Spotlight spring 2013 - Bracknell Forest Homes

Homes
Bracknell Forest
Issue 21 April 2013
Contents...
Happy fifth birthday ................p3
The Lydney Cedar tree ...........p5
NEAT team ..............................p8
Money matters.........................p9
Competition ...........................p12
Welcome to our
spring edition of Spotlight
As usual, it’s bumper packed and it’s
a special edition as Bracknell Forest
Homes has successfully reached
its fifth anniversary. In that time we
have produced 21 editions and our
thanks to all have contributed to
each newsletter.
Over the years we have produced
special editions around the Royal
wedding, Jubilee and Olympics and
Paralympics. We sent copies to Her
Majesty The Queen and the Prime
Minister to show them how Bracknell
Forest celebrated and joined in the
spirit of these fantastic national
events. We’re proud to say that we
had responses from both, recognising
what happens in Bracknell Forest.
We also received a commemorative
Jubilee leaflet which has pride of
place in our reception. Do ask to have
a look when you visit our office.
Happy reading, and remember if
you would like to send a story or
have an idea for a feature or would
like to join us in the production of
Spotlight, just write to spotlight@
bracknellforesthomes.org.uk or call
freephone 0800 692 3000.
The News Group
Bracknell
Forest
Homes,
Western Road, Bracknell,
Berkshire RG12 1RE or email
bfh@bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
Tribute to
George McMinnies
It is with sadness that we report the passing
of George McMinnies, a highly involved
customer who sat on many involvement
groups and participated in the development
of Bracknell Forest Homes, and previously
was involved with the Council. George
passed away peacefully in January 2013.
Our best wishes are with George’s family
and friends.
Investing in you and your community
If you would like this
newsletter in large print,
braille, on audio tape or
CD, please contact
0800 692 3000.
After a successful three year programme of investing in your communities,
we are expanding the range of opportunities for our customers. So far we
have organised activities for over 150 young people and families, helped
people get back into work, funded activities to help people feel part of their
community like activities for older people and jubilee events, and worked
with other local organisations to create the Jealott’s Hill Community
Landshare. We have seen what an impact these projects have made on
peoples’ lives so Bracknell Forest Homes has now committed a further
£2 million over the next five years to invest in local communities.
Money invested will go to community projects including continuing our work with
young people, families, older people and those looking for work. Funds will also
be set aside to make grants to projects in the local area which benefit Bracknell
Forest Homes’ customers as well as providing grants to individual customers to
undertake training to help them find employment.
Português Espanol
Polski
If you would like to find out more when the grant process is opened please
register your interest with Joanna Flaxman, Community Investment
Manager, by email to joanna.flaxman@bracknellforesthomes.org.uk or
call 01344 382866.
Joanna Flaxman, Community Investment Manager
Page
2
Freephone 0800 692 3000
Update from Caroline
Bracknell Forest Homes celebrated its fifth anniversary
on 11 February 2013. It provided an opportunity
to reflect on what had been achieved and to offer a
vision for the future. I am delighted to report that the
association completed the five year Offer Document
promises before time and within budget. The final
door was fitted on 21 December 2012. This marked
the end of the £61 million major works improvement
programme.
Since the transfer, overall tenant satisfaction has gone up
16 percentage points, to 91%, which is a measure of what
has been achieved. Ideas that came from customers prior
to the setting up of the association have proved their worth
and have contributed to this rise. For example, the setting
up of the Neighbourhood Estate Action Team (NEAT), the
handy person service, and the provision of benefits advice
have all been appreciated. We will continue to listen to and
involve customers as we move forward to ensure customer
experience is as good as possible. We have also had news
that our regulator, the Homes and Communities Agency
(HCA), has given us the highest possible ratings for
financial viability and governance, which
means we have solid stability as an
organisation.
We are now investing in new homes and I
am delighted to say that 72 houses are
due to become available for letting, either
for rent or on a shared ownership basis, at
Jennett’s Park during 2013/14.
It could be a great way of getting on
the home
ownership
ladder if you are
earning but cannot
afford to buy
outright.
Bracknell Forest
Homes is now an
established
organisation and is
here to help.
Happy fifth birthday
Thanks to all our customers and partners for your
support and involvement in helping us to improve
our services.
Believe it or not it is five years since Bracknell Forest Homes set up and
took on the housing from Bracknell Forest Council. The anniversary was in
February 2013 and we are pleased to have met all the five year promises like the
£61 million improvement programme to provide 3,740 new kitchens, 4,099 new
bathrooms, new heating systems, and new windows at 1,558 homes to make
the more modern, comfortable and energy efficient, as well as establishing the
Neighbourhood Estate Action Team and providing dedicated benefits advice
which has helped customers access £500,000 in benefits each year.
To mark the fifth anniversary we have a range of landscaping legacies planned and we
held an event for involved customers with guest speakers David Orr, Chief Executive
of the National Housing Federation, and Cllr Bettison, Leader of the Council. We have
also updated our website and prepared a new brochure available on request, online or
on our reception.
Caroline Titley, Chief Executive
Photo
competition
This
competition
is
calling all wannabe David
Baileys
and
ambitious
photographers. As part of
the fifth anniversary we
would love to see your
pictures of local people,
estates,
communities,
properties
or
projects
in
Bracknell
Forest.
Send us old or recent
photgraphs to spotlight@
bracknellforesthomes.org.
uk or to Berkshire Court,
Western Road, Bracknell,
Berkshire, RG12 1RE to
be in with a chance to win
£50 worth of high street
vouchers.
We will also
publish the
successful
shots.
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
Page
3
New commitments to
customers in Compact
Our commitments to customer involvement have been updated
following a review by customers and the Tenants and
Leaseholders Panel. The ways you can influence our services
and how we will help are shown in the Customer Compact,
which is an agreement between Bracknell Forest Homes as
your landlord and you.
During the review, customers checked off items from the previous Compact
which showed we had introduced several new ways for customers to
get involved including mystery shopping, a reading panel, expanded
our customer inspection programme and developed a formal way for
customers to scrutinise our performance. The revised Customer Compact
sets outs our continuing commitment to involving our customers.
You can read the 2013 Customer Compact on our website at
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk or you can request a copy by calling
freephone 0800 692 3000. Make sure you take your chance to get involved.
Steph Verstraeten, Customer Involvement Manager
www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk
Are you, your neighbours, friends
and colleagues aware of our
community messaging system,
Thames Valley Alert?
Encourage them to sign up to receive email/voice/text messages, crime
alerts and witness appeals local to their area.
How to sign up and choose the alerts you receive
To sign up, you just need to visit www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk click on ‘Join’
and follow the on screen instructions.
Multiple alerting areas give you the opportunity to receive alerts from
other neighbourhoods which are relevant to you. You may set one up for
your home address, another for where you work and a third one for where your
family or friends live so that you are kept informed about crime in the areas.
Are you smart to scams?
Thames Valley Police has produced a booklet which
aims to reduce the risk of being victim of a scam
or fraud. Its new booklet is called The Little Book of
Big Scams and includes sections on identity fraud,
scam mail, door to door scams and internet scams.
As well as details on different types of fraud, there are
a number of helpful hints, 10 golden rules to avoid
becoming a victim and case studies. The booklet also gives details on where
to go to get help and how to report fraud if you do become a victim.
Have a look at it on the Thames Valley Police website.
Page
4
A message to all
leaseholders in
the borough of
Bracknell
The Association welcomes new
members to the regular meetings
which are held at six weekly intervals
at Bracknell Forest Homes’ Berkshire
Court offices, on Thursday evenings,
from 7pm to 9pm.
Particular emphasis is placed on
members’ concerns, and the meetings
are an opportunity to raise any concerns
which people may have. The meetings
are always attended by Bracknell Forest
Homes’ management staff, who may be
able to answer questions on the spot,
or investigate the question and reply
afterwards, direct to a member.
This gives an opportunity for
leaseholders
to
raise
concerns
regarding their neighbourhood and
assist Bracknell Forest Homes in the
constant quest for improvement of the
borough.
A sub-group is currently being formed in
order to further develop the BFLA.
We look forward to
seeing you soon.
Michael F. Marsh,
Chair of the BFLA.
Freephone 0800 692 3000
The Lydney Cedar tree
The next phase of carving the tree in Lydney, Birch Hill was scheduled for
three days starting in January.
Tom Hills of Greenspace arrived with Mick Chambers, Andy Turner and John Dixon
to set up a cherry picker. Mick began by using a huge chain saw and
from out of a knarled old tree branch emerged Hissing Sid, the snake,
Willie the woodlouse, and then Ollie the owl. Then at the beginning of
the third day the snow started which put a stop to the amazing talents
of these guys so we lost a whole day.
Now we are waiting for a suitable time slot when the relevant artists
are available to see what is next. We have an outline for a fox and
various birds and a huge toad is planned for. Not sure what else, we
just have to wait to see what the wood ‘says’ to these talented people.
Very exciting and we can’t wait to see when it’s finished. Keep an eye
out when you are passing but pull over to look properly.
Pat Kennewell, Customer
Customer Involvement Group
I cannot believe it’s been five years now since Bracknell Forest Homes was formed. Bracknell
Forest Homes had been going for about four months when I went along to one of their
meetings as I could see that there were big changes ahead. As time went on I became Chair
of the Customer Involvement Group. The group has discussed many topics before they are
passed to the Tenants and Leaseholders Panel and Board for discussion and approval, so
changes could be made for the benefit of all our customers.
We give our views about some really important and
interesting subjects, for example recently we were asked
to think about issues that affect people in our communities
and give ideas about how Bracknell Forest Homes could
spend the money they are putting in community investment
activities. We were also consulted about changes to
Bracknell Forest Homes’ lettings policy and asked for our
ideas about what incentives should be offered to customers
who want to move to smaller properties. I would like to see
a lot more customers attend in the future so we can carry
on making a difference and making sure Bracknell Forest
Homes get it right for you, the customer.
The next meeting is Tuesday June 4 at 7pm,
Bracknell Forest Homes’ office at Berkshire Court, so we
hope you can join us for lively discussion.
Ian MacDonald, Chair of the Customer Involvement Group
Tenants and Leaseholders Panel update
We had our first meeting of the year
in January and had a presentation
from the Neighbourhood Estate
Action Team (NEAT) about their work
on the estates. There were a lot of
questions about the cost of dumped
rubbish and issues with car parking,
such as parking on grass verges
and shortage of spaces. Members
of the Panel volunteered to form a
scrutiny sub-group to look at the
full operations of the NEAT and we
will give updates on the scrutiny
ideas and performance right here in
Spotlight.
The next discussion was the performance
of the Direct Services Organisation
(repairs and maintenance). Some areas
were below target which was down to
increased seasonal issues with heating
in the winter but every effort was being
made to get back on target once more.
Linda Wells, Housing and Community
Services Director, gave an update
from Bracknell Forest Homes. She
spoke about working with customers’
concerns over “Bedroom Tax” and antisocial behaviour. She added that there
is an Estate Improvement budget to
make improvements and suggestions
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
can be put forward to
the NEAT. We spoke
about the five year
anniversary and the majority of the
meeting agreed things have improved
and promises had been kept.
Linda Wells assured the Panel that
Benefits and Financial Inclusion Officers
Harpal Ghataora, Nicola Jolly and
Victoria March are visiting customers
and are here to help with questions
about welfare reform and Universal
Credit on freephone 0800 692 3000.
Muriel Rawsthorne, Customer
Page
5
How are we doing for you?
We measure key performance areas that matter to customers. Since Bracknell Forest Homes took on the
housing in 2008, performance has improved in all areas thanks to customer feedback and the efforts of staff.
We collect more rent and have reduced arrears Here’s how we’re doing in the key areas:
from 3.6% in 2008/09 to 2.9% in 2012/13
We provide homes quicker with the time taken to let
We take your complaints seriously and the number empty properties reducing from 38.2 days in of complaints answered within timescales increased 2008/09 to 17.8 days in 2012/13
from 79% in 2009/10 to 93% in 2012/13
We answer calls quickly and have reduced average
We modernised all homes to meet Decent Homes
call waiting time from 16.6 seconds in 2010/11 to Standard in December 2012 and will continue to
14.9 seconds in 2012/13
maintain homes by spending £23 million over the Our repairs satisfaction increased from 97.9% in
next five years.
2011/12 to 99% in 2012/13
We also carried out a general satisfaction survey at the end of 2012 and our thanks to
all the customers who returned the STAR survey. There was a 34% (425) response rate
from a sample of 1,250 tenants.
2012
2006
Question
90.9%
%
74.5
provided by landlord
Overall satisfaction with services
Question
2006
2012
Satisfaction with overall quality of
property
79.7%
89.8%
(2006 - overall satisfaction with you
r accommodation)
Question
Satisfaction with area as a place to live
Question
Overall satisfaction with repairs and maintenance
As a result of the feedback, there are a number of areas
we will look at over the next year. We will carry out a review
of anti-social behaviour (ASB) including our policies and
processes to make sure we tackle ASB issues appropriately.
We will look at the top three neighbourhood issues, which
include parking, rubbish, dog fouling to see how we can
make a positive difference. We will also consider enhancing
the online repaires reporting facility to include a repairs
tracker so you know the status of your repairs call.
2006
80.1%
2006
69.5%
2012
88%
2012
87.7%
Leaseholders were also surveyed and around a quarter
responded. There was a reduction in leaseholder
satisfaction from 58% in 2009 to 54% in 2012, so during
2013/14 we will carry out a service review and scrutiny of
leasehold services to find ways to improve the service.
More details are in the spring edition of Leaseholder News.
A full report is available on request by calling freephone
0800 692 3000.
‘Put it out, right out’ and prevent a
in the home
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is
running a month-long safety campaign this April to warn
people about the dangers of careless smoking.
Statistics show that more people die in fires caused by smoking
materials than any other type of accidental fire in the home. The
most common causes of smoking-related fires are falling asleep
while smoking, leaving a burning cigarette unattended, and
accidentally dropping a cigarette or hot ash.
Not smoking in the home is obviously the best way to reduce
the risk of having a smoking-related fire but if you do, follow this
advice to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
• Put it out, right out! Make sure your cigarette is properly
extinguished.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, have been drinking or taking medication. It’s very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning.
Page
6
• Never smoke in bed. If you need to lie down, don’t light up – you could fall asleep and never wake up.
• Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended. They can easily overbalance as they burn down.
• Use a proper, heavy ashtray. Make sure it can’t tip over and is made of a material that won’t burn.
• Tap your ash into an ashtray, never a rubbish bin. Don’t let the ash and cigarette ends build up in the ashtray.
Chris Bunyan, Group Manager for Prevention at RBFRS,
explains: “Fires started by cigarettes and other smoking
materials can have devastating consequences, so when it
comes to extinguishing them, remember to ‘put it out, right out.’
“This is especially important last thing at night before you go to
bed or if you’ve been drinking. It is also vital to get out of the
habit of smoking in bed – it’s all too easy to fall asleep and, if this
happens, you might never wake up again.”
Freephone 0800 692 3000
brand new homes
for rent and shared
ownership at Jennett’s
Park
Impression of
similar properties
As part of Bracknell Forest Homes’ development programme, we’re pleased to
that 72 brand new homes at Jennett’s Park are available, including
37 for rent and 35 for shared ownership (part rent, part buy).
The properties include two bedroom and three bedroom houses.
announce
Help
with home ble
is availa open
ownership
the
A show home for the shared ownership properties is open now and ready
me on
o
h
for
you to view. You can find out about viewings and shared ownership by
a
y
u
b
nt
t to
If you wan nd have been a tena
calling
our agents, Thames Valley Housing, on 020 8607 0550.
a
t
marke
miliy sized
living in fa on for at
To rent a property you will need to be on the Bracknell Forest Council housing
ati
accommod ears, the
waiting
list and apply for housing using the Council’s Choice Based Lettings system.
y
least two
a grant
g
n
ri
e
ff
o
Chris Withnall, Assets and Business Development Director, said: “The new homes
Council is 60,000 and
at Jennett’s Park are part of Bracknell Forest Homes investment in new
of up to £
.
s
e
age schem
the developments to provide more affordable homes for local people in
ll
a
c
has mortg
e
s
a
le
schemes p
44 352009. housing need. These are spacious high quality homes in a good location.
about help
re
o
m
t
u
ncil on 013
o
u
o
C
e
th
To find
t
a
We are pleased to be working in partnership with Thames Valley Housing,
ptions team ages are available.
Housing O
g
rt
o
who
are managing the shared ownership sales on our behalf.”
m
il
c
n
Cou
Charles Shaw, Head of Development
Q & A – free e-learning courses
My name is Patricia Aidoo-Sarakodie and I am a customer of Bracknell Forest Homes. I recently
completed one of the free e-learning courses offered by Bracknell Forest Homes and would really
encourage you to give them a go. Here is my experience…
did you find out about the
Q How
e-learning courses?
I came along to one of the Customer
Involvement Group meetings. You can
access them by going onto Bracknell
Forest Homes’ website and looking
under the ‘Get Involved’ section or
typing ‘training’ in the search box.
course did you complete
Q Which
and why?
I did the issues surrounding drugs
course because I am a parent and work
with children so I thought it would be
good to know more about spotting the
signs of someone taking drugs.
you learn anything
Q Did
useful?
Yes, it was really useful, especially good
if you are a parent. I learnt what signs to
look for to see if someone is on drugs
and how they may behave. It helps to
be able to see the signs early because
it is easier to deal with them before
they get out of hand. I also learnt about
different types of drugs and the effects
of using them.
Q Was it easy to do?
Yes it was really easy and
straightforward. The course explains
exactly what you have to do, the steps
to follow. It took me less than an hour to
complete the whole course.
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
you enjoy it and would
Q Did
you recommend them to other
customers?
Yes definitely, why not take advantage
of free courses. There is a range of
different ones including using the
internet, cooking on a budget, preparing
for interviews and dealing with antisocial behaviour. You can do the
courses in your own comfortable home,
you don’t have to travel to a learning
centre, you can do it at the best time for
you and you get a certificate at the end.
Everyone should give it a go.
If you would like more information
about our courses, including free
computer courses on 23 April, visit
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk and
follow the training link or call Stephanie
Verstraeten, Customer Involvement
Manager, on 01344 382913.
Page
7
On a very cold, wet and snowy day back in January two members of the
news group accompanied the NEAT (Neighbourhood Estate Action Team)
team to observe their day-to-day duties.
Bracknell is divided into four areas each having its own
team. We were taken to area three which was around Great
Hollands. So, armed with high visibility jackets, protective
gloves and equipment we set off to our first assignment
which was blocks of flats to check the hallways and landings
for items such as buggies, bikes and scooters that have been
left where they would be a trip hazard and potentially cause
an accident which may result in the owner being sued. It could
also block an escape route in event of a fire. We checked the
notice boards for up-to-date relevant information. Our next
job was to check the bin cupboards for discarded items such
as mattresses, furniture and electrical items, remove these,
sweep out the cupboard and replace the bins when emptied.
Next was a litter pick
around the block
area. Did you know
that the NEAT team
collect a staggering two tonnes of rubbish
a week from around the estates and respond to around
600 assignments a month? This can be fly tipping, graffiti,
dumped and discarded items, shopping trolleys.
In the afternoon we accompanied the handy person to see
what kind of things he did. First job was to replace a notice
that had been removed at a block of flats and then over to a
sheltered scheme in Crowthorne to put an electrical item on
the wall. Then another sheltered scheme in Bullbrook
where there were several jobs to be done, and this is
where we said goodbye.
The day, although cold, wet and miserable, was very
informative. They are a great team of people who
do a difficult and demanding job with humour and
professionalism. Good spending time with you and
we learnt a lot. Thank you.
Pat Kennewell and Sheila Lambourne,
Customers
Advice on keeping mobility scooters
Mobility scooters are brilliant for
personal mobility ….. but you can only
have one if you have a safe place to
store it and charge it.
Bracknell Forest Homes has to take a
strict and responsible approach when
it comes to dealing with fire safety, as
recommended by the Royal Berkshire
Fire and Rescue Service. To help ensure
your safety and the safety of others living
in the same building:
Mobility scooters parked in enclosed
communal areas or corridors of blocks of
flats pose this risk. They can be the cause
of fire and they are flammable, and they
are an obstacle in communal hallways for
other residents and fire crews.
Before you get a mobility scooter or
motorised wheelchair please talk to us
first to discuss storage. We’ll try to help
you find a way to keep the scooter you
need in a safe place – but we can only
agree as long as there is no risk to fire
• It is essential that we are vigilant about safety. Please don’t just go ahead without
spotting potential fire risks; and
permission. If we discover a mobility
• We must take effective action to reduce scooter in a communal area without our
and remove any risks we find.
permission we will have to ask you to
move it immediately. We cannot risk the
Page
8
well-being of
everyone living
in the building.
If you would like
more information about keeping a mobility
scooter or motorised wheelchair please
call out Customer Service Centre and
ask for a leaflet to be sent to you or visit
our website. Mobility scooters can bring
so much freedom but we also have to
guard against risks - however unexpected
that might seem. Please always get our
permission before you buy a scooter so
we know you have a safe place to store it
when not in use.
Colin Watson, Neighbourhood Housing
Manager
Freephone 0800 692 3000
MONEY MATTERS MONEY MATTERS MONEY MATTERS
ts enable you to
Basic bank accoun
standing orders
set up direct debits,
ents (including
and to receive paym
e benefit will only
benefit – in the futur
counts so you
be paid into bank ac
Basic accounts
will need an account).
customers who
may be suitable for
open a regular
are not able to
do not offer an
current account. They
d do not charge
overdraft facility an
ugh there may
monthly fees, altho
make a payment
be charges if you
in the account to
without the money
ts do not offer a
cover it. These accoun
nerally allow you
cheque book but ge
y online, in the
to manage your mone
ne.
branch and by telepho
5 555)
8457 55 40)
0
(
s
y
la
203 0
• Barc
(08457
000)
• Halifax SB (08453 000 )
T
02 010
• Lloyds
(0800 3
e
id
w
n
o
400)
• Nati
800 200 8)
0
(
t
s
e
473
• NatW
800 032 24724)
0
(
C
B
• HS
459 7
nder (08
• Santa
All the accounts have
an application
pack, some of wh
ich can be
completed in the bank
branch. You
do not need to pay in
any money to
open the account. Conta
ct a bank for
more information. Usua
lly you will
need some identific
ation, such as:
(One from each) – pro
of of identity
such as passport, drivin
g licence, tax
or DWP letters, OAP tra
vel pass, and
proof of address such
as council tax
bill, utility bill or bank sta
tement
Please note that thi
s information
is given as general
guidance only,
you should check dir
ectly with the
banks to confirm the mo
st up to date
position.
Are you on the cheapest tariff?
There is a new store in the town centre near Burger King where you
can call in and get free energy saving tips, including information about
getting the cheapest tariffs. The opening hours are 10am to 4pm Tuesday
to Friday.
The store is known as Your Energy Matters and it is run by Scottish and
Southern Energy and Bracknell Forest Council. You can also call 01344 352536.
The Council’s energy officer, Hazel Hill, recommends you do a bit of research
to make sure you are on the best tariff to suit you and here she explains more:
“Firstly, did you know pre-payment meters are more expensive to use than
tariffs? You can change from pre-payment meter to a credit meter subject to
a credit check and there may be a one-off charge by the utility company. This
will generally work out cheaper in the longer run.
“Generally if the debt on the meter is less than £500 utilities companies will
allow a change. Often the best buys are getting gas and electric from the same
supplier, and using direct debit and paperless billing saves even more.”
Here are some companies that will change your energy supply from a
pre-payment meter to a credit meter:
British Gas
EDF
EON
Scottish Power
Scottish & Southern
Npower
(0800 048 0202)
(0800 096 2260)
(0345 052 0000)
(0800 027 0404)
(0845 026 0654)
(0800 073 3000)
Hazel Hill, Energy Officer
at Bracknell Forest Council
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
Other practic
tips and tricks al
include
defrosting th
e freezer ever
y
four months,
turning down
the thermost
at by a degre
e,
and drawing
curtains when
it
gets dark. Kee
p the doors to
rooms you d
on’t use
often closed
.
Did you know that you can view your
rent account online? This means you
can check if you have any credit or rent
to pay at any time of your convenience.
It’s simple and fast to use and you just
need to register the first time you use
it. Visit our website and click the Make
Payment icon, then go to view your
rent account. We have instructions for
registering and using the service.
Direct Debit is the most convenient way
to pay your rent and 2,500 already pay
by Direct Debit. It is reliable, secure and
convenient and means that
once the Direct Debit is set up,
you won’t have to remember to
pay rent – the correct amount
will be paid each month or week
automatically.
Page
9
The best move of my life
I wish I had made the move sooner
We have sheltered housing schemes, including studio flats, available for rent for people over 60 years old who
may be looking for a degree of support or the chance to downsize their home and move to accommodation that
suits their needs with social interaction.
Mrs Randall of Winkfield Manor said: “No matter what size the accommodation, you
can make it look nice and put your mark on it. I feel privileged to be living in such
beautiful surroundings.”
Another resident of Dennis Pilcher House added that when she first visualised a
studio flat she thought it would have the cooker and everything all in one room
but was pleasantly surprised by the space, the flat having its own kitchen and
bathroom and good storage and she was excited by what she could do with it.
She said: “It’s great having an extended room where I can lie in bed and look right
out the window over the garden area and I love my little flat! I really appreciate
having a scheme manager at hand and an emergency pull cord, especially
when I had a nasty experience recently and it was the scheme manager
who promptly called the ambulance to get urgent
medical attention. Had I been living on my own
this could have been a very different story.”
To find out more about our sheltered
housing vacancies please call 01344
382909. We also offer to help
with moves and all our sheltered
schemes have excellent care and
social activities.*
*Subject to criteria
Tuesdays 2pm line dancing one hour
session £1, refreshments provided
If you are interested in line dancing or singing you could pop
into Dennis Pilcher House where we have a one hour line dance
session. Ted, the instructor, will show you the steps and you can
follow. The type of music he plays is varied from steady waltz,
country and more. It is a relaxed class and very sociable - music
and dance is always a good way to get to know new people. Ted
also shows anyone who is not able to get up and dance, the steps
for sitting and moving to the music without the risk of a fall.
One of our residents, Rose, attends this class as well as singing
and said she would not miss it for the world. Rose and her sister,
June, love every minute of the singing and line dance sessions.
Thursdays 2.30pm singing one hour
session (free), refreshments are provided
My experience of
sheltered housing
Over the next few editions of
Spotlight I would like to dispel
some myths about sheltered
housing. They are not care
homes and they do not have
nursing staff. We still have
independent living, if we need
any support carers come in to
provide it.
Sheltered housing does provide extra security for
people who are vulnerable. If we have any difficulties
we can contact the scheme manager during the day
and we have access to Forestcare any time by just
using our pendants or pulling the cord in our homes.
Bracknell Forest Homes has 10 sheltered schemes
and in order to apply you need to be over a certain
age (60) or have health needs.
I moved into one of the schemes in July 2012
because it was felt that I needed extra support. It was
a good move for me - I enjoy the companionship and
like the fact that I pay a service charge every week so
I don’t have to worry about getting a big bill in
the winter. Where I live is also close to the local shops
which is great. I’m glad that I moved and I am very
happy, it has worked out well. I would recommend it to
anyone else who needs it.
If you would like more information
please contact 01344 382909.
John Stevens, Customer
This singing class has been held at Dennis Pilcher House for a couple of months and it is
a popular class. Penny is the musician who holds the class and she prints off song sheets
to follow and she asks those present what they prefer to sing.
Beryl is a regular attendee and she said it is a good laugh and a good way to meet up
with other people. Sessions are also held at other sheltered schemes including Tai Chi
at Edmonds Court and Broadway House, and board games at Liscombe House. Arts
and crafts sessions are coming soon. If you need help with transport to attend we can
arrange it free of charge.
For any enquiries, please contact Joanna Flaxman, Community Investment
Manager, on 01344 382866.
Page
10
Freephone 0800 692 3000
New season of grass cutting
The Landscaping team is kicking off the grass cutting season, which started at the time of going
to press (2 April weather permitting). To help with the increased workload during the grass cutting
season we have recruited four seasonal workers. Check out when the grass is going to be cut
near you by checking the programme on our website at www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
Forest restoration
Over the course of the next year Bracknell Forest Homes
will replace 400 trees throughout the borough, which
have been felled in the past few years because of their
condition or health and safety risk.
Before
The Landscaping team is out and about pruning and
clearing all the shrub/borders and will also complete a
few bespoke ground maintenance works, which include
clearing and regenerating copse areas in Nutley in
Hanworth and Banbury in Crown Wood. We will also
reduce in size a selection of hedges around the estate.
After
is
the magic
number
To celebrate the fifth anniversary, the Landscaping team
planted 15 special trees to improve the look of green space
between Nutley and Lydney in Birch Hill and under planted the
trees with wild flowers for a blast of colour. Local children from
The Pines School helped out with the planting and learned about
the landscaping and wildlife.
We also have plans for landscaping legacies at four other sites around
the borough. These include creating an herb garden in Nettlecombe,
revamping borders in Swan Lane, Sandhurst, and Fernbank Place,
Ascot using sleepers and shrubs. We will also create shrub borders
at Hambleden and Hurley Court in Harmans Water to enhance the
appearance of the main entrances to the buildings.
Wendy Smith, Landscape
Liaison Representative
Don’t just leave it,
Bracknell Forest Homes takes
dog fouling very seriously and
the Neighbourhood Estate Action
Team reports any incident. Please
do not allow dogs to wander off the
lead, act responsibly and clear any
dog fouling. You can be fined with
a Fixed Penalty Notice of £50 or if
the case goes to court you could
be fined £1,000. Not knowing the
dog has fouled is no defence.
Did you know all Bracknell Forest
Council litter bins are suitable for
bagged dog waste?
New legislation is being considered
to ensure that all dogs are micro
chipped by April 2016 so we urge
all dog owners to consider this now
to protect your much loved pets. If
you have any questions or concerns
please do not hesitate to contact your
local vet or pet store.
Report any incidents of dog fouling
to Bracknell Forest Council. A fixed
penalty notice can be issued to the
offender if you complete a dog fouling
witness statement form and return
it to the council – you can find
these on www.bracknell-forest.gov.
uk/dogcontrol or by calling Customer
Services on 01344 352000.
Rebecca Soza,
NEAT Manager
Landscape
legacies
around the borough
Page
11
Spot the 12 differences and colour in
This
edition
we
have
two competitions for you,
spot the difference and
colouring in.
Please enter either or both,
then complete the form
below and send your entry
back to us.
Have fun.
All entries will be judged and
the winner will be notified.
Closing date 31st May 2013.
The prize is £25 worth
of
Love2shop
vouchers.
Competition open to tenants
and leaseholders only.
Name: Daytime telephone number:
Address:
(Any information will only be used for the
purposes of the competition).
Send your completed entry
to the News group, c/o
Bracknell Forest Homes,
Berkshire Court, Western
Road, Bracknell, Berkshire,
RG12 1RE.
lations to
Congratu ition’s
last ed
ners,
tion win
ti
e
p
m
o
c
nez from
Mr Marti st and
Sandhur from
es
Mrs Hay stead
p
m
a
Easth
Page
12
Rec ip e:
r
do
Wh a t to s, sp ic e s a n d wa te
fo r a lo w fat,
He re is th e re ci pe ui t ca ke .
P lace f r u it e p a n, st ir u n ti l
fr
in to a la rg mme rs . S imme r fo r e a t
no suga r, no sa lt
m ix tu re si te s re mo ve f rom h te s
u
u
What yo u ne ed
th re e m in to co o l fo r 30 m in
)
w
ld
o
t
ll
ui
co
a
fr
e
d
d
m
an
m ixe
g
o w to b e co
575gms (20oz)
(d o n o t a ll e flo u r, m il k a n d eg
th
an d pe el
.
ly
h
ug
th e n add
ro
m ix th o
er
w h ite a n d
w it h fo il
250m l (8floz) wat
m ca k e ti n
iu
ed
m
s
a
rie
e
L in
ac e ch er
tu re .
100gms (4 oz ) gl ru p)
p o u r in m ix
s on
sy
e
ov
m
re
to
55 m in u te
h
(was
fo r a b o u t 0 F.
in
e
k
a
ilk
B
m
C o r 35
m i-s ki mmed
G a s 4 180 co o k .
120m l (4fl oz ) se
er
v
o
t
o
n
Do
hi te
1 un be aten egg w
ice
sp
d
of m ixe
1.1/2 te aspo on s
lf-ra isi ng flo ur
225gms (8oz ) se
w hi te or
or ha lf an d ha lf.
w ho lemea l
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk