving us room to put some more water plants in.“It took the six of us the full afternoon to complete the job but it looks a lot better now and is being enjoyed much more by the residents.”

Denise Levy and Andra Ramsay in their wellies clear the plants

Paul Clark, Lisa Matthews, Thelma Lombard and Steve Davies clear the plants removed from the pond.

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The cleared pond is heaven for the fish