Autumn 2011 - Broadland Housing Association

doortodoorBroadland Housing Association Tenants Magazine Autumn 2011Serving the needs of our neighbourhoodsGardeningCompetition 2011The WinnersRevealed!New Competitions!Win:• High Street Vouchers• Colouring Sets• PrizesLook out forthis icon insideTenants ConferenceAutumn Gardeners Corner‘Cars 2’ at DerehamStrictly Ballroom at St KathsCustomer Services: 0303 303 0003www.broadlandhousing.org100% recycledPlease recycleafter use

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineContents4. Around the HousesTenants Conference12 Broadland MeridianTraining newsWe were recently joined by over 200 tenants forour 5th Annual Tenants Conference.Summer Cinema EventWith over 90 people in attendance, we had a fullhouse all keen to see Disney Pixar’s latest release‘Cars 2’ in Dereham.6. Glittering at St Katherine’sNews on delivering I.T. training to Sheltered andHousing with Care tenants across the Countyand your chance to tailor your learning.14 Gardening CompetitionAll the winners revealed!Residents in Kings Lynn were recently visited byveteran Ballroom Dancing Star, Dame PeggySpencer for a Reminiscence event.7 Involvement ZoneGetting involvedResidents Participationupdate, news on AreaForums, White Rose FunDay, Rural Housing Week inWorlingham, TenantScrutiny Meet the Panel,Get a share in your futurefor just £1!11 Your Green SpaceEnvironmental Champions at the TenantsConference, our first Swishing event and yourchance to win high street vouchers by receivingDoor to Door by email.16 Gardeners’ CornerThoughts on the Gardening Competition,information on Houseleeks and Autumn planting.18 Customer Services UpdateNew Kitchen Supplier selected and our RepairsService comes in house. Are you ready for thedigital switchover?20 Housing MattersOur new look Tenancy Support Service, a furtherinsight into tackling Anti Social Behaviour anddetails of the Broadland Housing GroupInformation Charter.2 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 201122 SeniorTenants’NewsUpdate on the SeniorTenants Forum, Fetesand Open Days galoreand dancing at LisbonCourt.24 Around the HousesCaro Court openedHello from the Editorial TeamWelcome to the Autumn Edition of Door to Door! Thisissue sees winners of the 2011 Garden Competitionrevealed. We report on our latest tenants conferenceand all our summer programme of events, including avery special guest at St Katherine’s Court in KingsLynn and some tropical visitors to Worlingham,Beccles. There are some great Autumn gardeningideas in Gardeners’ Corner and we introduce our newlook, Tenancy Support Service (page 20).Caroline Pickering, former Chair of BroadlandHousing, officially opens ‘Caro Court’ plus aCedar's resident receives a national honour.25 Around the HousesStaff going the extra mileRace for Life and Oxfam supported by our staff.26 Colouring Competition!Colour in the Autumn picture for yourchance to win a colouring set.27 PuzzlesWordsearch and Sudoku!Complete the wordsearch and return to us foryour chance to win a £10 shopping voucher, plusanother Sudoku puzzle, just for fun!28 Residents’ AreaFilm and Video game reviews, win prizes, a recipefor autumn and more of Heather's Top Tips.29 Our PerformanceWe report on your service satisfaction.To contribute in any edition of Door to Door,call 01603 750208, email communications@broadlandgroup.org or send any photos or articlesto: Communications, Broadland Housing FreepostRRBC-GYGZ-XYEE, NCFC, Jarrold Stand, CarrowRoad, Norwich, NR1 1HUEditorial Panel: Chris Andrews, Sarah Mortimer, SarahCook, Moll Robb, Heather Angell, Ian Robertson, BobPatel, Rebecca King.Contributors: Heather Angell, Shane Smith, JamesBacon, Gemma Renaud, Rachel Parke, MaddyJohannas, Kim Maylon, Celia Norris, Albert Mallet,Antony Hedges, Nick Bunn, Kate Fielder, Roger Steele,Sidney Goodman, Christine White, Florence John, KevinBailey.www.broadlandhousing.orgCustomer Service: 0303 303 0003Out of hours emergency repairs: 0303 303 0003(press option 1)Head Office: NCFC, Jarrold Stand, Carrow Road,Norwich, NR1 1HU.Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 6pm.Friday 8.30am - 5pm.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 3

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineAround the Houses – Tenants ConferenceTenants ConferenceWe held our 5th Annual Tenants Conference in July this year, whichwas at Dunston Hall for the second year running.As always with this event, the sun wasshining and it was a fantastic recordturn out, with over 200 tenants joiningus in the marquee.Following a slightly revised format fromprevious years all presentations tookplace from the front stage and tenantswere then given the opportunity toshare their views on the informationprovided through the use of ‘WhoWants to a Millionaire’ style interactivevoting handsets, with the resultsinstantly projected onto the screensand sparking further discussion.This year’s presentations focusedaround ‘Local Offers’ and ‘Repairs andMaintenance’. ‘Local Offers’ are a newinitiative designed to give tenants agreater level of choice. Our proposalsreceived a positive response at theconference and we havesubsequently sent out a survey tocapture the views of all tenants(more on this to follow).Activities were laid on for tenants’children, who seemed to enjoythemselves and there were also anumber of exhibition stands, givingtenants the chance to speak directlywith representatives from all of ourfrontline service teams.Prize Draw winner, Mavis Green picturedwith Director of Training andEmployment, Dave GoodaChildrenenjoying theactivitiesBroadland staff tasked with being our‘Environmental Champions’, had theirown stand at the conference (see YourGreen Space onpage 11 for aspecial report) andthe recently formedTenant ScrutinyPanel were alsothere to talk totenants about thework they areinvolved with andgain a greaterunderstanding ofthe issues othertenants would likethem to investigate.Three lucky tenantswere delighted toscoop High Street Vouchers in ourFree Prize Draw, with Jane Simpson,Mavis Green and Joan Butler, winning£100, £50 and £25 respectively.We also have an Eco Kettle sitting inthe office, which was an unclaimedprize in the Environmental Championsraffle. If you won the kettle, but forgotto collect it on the day, please get intouch!Iris Skeggs of Samford Court, Beccleswas announced as the winner of thisyear’s Good Neighbour Competition.Nominated by her neighbour, JoanPage 4 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Around the Houses – DerehamSummer Cinema EventGood Neighbour Winner Iris Skeggs,pictured with her neighbour Joan WattsWatts, who said “Iris, gives her teaevery day, her family regularly take herout on trips and are even taking heraway with them on holiday. She is justso kind!”.Unfortunately Iris couldn’t be there onthe day to receive her prize so wemade a special trip out to SamfordCourt the following week to presenther with her flowers and vouchers.A big thank you to everyone that camealong and helped to make it such agreat day and extra special thanks toall of our sponsors, who’s generousdonations enabled us to put on afantastic event for our tenants.With the sun shining, we set off to Dereham for our summercinema event. With over 90 people in attendance, we had a fullhouse all keen to see Disney Pixar’s latest release ‘Cars 2’.Congratulations to Michael Breezewho won 4 free cinema tickets aftercorrectly answering our film quizcompetition.With the original ‘Cars’ movie provingsuch a hit, we were all hoping that thesecond instalment would be just asgood. We weren’t disappointed!! Theoriginal cast returned along with a fewnew members all ready to helpLightning McQueen to win the WorldGrand Prix.We’ve included a few pictures fromthe day on this page, but please visitour Facebook page to view all thepictures from the event and watchsome of our younger residents sharetheir views on the film.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 5

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineAround the Houses – St Katherine’s, King’s LynnDame Peggy SpencerGlitters at St Katherine’sSt Katherine’s Court residents in King’s Lynn were recently visited byveteran Ballroom Dancing Star, Dame Peggy Spencer for aReminiscence event.Dame Peggy Spencer’s dancing careerhas spanned many years, she washugely involved in TV’s now popular‘Strictly Come Dancing’s’ predecessor‘Come Dancing’, which ran for 50years. Such is her prestige in thedancing world, Peggy was asked to bea presenter on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’when the series was first developed,but turned it down.At St Katherine’s, Dame Peggyentertained the residents with stories ofher long and varied career in danceand television and brought a selectionof photos and memorabilia from hercareer to share with residents, amongstwhich was her personal copy of thefamous ‘This is Your Life’ red book.Dame Peggy was presented the bookby Michael Aspel in 1993, and said shewas “absolutely stunned” whenMichael put the book in front of her,she truly had no idea that she was tostar in the show and that so many ofher family, friends and colleagues, whowere there on the night, were able tokeep the secret from her.Residents were also told about the daywhen she was sitting in her office andreceived a phone call out of the bluefrom Paul McCartney of the Beatles,who were then at the height of theirfame. He asked her to, “Bring him 100couples” the following day to perform aroutine to a waltz he had written for the‘Magical Mystery Tour’ film. He alsotold her, “I want you to teach TheBeatles to dance”. Dame Peggy wenton to explain to the residents how threecoaches arrived to transport thedancers to a remotehanger in Kent, but muchto her dismay, when theyarrived, lead Beatle, Paulplayed the music he hadcomposed, and it was nota waltz melody at all andshe had to completely rechoreographthe wholeroutine! Although therewere a few more hiccups,including the main giant,white, winding staircasefor the routine having no back to it(which resulted in an overnight delay)and the Beatles spending much of thefilming ‘in meditation’, the end resultwas spectacular and appeared in thefinal version of the ‘Magical MysteryTour’ film.Residents were also treated to abeautiful demonstration of dancingtechniques by local dancers Edwardand Anne. Dame Peggy gave tips oncorrect dancing technique and what tolook out for when watching ‘StrictlyCome Dancing’, echoing some of herfriend, ‘Strictly’ judge, Len Goodman’sfrequent comments; backs straight,elbows level, good body contact!The residents presented Dame Peggywith a floral bouquet and St Katherine’sresident, Frank Cotton, also presentedher with a framed sketch he had drawnespecially for the occasion. DamePeggy, now in her 90’s, is still asglamorousas ever, andcontinuesto teachdancing inKings Lynn.6 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Involvement Zone working together to make positive changes!Resident Participation Update!The last few months have been very busy and it has been great toget out in the good weather and see some of you at the variousevents we have held including the Tenants Conference, forummeetings and the annual Gardening Competition.We have held a number of Fun Daysand barbecues at various schemesacross the county during the summerbreak including an event at SamfordCourt and the Carlford and Blythingscheme in Worlingham whichcelebrated Rural Housing week.These events are a great opportunityfor you to come and meet Broaldandstaff and also chat to neighbours andYoung residents at BloomsburyClose Fun Daypeople living in your area that youmay not have much opportunity tointeract with. They are also anopportunity for you to give yourfeedback on the services we provideand suggest improvements for thingsyou would like to see in your area.Cinema events continue to be verypopular and during August we heldour second cinema event inDereham, which was very wellattended and we were able to gainsome valuable feedback on theservices that are provided to you.The photos and videos of theseevents are posted on facebook andwe now have over 280 likes for ourFacebook page. Our Facebook pageis now a popular way of peopleproviding feedback informally and weencourage more people to join to bekept up to date on news and eventshappening within Broadland HousingGroup.We have continued with our weeklyprogramme of Broadland on Tour andour timetable for the Autumn can befound on the next page. These visitsare well received by the tenants that wespeak to and again, this is anopportunity for you to meet withBroadland Housing and BroadlandMeridian staff to discuss things to dowith your property and area.We have continued to support theService Charge Project Group inreviewing all service charges within theorganisation. The group are currentlyreviewing the Grounds MaintenanceService. They have been out on visitswith operatives and will be makingrecommendations on improvements. Ifyou would like further information or areinterested in joining the Service ChargeFocus Group, please get in touch onthe details below.Seven tenant representatives, alongwith the Resident Participation Teamattended the annual TPAS Conferencein July which was held in Birmingham.This was a great opportunity to attendworkshops of good examples inresident involvement and bring theseexamples back to Broadland. It alsoallowed us to meet tenants and officersfrom other housing providers and buildvaluable contacts to share ideas andknowledge with.The Readers Panel have reviewed thenew Residents Association user guidewhich will soon be ready fordistribution. The feedback given wasbeneficial in ensuring the guide wasclear and easy to use. Further readerspanel consultations will be going out inthe next few weeks. If you would like togive your feedback to literature prior toit being published, please get in touchand we will add you to the mailing list.If you would like to get involved there are many ways tocontact us. You can email the Resident Involvement Team:tp@broadlandhousing.org, telephone Sarah on 01603 750236or Bob on 01603 750295, text us on 07808 329118 or get intouch through the Broadland Housing Facebook Page.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 7

Involvement Zone working together to make positive changes!Date Time SchemeBroadland on TourOur Broadland on Tour Programme has been running for one year now and gives us a great opportunity to speak toyou face to face, on your door step. The next programme of Broadland on Tour visits is detailed below. We write to alltenants in the local area in advance of each visit, however if you’re not around, or your area is not listed below and youwould like us to visit soon, call the Customer Services Team on 0303 303 0003 to arrange a visit from yourNeighbourhood Officer. Look out for the Broadland Bus in your area and come out to say hello!6th October 10.00am - 12:30pm The Gatehouse & Ramillies Close, Lynn Court,Dairy House & Dairy Crescent19th October 2.30pm - 4.30pm Cobbs Place, Coniston Square, Swirles Place,Swirles Buildings27th October 10:30am - 12:30pm The Towers, Sweden Place and Parsons Close8th November 2.00pm - 4.00pm Crown House, High Street, Tennyson Road, Gorse GreenFir Lane, Lawson Road, Norwich Road,Stanford Street, Walton Road17th November 10:30am - 1:00pm Beverley Close & Lamble Close, Mildenhall,Herringswell Road24th November 2.00pm - 4.00pm Ravenwood Mews, Lucerne Close8th December 10:30am - 12:30pm Pleasance Close, Turbus Road, Lavendar Close& Leonard RoadWhite Rose Fun DayThe residents of White Rose Close,Marlpit Lane and Tremaine Closewere invited to our Fun Day on 9thAugust 2011. Members of theHousing Team, Resident Participationand Income Team were there to offeradvice as well as members ofBroadland Meridian to speak toresidents about getting into work andvolunteer opportunities.The event was a great success withlots of families joining in and playingfootball, cricket and parachutegames as well as face painting. Oneof the highlights for many of thechildren, and adults alike, was thefree ice cream provided.However, the event was alsodesigned to carry out consultationwith residents and we gained a lot ofvaluable feedback. A number ofissues and concerns were raised andthe Neighbourhood Officer hascontacted all residents with resultsfrom the consultation. It was great tosee so many people attend, to gainpositive feedback and to addressfeedback from residents.8 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Rural Housing Weekin WorlinghamEarlier in the summer we held two linked events in Worlingham, nearBeccles, to celebrate The National Housing Federations (NHF) RuralHousing Week. The events gave us an ideal opportunity to engage withlocal residents, bring different community groups together and alsohighlight to local councillors and MPs the importance of socialhousing in rural communities such as Worlingham.The first stop for afternoontea, coffee, cakes andgames was our SamfordCourt, Sheltered Housingcomplex. We then moved thefun over to Carlford andBlything Court where weplayed outdoor games,enjoyed an ice cream andwelcomed Zootastic (amobile zoo offering residentsthe chance to pet many animalsfrom cute and cuddly rabbits toslippery snakes and creepy crawlies).As you can see from the pictures theresidents were quite taken with theanimals and one young boy inparticular got close up to a ratherlarge bunny rabbit.We continue to review forummeetings. We have seen a drop inattendance at these quarterlymeetings and in the East and Westareas, in consultation with thetenants in the area a decision wasmade that due to the lack ofattendance, we would no longer holdthe forum and instead look atalternatives to gain feedback fromthose living in the local area.We have seen an increasedattendance at the EstateManagement Forum and the firstsubject chosen for discussion wasCar Parking problems. We wouldwelcome new attendees to jointhis meeting and would also behappy to raise any concerns on yourbehalf, please get in touch with us ifyou would like to attend or have anyissues to raise.Forum Date: Repairs, Maintenanceand Renewals Forum –Wednesday 14th December at11am in The Boardroom, CarrowRoad, NorwichContact us on 0303 303 0003 • 9

Tenant ScrutinyMeet the PanelHello, My name is Christine White and I am amember of the newly appointed Scrutiny Panelfor Broadland Housing. Some of you may haveseen or spoken to me at the latest TenantsConference where we had a stand and weregiving out flyers.I have been a tenant of Broadland since 1991, and havealways considered them to be a very fair landlord andeasy to communicate with if there have been anyproblems. I am also a member of the Vision Club, andwhen the opportunity came along to do something else Ithought why not!I have been a Trustee of the Mental Health Charity (ESAN)since about 1997 and owing to reduced funding andsome deterioration in my own health, I will be steppingdown when the charity merges later this year. I thought itwas a good time to try something new, another challenge,and an opportunity to give something back.Most of my life I have been unable to work due tosuffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (diagnosed some 40years ago). After a breakdown myself, some 17 yearsago, I pursued an interest in mental health and havemanaged to put my secretarial skills to good use andlearn to use computers at the local College. I am amember of ‘Feedback’ in Lowestoft, and have produceda magazine for ESAN called ‘The Balance’ for the last 6years, which I enjoy very much.My only daughter married in 2000 and I have two lovelygrandsons aged six and nine years who I see regularlyand enjoy playing games with, and we have all holidayedtogether on many occasions. I am a Christian and helprun a club for 8-12 year olds at my church, and am ahouse group leader. In any spare time I enjoy brainpuzzles like Soduko, crosswords, playing Upwords andbelong to Lowestoft Scrabble Club.“I hope I will have theopportunity of meetingsome new faces at futureevents and that we mayhave more new recruitsfor the Scrutiny Panel inthe future.”Get asharein yourfuture forjust £1!£1As a shareholder of BroadlandHousing Group you will be able toinfluence how Broadland HousingAssociation is governed by attendingthe Annual General Meetings (AGM).At these meetings shareholders:• Meet directors and staff and talk about what isimportant to tenants.• Find out about the progress the Association ismaking.• Help shape future development.You will get to vote on any changes to our constitutionand get to hear about the direction and financialperformance of the business straight from “the horse’smouth”.Most years we also have a ‘symposium’ for allshareholders at which current topics of interest arediscussed.Shareholding is important to usbecause it helps us keep in goodcontact with the people living in thecommunities we serve. Help us furtherimprove the services you receive.Interested? Then please contact SarahButcher (Business Support Manager)on 01603 750 246 or emailsarah.butcher@broadlandgroup.orgfor an application form.10 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Environmental Championsat the Tenant ConferenceThis year, at the Tenants Conference,we had our first environmentalchampions display stand detailing whowe are and what we do. We had avariety of literature detailing ways andmeans of improving energy efficiency inthe home and saving money.These were popular and disappearedquickly as did the small pots withsunflower seeds which provedparticularly popular with the children.Another give away that disappearedpromptly were packets of seeds, bothflowers and vegetables that had beendonated to us by Notcutts.We received a number of queries fromtenants who were interested inimproving their environment and wewere able to point them in the directionof the EnvironmentalImprovement Grant.These grants areavailable for tenantsto apply for help toimprove their schemearea. This could beby installing betterlighting or security, putting in raised bedsto grow vegetables, or perhapsredeveloping communal areas. To findout more you can phone 0303 3030003 or by accessingwww.broadlandhousing then clicking onpublications, tenant leaflets,environmental improvement grant.In the court yard between the marqueeand the entrance to the hotel LisaStubbs had a collection of small plants,soil and pots which were provided toenable tenants to choose a few plantsto pot up and take away with them.Those of us on the stand enjoyed theoccasion and were delighted with thelevel of interest tenants showed forenvironmental issues, with sometenants already giving thought to waysthey may be able to improve theirscheme and by doing so, cut energycosts and their carbon footprint.SwishingEarlier this summer Broadland’sEnvironmental Champions held theirfirst Swish! You may or may not know,but fashion has a huge impact on theEnvironment, particularly the disposal ofunwanted clothing which goes tolandfill. Some of you may already beeco-conscious about how you dispose of your unwanted clothing by taking itto a Charity Shop to be bought by someone else or donated to a clothingbank to be re-cycled. But for those of you who would like to get somethingback from your unwanted clothes, then Swishing is the answer!It is a way for you to refresh your wardrobe with clothes, shoes, accessoriesand sealed toiletries and has been developed as a way to counteract theimpact fashion has on the environment. The Art of Swishing involves gettingyour friends and/or colleagues together to swap gorgeous clothes and partyat the same time. We all bring nice, clean, presentable clothes that are lurkingunloved in our wardrobe, and other people fall in love with them and givethem a good home. You might bring one sweater and take a pair of shoes, orhang a party frock on the Swishing Rail and take a pair of skinny jeans.This is exactly what staff at Carrow Road did and nearly all of us came awaywith a ‘new to us’ item, as can be seen from the photos. We are hoping toroll out Swishing to some of our Housing Schemes across the county in thefuture, so watch this space for a Swishing Event near you!Switch to receivingDoor to Door byemail for your chanceto win £25!Eden Kidane from Norwichdid and was the winner of ourSummer Draw.Email communications@broadlandgroup.org and you could get yourhands on £25 in high streetshopping vouchers, whilst doingyour bit for theenvironment andhelping us to saveresources.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 11

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineBroadland Meridian, delivering I.T.Training on tenants doorstepsOver recent months we have been delivering I.T. training to Broadland tenants at Sheltered / Housingwith Care Schemes across the county and would like to share our experiences with you.We ran a six week computer course for the residents ofBenjamin Court, Cromer and received a very warmwelcome and not to mention a few surprises. Wediscovered a budding poet, a really enthusiasticLeft: Doris Brown with her new poetry book.Above: Sue and Kirsty from Broadland Meridian with theirBenjamin Court class.autobiographer and a gentleman who now usesfacebook on a regular basis. One of our students atGreat Yarmouth then went on to recreate thehandwritten poetry book as a keepsake for the poet.Above: The Class of Samford Court. Right: Woodcote’s ITclass.Samford Court, Worlingham residents were just aswelcoming and enthusiastic during their IT sessions.On the Certificate Presentation Day residents said theyfound the course; ‘Very helpful, I have learnt a lot’, ‘Iunderstand what my grandchildren are on about now’ ,‘Absolutely brilliant’ and ‘It will really help when I get acomputer of my own’.Samford Court residents were offered a further trainingsession which went down the route of ‘Reminiscence’.The subject on this occasion was shopping. We alllearnt something that day and the interaction betweenresidents and staff was very encouraging and, ofcourse, fun. We are pleased to report that it went sowell that we have, on request, booked another sessionfor September.We have also been delivering UKOnline and basic IT atWoodcote, in Hethersett. The reception received fromthe residents has, once again, been tremendous. Themajority of students areworking their waythrough learning howto send and receiveemails and have theiremail addresses forfamily and friends atthe ready.Residents across theregion are embracingIT and the benefitsthey are getting fromit are veryencouraging for usas a team.12 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011I.T. Learning in Great Yarmouth – Tailored for you!Kessingland tenant, Mark Railton was considering getting a computer of his own but realised he knewabsolutely nothing about them, so he decided to go along with his neighbour to a Broadland MeridianI.T. course at our Great Yarmouth office.He chatted with the trainer so they could establishexactly what he wanted to learn and started out bylearning the basic functions of the keyboard and mouse,before going on to look at searching the internet andusing Google.Mark said “The courses are totally tailored to what youwant to learn. You can start with the absolute basics tosee if it’s for you and then get them to change yourindividual programme to exactly what you want to learn.They are there with advice and support whenever youneed it, but equally, you can be left to discover things foryourself and progress at your own pace. It really is aseasy as telling the Meridian staff, what you want to getout of the course and they will help you achieve it. Iwould encourage more residents to give it a go!We caught up with Mark following the course and he ishoping that Santa will bring him a computer of his own!“The courses are totally tailoredto what you want to learn”Broadland Meridian run individually tailored I.T.courses at all our offices across the region. Ifyou would like to find out more, call us on0300 111 1450.Work experience withBroadland MeridianMy name is Sidney Goodman and I am at the Ormiston VentureAcademy. I have been placed with Broadland Meridian for mywork experience.On the Monday I met Sue whohelped me get settled in and gaveme some work to do. I completedthe U.K. Online courses and thenhelped Sue with a project onreminiscence that is being run at aSheltered Housing Complex. Icreated a quiz and a catchphrasecompetition on old time advertsgoing back to the 1960’s. I tookpart with Mr Ives in a digitalchampion course, which we bothpassed, meaning we are nowregistered volunteers to helpanyone who wants to learnabout basic computer skills, fromturning it on, to using emails. I haveworked with Amy on reception tocreate posters for future events,including the tea and coffee morningfor residents.I have also worked a little atRecycle PC which is a charity thatfixes up old donated computers.They are fixed up and given topeople who have no computers orany way of using the internet. Ihelped fix a computer tower to bedonated next week to an elderlygentleman. On my final day I createdposters for a game night at asheltered housing scheme. I haveenjoyed my week a lot. I haverefreshed my skills in typing,became a digital champion andhave found a charity to help people.THANK YOU everybody who hasmade this week enjoyable for me!By Sidney GoodmanContact us on 0303 303 0003 • 13

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineGardeningCompetition 2011WinnersRevealed!Mr Bridges, Watlington –Best Garden WinnerMr Twaites, Dereham –Best Vegetable WinnerMr Warrington, Norwich –Best Courtyard Winner14 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011The overall standard of all this year’s entries were extremely high. We haveseen a notable increase of vegetable growers and as a result, the judgesdecided to add a new category for Best Vegetable Garden.A great deal of interest and enthusiasm for gardening was displayed by allentrants and the level of commitment and hardwork that had gone into eachgarden was clear for the judges to see.With the new edition to Door to Door of a regular gardening feature, we hopethat even more of you will be encouraged to enter next year’s competition.The Cedars, Norwich –Best Community GardenThe gardens at The Cedars this yearwere immaculate and on showing usround, Iris Grout (pictured below) kneweverything there was to know abouteveryone’s plot, which was a greatdemonstration of the community spiritamong the gardeners at the scheme.Mrs Scott-Mathieson, Norwich –Best BalconyIn addition to the standard categories we also awardedMrs Elsie Paton at York Place in Dereham with aspecial award for ‘Best Innovation of Space’ and the‘Best Newcomer’ crown went to Mr and Mrs Brownof Leonard Close, Kings Lynn.St Katherine’s Court in Kings Lynn came a closesecond in the Community Garden category and onlearning that one resident in particular, Frank Cotton,(pictured below) had been single handedly caring forthe gardens of many of his neighbours, who were nolonger able to tend to them, themselves, we decided torecognise Frank with a special award of ‘CommunityGardener of the Year’.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 15

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineGardeners’ CornerThoughts on the Gardening CompetitionI would like to congratulate everyonewho took part in this years gardencompetition. The two days that Ispent on the judging panel were twoof the most life enhancing days that Ihave spent in a long time. I was trulyimpressed by the efforts of everyonewho participated and in most casesjudging was very difficult due to theoverall high quality of everything thatwe saw. From the largest scheme,through medium and small gardens,to balconies and window boxes thecare and love for plants was alwaysevident. For size and variety of plantsthe schemes were outstanding butjust as impressive were individualwindow boxes brightening up anotherwise bare exterior, or a lonegarden bright with colour, shape andtexture standing out from itsneighbours, catching the eye andHouseleeksI get obsessionsfrom time to timeabout a particularplant. This yearit’s beenhouseleeks orchicken andhens as they arealso called. TheLatin name forthese fleshydrought tolerantsucculents isSempervivum.The commonest speciesSempervivum tectorum has largefleshy rosettes with purple tips. Oftenconsidered the poor man’s alpineand often excluded from alpinegardens, considered to be dull anduninteresting. This has changed withthe vast increase of hybrids theenlivening the entire area.Not only was I extremely impressedby the quality of the gardening butalso by the attention to the widerenvironment which was evidentthroughout nearly all entries. Areasset aside for wildlife, insect attractingplants, bird feeders and tables, waterbutts collecting rain water andcompost bins were to be seen innearly all the gardens and speaksvolumes about the greater concernsfor the environment that sustains usall. It was so good to see just howenvironmentally aware most of thegardeners were. It is quite possible tohave beautiful gardens without athought for the wider environment thefact that so many of you are aware ofthe issues and actively doingsomething about it within yourgardens is very impressive. Pleasecolours range across greens, redsand yellows. At their best in springand summer most hold good colourinto the winter.Houseleeks cultivated in the 18thcentury in France were planted onroofs by order of the emperor. Thebelief was that they warded off evil,storm and lightning damage. Thispractice continues today on the roofsof alpine villages. The commonhouseleek Sempervivum tectorum isoften seen on roofs in this country.Sempervivum comes from the Latinsimper always and vivo alive referringto their capacity to survive. Tectorummeans of roofs.These tough plants love an opensunny position with very gooddrainage found in harsh mountainconditions. They hate shady placesespecially if rain drips on them fromover head branches.I grow mine in a variety of pots andkeep it up. Keepgardening, it canbe infectious,maybe it will ruboff on a neighbourand then anotherand soon,instead of onegarden standing,out there will bea whole row of life enhancing,beautiful gardens for everyone in theneighbourhood to enjoy.This was my first year as a judge onthe Broadland GardeningCompetition and I want to thankeveryone who participated for makingit such an enjoyable and memorableday.Roger Steele,Broadland Meridian.containers. You can be creative inyour choice. Old buckets, wateringcans, an old sink, I have someplanted in an old oven tray and drainpipe stood on end even an old metaltea pot. This year I want to build alog store and plant a houseleek roofon it. They can be on their own or bemixed with other alpines.Houseleeks can be grown from seedand you will get great variation incolours. The easiest method toincrease plants is by separating theyoung rosettes from the parent plant.During the summer remove theyoung plant take off any bits of theattached stem. A few roots may havealready formed, gently push therosette in the compost and it willquickly root.Even if you only have a small spacetry and pot one of these easy togrow plants, who knows it maybecome an obsession.16 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Season of mellow fruitfulnessTo Autumn by John KeatsSeason of mists and mellow fruitfulness,Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;Conspiring with him how to load and blessWith fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;To bend with apples the moss`d cottage trees,And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shellsWith a sweet kernel; to set budding more,And still more, later flowers for the bees,Until they think warm day will never cease,For summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.Helenium Autumnal, Liquidambar,Sedum Spectabile and Rudbeckia.Autumn 2011Keats captures the feelings of autumnjust as a painter would paint anautumn scene. Late summer slipstowards autumn, colours are changingand the garden slows down.This is not the end of the gardeningyear, just a change of gardeningseason. Gardeners are alwaysplanning, harvesting crops preparingfor winter and spring. With all thisplanning and preparation don’t forgetto stop, slow down and considerautumn.Harmony is the heart of the autumngarden. The shades of tawny rust, therich dark reds and earth browns.Burned orange, radiant yellows andgold, the colours of autumn sunsets,are brought into the garden.If your garden lacks the autumnal feel,now is a good time to prepare for nextautumn. Look at the gaps in thegarden can you fill this space withplants that colour the shortening days.If no space is available think aboutautumn containers or baskets, potsdon’t have to be just for summer.Plants that are their best in autumn;The maples, Acer palmatum and Acercircinatum gives brilliant yellow, gold,orange and reds. Liquidambar thesweet gum tree is at its very best inautumn with crimson foliage and thecorky bark through the winter. Crabapples offer excellent autumn colour,Malus ‘John Downie’ with large brightorange red fruits and Malus ‘GoldenHornet’ with bright yellow fruits thatlook amazing in autumn sunlight and‘Red Sentinel’ with large clusters ofred fruit holding on the tree throughautumn and winter.For berries the well testedContonesters give berries of red, goldorange and yellow. If you like rosesextend their season by using Rosamoysesii ‘Geranium’ with brilliantgeranium-red hips.For climbers the Virginia creeperParthenocissus quinquefolia famousfor its brilliant autumn show is hard tobeat.Perennials that look good include thesneezewort Helenium autumnal whichgives late summer and early autumnthe basic source of reds and yellows.The crocosmias arching flower stalksof orange and reds which areoutstanding as the sun goes down inthe evening. A plant I always associatewith late summer, early autumn isRudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldstrum’ calledthe cone flower because of its darkcone borne in the middle of goldenyellow petals.A good combination for late seasonperennials is ornamental grasses thesestay throughout the winter not beingcut back until spring. The autumncolours of grasses are limited coloursof fawn, sand, and biscuit. These actas a perfect foil to the autumn coloursof perennial flowers and changingcolours of the leaves of trees andshrubs. Good grasses are Stipaarundinacea which has warm tints ofits drying foliage. Miscanthus, whoseleaves turn a lovely biscuit colour asthe seasonprogresses.Panicumvirgatum a wonderfulgrass with leaves gradually taking onreddish autumn hints.Besides adding beauty to the autumngarden the addition of autumnflowering plants will greatly benefitinsect life, particularly those butterfliesthat hibernate over winter in their adultform. The late feed of nectar istherefore very important for suchspecies as red admirals, peacocks,brimstones, commas and smalltortoiseshells all of which do hibernateas adult butterflies. The flower headsof Sedum spectabile are particularlypopular with butterflies and as theseason progresses the plant turns alovely rust colour and stays up throughthe winter looking amazing with froston the spent flower heads. At anytime of the year, if you are planting toencourage beneficial insects into thegarden, remember that plants withsingle blossoms are best. Insects oftencannot extract nectar from the denserflower heads of double blossoms.Another way to benefit insects is toleave your perennials standing, prunethem in early spring instead of autumnor winter. Many insects will over winter,in one form or another, until the spring;leaving your perennials provides themwith sites to survive the winter monthsin. Wherever your garden, don’tdismiss autumn, plant a little season ofmellow fruitfulness.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 17

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineCustomer Services updateNew Kitchen SupplierTo ensure that any new kitchen fitted in your home is of the best possible standard we can offer, werecently invited several kitchen manufacturers to our offices to present their kitchen products and takequestions regarding the service they were able to provide.Tenant Representatives from the Repairs and Maintenance Forumlooked specifically at the following areas:• Customer Choice• Surveys• 3D Planning• After Service• Delivery and AvailabilityKey staff members looked at the above and also:• Overall Service• Value for Money• Reliability of Delivery• Variation• Aids and Adaptations• RecyclingAll attendees whether they were customers, staff or contractors completed a questionnaire following thepresentations to determine what people’s thoughts were regarding the service which could be provided.The results were very evenly matched; however the overall successful provider was Symphony Kitchens who couldprovide an overall excellent service including recycling and many options with regards to Aids and Adaptations.Special thanks to the kitchen manufacturers and to all the customers who attended, for their valued input into theconsultation.Are you ready for theDigital Switchover?We have included with this edition of Door to Door an information leafletregarding the Digital Switchover. Tenants living in Kings Lynn and North Norfolkhave already switched but for the rest of our customers covered by theTacolneston transmitter then switchover is taking place on November 9thand 23rd.If you do not currently view your television programmes through Sky, VirginMedia or FreeSat, then you will need to retune your equipment on both ofthese dates.Please refer to the leaflet to check how you will be affected and contact us orDigital UK if you have any queries. If you do not currently have digitalequipment in place you may be entitled to a free upgrade through the ‘DigitalHelp Scheme’, please refer to the leaflet for further information.18 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Bringing our repairservice in-houseRepairs to Broadland Housing properties are an important aspectof our landlord function. To help us improve this service, we haverecently brought the Mears workforce from our existingMaintenance partner, in house.This will help us in a number of ways. Most importantly our Repairs andMaintenance colleagues are the face of Broadland and come into contactwith more tenants than any other Broadland employee.In our last tenant survey, three quarters of you indicated that our repairsservice is one of the most important services we provide you. We decidedthat our repairs colleagues need to feel truly part of Broadland to aid us inimproving the service we offer.We also wanted to ensure that our workforce was not adversely affectedby the retendering of contracts. This is always an unsettling time and isdue in July 2012 so now we will only be retendering the managementcontract and therefore frontline performance should not be affected.Finally, we need to ensure an effective and cost efficient service so that wecan continue to invest in all of ourproperties. Therefore, the team havemoved into our existing BroadlandHousing head office at Carrow Road,greatly reducing the overheads of therepairs function and greatly improvingcommunications as those schedulingthe repairs works now sit side byside with our Customer ServicesTeam.Did you know..To assist the team with theirknowledge of your homes and localarea, each team member visits atleast one scheme every month!Did you know..All members of the team arespending time with otherdepartments. Whether this beGrounds Maintenance, ourNeighbourhood Team or IncomeTeam to name a few! This helpsus to answer more of your queriesfirst hand without having to keepyou on hold, or pass your querieson, something we all hate!Local OffersSurveyOver the summer all tenants receiveda brief survey to capture your views onhow you would like to be contactedand our proposals for the possibility ofextended opening hours. We are stillcollating all of the feedback beforereaching our final decision and we willupdate you further in the next editionof Door to Door.Thank you to everyone who tookpart in the survey. The winner ofthe £50 High Street Voucher wasMr De’ath in Hickling.Nick’s NewsIn the coming weeks you may receive a letter from Anglian Water withregards to taking responsibility for the maintenance of some extra pipesoutside your property. If you have any concerns or questions with regardsto this, please contact Anglia Water on 08457 145 145. However thisdoes not come into effect until 2013.Just a reminder! With the colder weather aroundthe corner, it may be a good idea to try yourheating to make sure everything works OK.Reporting any faults early will give us moretime to carry out any necessary servicingbefore it gets too cold. If you do switch yourheating on and find any problems, give us acall and we’ll arrange for someone to comeout to you.OurCallStatsCalls received - 4701Average time to answer call- 21 seconds% calls answered - 96%Call Volume by type:Repairs (1st)Rent or HB query (2nd)Anti Social Behaviour (3rd)44Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 19

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineHousing MattersBroadland Support ServiceThe Tenancy Support Service was introduced in October 2001after research highlighted that a number of our customerstenancies were failing because they lacked basic lifestyle skillsand experience. These issues covered areas such as payment ofhousehold bills, knowledge of utilities required to sustain a homeand basic form filling.From the 19 September 2011, we arechanging how we provide support toour customers.The generic support service willbecome an intensive service, workingone-on-one with customers and theirfamilies to address multiple issuesincluding debt management, neglect ofproperties, customers experiencingMental Health issues, drug and alcoholmisuse and behavioural issues.The Intensive Support Co-ordinators,as they will be known, will use anassertive and persistent style ofworking to challenge and supportproblem families. They will work toaddress the root causes of customersissues or behaviours and unlike manysupport projects, which provide shortterm support, the intensive supportservice will work with customers andtheir families until they are able tomanage their daily lives.The way the intensive service will dothis is as follows:• Work with the most challengingtenancies. Individuals/families whoare in crisis and who are at risk ofenforcement action and will often befacing the risk of losing their homeas a result of their behaviour.• A ‘twin track’ of enforcement andsupport. Changing the behaviour isnot always a question of offeringeither support or enforcement inisolation. The success of this servicewill be to systematically linkenforcement and support to providefamilies with the motivation andopportunities to change. The servicewill provide intensive, structuredsupport, ensuring that families getthe support from both mainstreamand specialist services which hasoften been lacking. However, thissupport is conditional on familiesaccepting responsibility fortheir own actions,engaging with the serviceand changing theirbehaviour.• Take a whole familyapproach. Traditionalservice delivery oftenfocuses on individualsand can be ineffective intackling the underlyingissues within familieswhich may be causingdifficulties and undermining thesupport offered. The IntensiveSupport Co-ordinators will work withall members of the family that needsupport.• Co-ordinating theindividual/family. Some of theindividual/families who will besupported will already be known toand working with services but havenot been forced to engageeffectively or change theirunacceptable behaviour. TheIntensive Support Co-ordinators willuse a persistent and assertiveworking style to ensureindividuals/families stick to theagreed contract and changebehaviour. For exampleindividuals/families may need regularprompting, even collection, toensure that they attendappointments with service providers.• Co-ordinating other agencies.Individuals/Families working with theservice may well be engaged with awide range of services. All can playan important role but this can createconfusion and opportunities forindividuals/families to play agenciesoff against each other rather thanchange their behaviour.The Intensive Support Co-ordinatorswill ensure that all appropriateinformation is shared, that the rightresources are committed, that allagencies attend relevant meetingsand that where families do not cooperate,appropriate sanctions areput in place.The Intensive Support Service hasbeen based on the family interventionmodel which has been usedsuccessfully across the country toreduce anti social behaviour. Ourservice will not purely focus on antisocialbehaviour and can be used bysingle persons or families.Alongside the intensive support, otherBroadland support staff will be offeringservices to customers who do notneed such intensive support. These willbe tailored support packages rangingfrom specialist debt advice, housingadvice, information advice andguidance and training and support.Where we are unable to help directly,we will look to sign-post customers toa range of statutory and non statutorysupport services, ensuring thatcustomers get the support they need.If you feel that you need any support tomanage your daily life or tenancy,please contact our Customer ServiceTeam or your local NeighbourhoodHousing Team for further details.20 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Insight: Anti-Social BehaviourWe know that how we tackle Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) is an area ofgreat interest and concern for manyresidents. Tackling ASB is always atop priority for our NeighbourhoodTeams and we will always carry out afull investigation of any reportedinstances. To demonstrate some ofthe actions we can take to preventASB, we thought we would sharesome real life case studies of recentcases we have been working on. Forlegal reasons all names and locationshave been omitted.Criminal damage, football andabusive languageIn the summer we were receivingcomplaints from residents at one ofour schemes involving a young personcausing criminal damage, playingfootball (with the ball hitting theneighbouring windows), using foul andabusive language, shouting andthrowing large stones.Complaints were received from severalresidents, who felt they were beingtargeted by the individual, leavingthem feeling afraid and uncertainabout where they live.We contacted the tenant about thebehaviour of their child, which theywere unaware of, agreeing to discussthis with their child, with a view tomoderating their behaviour.The young person’s parent alsodecided that it would be beneficial forthem to visit our offices, and for us toIn order to provide you with the bestpossible service, it is necessary for usto collect and store personalinformation about you. This charter setsout how we will look after thatinformation.When we ask for personalinformation we will• Make sure you know why we need it• Ask only for what we need, and notto collect too much or irrelevantinformation• Keep your information secure andexplain the impact their behaviour washaving on other residents. After initialdiscussions the young person wasextremely apologetic and remorsefulover their actions and asked for help inmoderating their behaviour.After meeting with the NeighbourhoodOfficer several times, it was agreedthat a Common AssessmentFramework (CAF) may be beneficial forthis young person and their family toformulate a plan of support that theywere in control of.The CAF was put together and whilstnormally a young person’s schoolwould be involved, it was felt theschool were not best placed in thiscase, due to the young person’s age.However, it was suggested that thelocal Youth Inclusion Support Panel(YISP) would be more appropriate andmay be able to help prevent the youngperson from becoming involved in thejustice system and so a referral wasmade.To date we have received no furthercomplaints from residents involvingthis young person and to ensure thatthe change in behaviour is sustainablethe Neighbourhood Officer is in regularcontact with the family, reassuringthem of the positive changes.Acceptable Behaviour ContractsFollowing complaints from residents inGreat Yarmouth about youths causingmild, but persistent nuisance, webegan working in partnership with thedelete it when we no longer need it• Let you know if we need to share itwith other organisations to give youbetter public services• Make sure you know if you have achoice about giving us theinformationIn return, we ask you to• Give us accurate information• Tell us as soon as possible of anychanges• Tell us as soon as possible if youAutumn 2011local safer neighbourhood policingteam to look at ways of addressingthese issues.It was quickly established a number ofthe young people were children livingin our homes, which meant that wecould look at making directinterventions. Joint visits werearranged with the police team todiscuss with families the reportedcomplaints and make them aware thattheir children had been identified asbeing involved.Acceptable Behaviour Contract’s(ABC) were then offered to the parentsand young persons as a way ofmoderating their behaviour. An ABC isa formal agreement between thelandlord, police and parents settingout ground rules for how the youngperson should behave. These are for a6 month period and reviewed regularlyduring this time.All families involved agreed to the ABCand to date the young people havekept to the agreement and neither thepolice nor ourselves have received anyfurther complaints.Whilst ABC’s are usually used foryoung people, we have beensuccessful in using them with adults toalso moderate their behaviour over asustained period. They are one of themany tools available to us whenworking with residents to resolve Anti-Social Behaviour.Broadland Housing Group Information Charternotice mistakes in the informationwe hold about youYou can ask us for further details on• Any agreements we have with otherorganisations for sharing information• When we might be required to passon information without telling you, forexample to prevent and detect crime• Our instructions to staff on propercollection, use and deletion of yourpersonal information• How we check the accuracy of theinformation we hold on you.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 21

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineSenior Tenants’ NewsUpdate on the Senior Tenants ForumThe forum was delighted to host another Senior Tenants event inSeptember once again at The Elms. This was a fantastic opportunityfor residents from different older person’s schemes to meet, mingleand learn about what goes on at other schemes.The event featured a hog roast, live jazz band, garden games and eachsheltered scheme had their own stand displaying crafts and pictures of recentactivities they had been involved with.Forum members have been discussing what topics they would like toinvestigate on behalf of residents over the next 12 months. After muchdeliberation about current issues your representatives at the forum havedecided to tackle the following topics:• Laundry service facilities at each scheme• Scooter storage and charging facilities at each scheme• Understanding Broadland Housing’s financial information• Energy efficiency – what Broadland are doing and howpeople can use energy more effectivelyWatch this space as the forumwill be reporting back theirfindings but in the meanwhile ifyou’d like to discuss anythingwith a forum member or yourscheme representative pleaseget in touch.Next Senior TenantsForum – Thursday 8thDecember at 11.30am atThe Elms, NorwichCelebrating Older Persons – Open DayIn celebration of Older Persons Day 2011, Dell Rose Court,Housing with Care Scheme in Norwich will be hosting anOpen Day from 10 -12 and 2 – 4pm on Thursday 6thOctober.Visitors will have the opportunity to take a look around and chat tostaff to find out exactly what housing with care is all about.If you are interested in finding out more about housing with care eitherfor yourself or another family member, then please call SchemeManager, Marie Quantrill on 01603 457868 to find out more about theevent.Broadland Housing are the largest provider of Housing withCare in Norfolk and have 8 schemes across the county. Call0303 303 0003 for further information.22 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Dancing at Lisbon CourtAn afternoon tea dance was recently held at Lisbon Court in KingsLynn where residents were treated to a ballroom dancingdemonstration from the Gaywood & District Ballroom & SequenceDance Club, who even brought their own DJ with them.After the professionals showed everyone how it was done, residents andstaff then got to have a go themselves. Dancing is proven to be a great wayto keep the mind and body active.Residents from nearby St. Katherine’s Court were also in attendance, alongwith residents and staff of other local housing schemes. Everyone involvedreally enjoyed the event and they would like to make it a regular feature oftheir activities programme.St Kath’sAnnual FeteSt Katherine’s Court in Kings Lynn,held another highly successfulsummer fete. There were stalls sellingbric a brac, books, music, cakes andclothes. There was also a tombola,raffle and games area with hooplaand carpet golf.Social Club and Tenant AssociationSecretary, Frank Cotton, said‘Thanks to the team effort ofresidents, relatives, friends and staffwe had a great afternoon and raisedsome muchneeded fundsfor ourChristmaslunch andentertainment.’Young Thomas Wallace, delighted withhis tombola prizeWoodcote Open DayEarlier this summer, Woodcote in Hethersett held its first OpenDay. There were many different stalls and games in the Lounge, a50/50 Auction and a very special guestspeaker, Paralympics shot putt athleteDanny Nobbs, who is a gold ambassadorfor disability sport in Norfolk and is tipped torepresent Britain in London 2012.The Open Day was held in conjunction with theHethersett OlympicWeekend held on the adjoining recreationground. Tremendous effort was put in by theresidents resulting in an amazing £502.13being raised for the Memorial Playing FieldTrust whose committee is responsible for thefield which was given to the people ofHethersett many years ago.The photo shows a delighted Mr RichardHeadicar who won the Guess the Number ofSweets in the Jar game.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 23

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineAround the Houses – Norwich‘Caro Court’ Officially OpenedOn Wednesday 31 August, Caroline Pickering, former Chair ofBroadland Housing, officially opened ‘Caro Court’, a new £5.8mBroadland Housing development in the heart of Norwich, providing amuch needed boost to the city’s affordable housing market.Featuring 49 modern and stylishapartments, Caro Court has 20‘social rented’ properties and 29‘Intermediate Rent’ properties –which lets residents rent a home for80% of its open market rent level,allowing them to save the 20%discount on rent towards a depositto purchase a property.Speaking at the unveiling of thecommemorative plaque by MrsPickering, Michael Newey, GroupChief Executive of BroadlandHousing said, “We’re delighted towelcome back Caroline to officiallyopen Caro Court. Caroline wasinstrumental in the property’sdevelopment and without her hardwork, dedication and enthusiasm theproject would never have got off theground so it only seems fitting thatthe development is named after her.”A barbeque for local residentsfollowed the official openingceremony and a consultation washeld to gauge residents views on thepotential landscaping of the site.If you are interested in a potentialmove to an Intermediate Rentproperty in the future you can findout more by visitingwww.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk, orcall Orbit First Step, the HomeBuyAgent for Norfolk and Suffolk on03458 50 20 50. You must have ajoint income of under £60,000 to beeligible.Around the Houses – NorwichCedars resident receives national honourIt’s not every day you get invited to visit Downing Street but that isjust what happened to one resident of The Cedars in Norwich.John Palmer has worked as a volunteer for the British Heart Foundation(BHF) for the past 18 years. As a reward for his dedicated service, Johnwas honoured as the charity’s national retail volunteer of the year,receiving an award from the Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron inDowning Street.“I am delighted to have been given such a prestigious title as there are somany worthy volunteers who give their time to the BHF. It has beenrewarding work and I have enjoyed the last 18 years.”“I have made some wonderful friends and have so many lovelymemories.”Known as ‘Steaming John’ because of his skills at steaming clothesready for sale, John is regularly asked to help open new stores in theregion, making sure the clothes look immaculate.Debbie Gill, Norwich Shop Manager of the BHF, said: “I am delightedthat we can recognise John’s commitment to the BHF. John is very dedicated tomaking things happen. John definitely always goes the extra mile.” Well done John!24 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Around the Houses – NorwichBroadland Staff going theextra mile for charityRace for LifeEarlier this year The Broadland Babes, along with some of theirfriends and family ran, jogged and walked distances of 5 and 10kilometres to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Some of ushave been taking part in the event for a number of years and forothers this was their first time, we all have our own reasons fortaking part and raising money for this brilliant charity that fundsresearch into the prevention and treatment of all forms of cancer.SponsoredBike RideThe girls weren’t the only onesdoing their bit for charity, when ateam of cyclists (of varyingabilities) set off from our CarrowRoad office at 8am on a ratherwet and dreary August day toembark on a 50 mile bike ride inaid of The East Africa Appealthrough Oxfam.This year in particular the Broadland Babes ran,jogged and walked in memory of our muchmissed friend and colleague Sheila Carr who losther own battle with cancer in February of thisyear. Sheila had worked at Broadland Housingsince 1995 as our Refreshments Co-ordinator,but to us, her colleagues, she was always ourTea Lady. Sheila had an amazing memory forremembering what you drank and never ceasedto amaze even occasional visitors when sheremembered what their orders were. Sheila wasalso a friend to many in the organisation andalways had time to see how you were and lendan ear if needed.Between us, we all ran, jogged and walked an amazing 100 kilometres andraised an incredible £1971.36! We would like to thank all those who donatedand supported us. In memory of Sheila.The ‘Broadland Bikers’ as they’recollectively known, survived torrentialrain, two punctures, a lot of sweat(and in some cases tears) tosuccessfully complete the 50 miletrip, arriving back at HQ around 1pm.On their return to Carrow Roadmembers of staff rushed out on tothe car park with hot sugared drinksand emergency blankets, as some ofthe crazy bikers were feeling theeffects of the persistent rain.A big well done from all the staff hereand thanks to everyone for theirsupport. They have raised over £700so far and donations are still floodingin. If you would like to make a pledgeto this excellent cause please visithttp://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/broadlandbikers.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 25

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineKids Corner - Autumn Colouring CompetitionWell done to Samira Mirza, age 7, fromNorwich and Ella Bramble, age 3, fromHindolveston. Both were winners of ourSummer Colouring Competition. BeatriceNaylor-Bower, age 6 from Norwich came a closesecond and we also received a drawing from her 4 yearold brother, Sebastian, along with a letter from their mum,which read “Sebastian was so upset that there wasn’t oneWinners pictured left to right Samira and Ella.for him as well that he drew his ownversion, coloured it and insists that itbe entered also. He hopes the judgeswill like it!” We were sufficiently movedto send them a colouring set to share.For your chance to win colour in thepicture of the Squirrel and send to usat the address below by Friday 28thOctober, stating your name, ageand address.As before; we will pick winners for 5 years and under, and6 and over, both will win a colouring set and get theirpictures in the next edition of Door to Door.Colouring Competition, FREEPOST RRBC-GYGZ-XYEE, Broadland Housing Association, NCFC JarroldStand, Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1HU26 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Puzzle PageWordsearchWinnerCongratulations to Mrs DeannaBaker from Hethersett for thewinning entry in our BeachWordsearch Competition.For your chance to wina £10 gift voucher, findand circle all of thehidden words in theAutumn Wordsearchbelow and send it to us at theaddress below, along with yourname and address.Wordsearch Competition,FREEPOST RRBC-GYGZ-XYEE,Broadland Housing Association,NCFC Jarrold Stand, CarrowRoad, Norwich, NR1 1HUAll entries to be returned byFriday 28th October.Puzzle - Autumn WordsearchR B N E D E R N R T F O C S DE N O N O A I E I I R H C S TP R O N I T B S R K E E O R TM O R N F M O E L S P S E D SU C F N E I W E T N S M R S EJ A U V E O R N R E C A U O VY Y O O R R U E N O H D V P RL N I K I T H L N C N A F L AL S S U S T U K R I M Y R E HO T Q W A F E O W E G L O A NO S R E T R O T F D B H S V TW T W I M T D E I T S O T E CA E U H A L L O W E E N T S IJ R W E L L I N G T O N S C YF A P P L E S R F F C O S E OLEAVESTREESWINDRAINWELLINGTONSOCTOBERNOVEMBERWOOLLYJUMPERHALLOWEENBONFIRENIGHTFIREWORKSPUMPKINCONKERACORNHARVESTSQUIRRELORCHARDAPPLESCHESTNUTSFROSTFRUITFULNESSWEATHERMore Sudoku -Just for fun!Lots of you said you enjoy filling in theSudoku Puzzle, so here’s another one.You don’t need to send these in, they are justfor fun! If you have any comments about themagazine, or have something you would like usto include, please write to the communicationsteam at the address above, or emailcommunications@broadlandhousing.org2 871 6 5 24 7 9 6 32934 851 36 89 8 13 6 4 55Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 27

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineResidents AreaIn this issue we’ve got some more top tips, a film review of the much anticipated final instalment ofHarry Potter by Shane Smith and our very first video game review! If you’ve got something to share withfellow residents, why not send it in to us, using the contact details on page 3. Who knows, if we publishit, you might even win a prize!Portal 2 on PS3My partner and I recently rentedthe PS3 game, Portal 2. I foundthis to be an interesting gamewhich I have never come acrossbefore. The idea is to passthrough various ‘rooms’ usingportals to transfer yourselfaround. There are differentstages in the game where youuse different techniquesalongside the portals. Forexample, there is a mass and velocity stage, where you have toincorporate your knowledge of mass and velocity, with the idea ofusing portals. I have currently only played it in split-screen cooperationmode, but I found it very enjoyable and also challenging.It’s a good way to engage with your gaming partner, as you don’t just sitand play against each other like in many other games, but you have towork together, challenging your teamwork skills as well as working yourmind to fathom out how to complete ‘the room’.The graphics of the game are fantastic, very clear images. My only issue isthat, on my TV screen, the writing that explains what to do is very smalland I can’t read it without going up to the TV. However, my TV is quitesmall and therefore I think this game may be best played on a larger TV. Mypartner and I don’t fully understand some of the controls yet, but that maybe partly because the game we rented came without the user guide.Overall, I think the game is very well designed and thought out, and thoughit can be addictive and challenging at times, I find I am very pleased withmyself and my partner when we finally solve a ‘room’.We are considering purchasing the game in the near future so we cancomplete it.I hope you find my entry interesting.Gemma Renaud, NorwichWe certainly did find Gemma’s review interesting. So much so,that we called her up to offer to buy it for her as a thank you forthe review, but she had already bought it, so we sent her somevouchers towards her next purchase.Would you like to review a CD, book, game or film for Door toDoor? Send your reviews to the Communications Team, usingthe details on page 3.Heather’sTop Tips• Carry your keys and phone in asecure pocket, in case your bagis lost or stolen.• Are you moving? Make a list ofeveryone who needs to beinformed and start the list earlybecause there will always bemore to add.• For a moist fruit cake with extraflavour, grate a cooking appleinto the mixture.• When arranging flowers withsoft stems, make a hole for thestem in the oasis with a knittingneedle.• To get rid of garlic breath, chewsome parsley.• Collect seed from flowers, readyfor next years sowing.Win Prizes forsharing yourpoint of viewWhy not review a film,book, CD, computergame or a gig you’verecently been to, andsend it to us (contactdetails page 3). If we likeit enough to publish it wewill reward your effortswith an appropriategift voucher,depending onwhat yourreview is about.28 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Harry Potter andthe Deathly Hallows(Part Two)THIS IS IT. THIS IS THE END. THIS IS WAR!!Starting off within minutes of the Part One ending, the finalinstalment of the most successful film franchise ever, sees Harry,Ron and Hermione searching for the final horcrux in order todefeat Voldermort, thus releasing Harry from the torment he hassuffered since he was a small boy arriving at the gates ofHogwarts.I don’t want to give too much away in case any of you haven’t read thebooks, but I insist that as a reader YOU MUST.You will relate to the torment and heartbreak that the characters in thismovie feel at times and the sheer spectacle of the fighting scenes will stunyou. The violence in the film is quite tame compared to most movies thesedays (it is aimed at children so do not expect any gore or horror).Described by Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) as a war movie in itself, you willbe amazed at the scenes in which Hogwarts is almost destroyed byVoldermort and the Death Eaters (yes that’s right, ALMOST destroyed). Thewitches and wizards fighting to the death (in some cases) defending theschool and the students giving their all in defence.I will tell you there are a lot of deaths in this film. Not as many as there werein the book, but there are some pivotal characters in this film that bite thedust in quite a spectacular way.One of my mostFAVOURITE scenes in theentire movie is the fightbetween Molly Weasleyand Bellatrix Lestrange. It’sshort. It’s STUNNING, andit ROCKS!As a fan of the completeseries of books andmovies, by the time youread this it will hopefully beout on DVD. If it is, don’trent it. BUY IT. It really isessential viewing and Irecommend it to all HPfans who have yet to seeit. (I very much doubtthere are many of themwho haven’t to behonest).Enjoy. 10/10.Recipe CardAutumn HashIngredients1 small squash, 1 large sweetpotato, a swede, peeled andchopped into medium sizedchunkshalf tsp ground cumin or mild currypowder1 pint chicken stock6 rashers of smoked bacon,(chopped small)6 large mushrooms chopped1 small to medium onion, choppedA clove of garlic, choppedKnob of butter or splash of oilFinely chopped chives, parsley,rosemary, and thymeSalt and pepper to tasteDirections:Add your squash, sweet potato,swede, seasoning and stock, bringto a boil covered. Cook for about10-15 minutes or until allvegetables are just tender, strainand set aside.Brown your bacon on high forabout 5-7 minutes or until edgesstart to get nice and crispy. Turn toMed-High and add your onionsand mushrooms. Saute for about5-10 minutes or until onions startto caramelise and turn translucent.Add the garlic, butter, chives,parsley, rosemary and thyme.Saute for about 2-3 minutes totoast garlic and infuse herbs.Add drained vegetables andsquash. Mix until completelycombined. Let cook for about 2minutes and then turn withspatula, repeat 2 or 3 times untilyou get nice brown crusty bitsthroughout the hash.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 29

Door to Door - Broadland Housing Association Tenants MagazineHow are we performing?All figures quoted on this page are based on the service satisfaction forms youreturn to us and in this case, relate to the period of (1 April 2011 – 30 June 2011).Your views are very important to us and we know that some tenants are frustratedby the number of surveys we send out. You will notice that on all repairs and gasservicing jobs that our operatives now give you the option to complete a simplifiedsurvey on a handheld PDA and we are also making follow up calls to manycustomers to ensure we are delivering a consistently high standard of service.Your satisfaction with the following service areas is currentlyas follows:End ofTenancy75%This figure is based ona limited number ofreturned surveys. Weconstantly strive to deliver anexcellent service in all areasand are always looking forways to improve. Reasons forleaving us include: tacklingASB, homes too small, mutualexchanges.GasServicing100%NewProperties100%NewTenancy93%Over the quarter wereceived 27 completedsurveys. From those receivedone tenant was unhappy thatwe had not issued redecorationvouchers whenthey had moved into theirhome. Broadland Housing hasa standard that it uses whenhomes become empty. Part ofthis is around redecoration andwhere this does not meet thestandard, redecorationvouchers are offered.Complaints100%At Broadland housingwe take complaintsseriously and yourviews are important to us toensure that we continue todevelop and improve ourservices.RepairsService93%While our repairsperformance is slightly belowour target of 95% we arecontinually striving to improveand are confident that both thework of our tenant led Repairsand Maintenance Forum (seepage 18) and the recentdecision to bring all RepairsOperatives in-house (see page19) will help us to achieve this.Aids andAdaptations94%Of the 33 adaptationsundertaken, 2 customersreported that they wereunhappy with the length oftime taken for us to carry outtheir request. We have alimited budget for undertakingthese types of improvementsand there is a high demand.Regrettably we are not alwaysable to meet this demand, andtherefore there is some delay.In addition, more complexadaptations can take longerdue to the need to sourcespecialist suppliers andequipment.30 • www.broadlandhousing.org

Autumn 2011Norfolk Credit UnionSAVINGSWhether you have something you’re savingfor or you just want an emergency fund,share in the success of Norfolk Credit Unionby opening a Savings account that gives yousomething back by paying you an annualdividend.• Get a Savings account with Norfolk CreditUnion and share in the success with anannual dividend• Are you saving for something? Takeadvantage of out ‘lock-in-Account’scheme and set a future date to accessyour moneyNational Credit Unionof the YearNorfolk Credit Union01508 533842 www.norfolkcu.co.ukLOANSSometimes borrowing money becomes anecessity. The washing machine, the car orthe boiler breaks down and you don’t havethe money in the bank to pay for therepairs. If you’ve been turned down by amainstream lender, there is another way toborrow without paying the hefty interestrates that doorstep lenders can sting youfor.• Apply for any amount up to a maximumof £10,000 based on your ability to repay• Competitive interest rate of just26.8%APR• Easy repayments up to 2 years (24months)• Free loan protection in the event of yourdeathCompare our rates onLendersCompared.org.ukFor tenants living in Suffolk there isnow the Ipswich and Suffolk CreditUnion ISCU, 61/63 Austin Street,Ipswich IP2 8DF. Tel. 01473 690690http://iscu.onesuffolk.net/Your LocalCommunity BankCURRENT ACCOUNTOur Current Account is much the same asany high street bank or building societyaccount, with one difference! We are a notfor profit organisation and are focused onhelping you stay within your limit and evenif we have to charge you, it is a lot less thanthe high street banks & building societiescharge.• Visa Debit Card to use in shops, over theinternet and over 30.000 Link ATMs• Get cashback from a number ofsupermarkets and shops• Set up Direct Debits or Standing Ordersso you can pay your bills automaticallyevery month and often get a discountfrom suppliers• Have your wages, benefits and/orpension paid in to the account withinstant access to your money• All for the small weekly charge of 98pGas ServicingIn recent months we have been forced to take two ofour tenants to court due to their lack of co-operation inallowing access to their property for the Annual GasService to be carried out. In each case we wereawarded over £450 in costs from the Court, which theywill have to pay. Please bear this in mind when youreceive letters regarding your gas service as we takethis matter very seriously and will resort to legal action ifnecessary.We do not like to take this action, butour priority is to keep you safe!This publication is ourquarterly tenants newsletter.If you would like thisdocument or any otherBroadland document in largeprint, Braille, onaudiotape/audio CD or in another language pleasetelephone 0303 303 0003Portuguese/PortuguêsEsta publicação é o nosso boletim informativotrimestral dos inquilinos. Se desejar obter estedocumento ou quaisquer outros documentos deBroadland em impressão grande, Braille, gravaçãode áudio ou Disco Compacto (CD) ou em outroidioma, por favor ligue 0303 303 0003Lithuanian/LietuviškaiŠi publikacija yra kas tris mėnesius leidžiamasnuomininkų informacinis laikraštukas. Jeinorėtumėte šį dokumentą ar bet kurį kitą Broadlanddokumentą gauti dideliu šriftu, Brailio raštu,audiokasete/audio kompaktinio disko formatu arkita kalba, prašome skambinti 0303 303 0003Door to Door isprinted on recycledmaterial; pleaserecycle thismagazine after use.Contact us on 0303 303 0003 • 31

Wouldyou like15 minutesof fame?In light of all the recent Government cuts, it is more important than ever that we promote thework that we do, to represent the needs of our tenants and highlight the need for moreaffordable housing, in both the local and national media.In order to do this we need your help! Having real life examples and a tenant perspective reallyhelps to bring a story to life. We are often approached by journalists who are looking to get tenantviews on housing related issues.If you would be willing to give an interview for the press, radio or tv, then please email us atcommunications@broadlandgroup.org or call 0303 303 0003 to register your interest.We will keep your details on file and then if something comes up we will arrange for the journalist tocontact you.Who knows, you may just getyour 15 minutes of fame!Earn yourself a High Street Gift Voucherand help us to save the environment andour resources!We are looking for Delivery Volunteers todistribute Door to DoorYou can deliver to as many or as few properties asyou wish, just your block or street, the wholeestate, or anything in between.The value and frequency of your gift voucher willdepend on how many you deliver, but you will earn10p per property.If you would be willing to deliver Door to Door to other properties where you liveplease email: communications@broadlandgroup.org or call 0303 303 0003.32 • www.broadlandhousing.org