Sheltered times 5 Summer 2015

Spring is sprung and the challenge is on to see which sheltered housing scheme has the residents with the greenest fingers as the Housing in Bloom competition gets underway.Gardening is a relaxing pastime enjoyed by residents at many sheltered schemes, with each one reflecting the favourite flowers, shrubs and plants of its residents. A wide variety of tubs and planters are used to hold plants that add colour and scent.Each scheme has now received new garden furniture from Havering Council, in styles chosen by the residents of that scheme, so they can enjoy the gardens after the work has been done.

Peter Cox, of Thomas Sims Court, said: “Last year we came third and we are aiming to beat that this year. “We already have 12 new hanging baskets, which are going to look lovely, and we are working hard on making the rest of the gardens look even better too.“As well as the new garden furniture from the Council we

also have a swing seat and gazebo so we can sit and enjoy the garden when the sun shines.”Deadline for entries is Sunday 30 August.

News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents ISSUE 5: Summer 2015

Sheltered Times

More information: www.havering.gov.uk/housinginbloom

Will these gardens at Ravenscourt win a prize this year?

The new gazebo and garden furniture at Thomas Sims Court is put to good use

Blooming lovely gardens

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Contact details

There are a number of ways you can get in touch with us.

Ideas for this magazineIf you have ideas for future articles contact Chelsea Potts (pictured) by emailing [email protected] or ring 01708 434668

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

Housing Services Customer Contact ServiceThe easiest way to contact us is by using www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing The Contact Service is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 01708 434000 or Freephone 0800 151 3444.You can also use these numbers to make an appointment to meet a member of staff at different locations across Havering.

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

Anti-Social Behaviour Email: [email protected] problems outside 9am to 5pm ring 01708 726685.

TextphoneThe Textphone number is 01708 433399.

EmailFor general enquiries [email protected] rent queries [email protected] find out about the Decent Homes programme [email protected] To get involved www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

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

Visit the officeChippenham Road, Harold Hill RM3 8YQYou can find us to the right of St George’s Church Centre at the top end of the Hilldene Shopping Centre

When a swarm of bees appeared in a hedge at Royal Jubilee Court, Scheme Manager Stephanie Johnson was swiftly in action to get a local bee keeper round to collect them and take them to a new home where they can continue pollinating plants and producing honey.

Things were buzzing at RJC

More information:www.ebka.org/swarms The bee keeper collects the swarm

The swarm of bees

Sheltered Housing , Issue 5 | 3

A day in the life: Louise Noy housekeeper, Thomas Sims Court, Hornchurch

Keeping the corridors clean and tidy is part of Louise Noy’s daily routine

“It isn’t coming to work, it’s meeting up with my second family,” is how Thomas Sims Court’s housekeeper, Louise Noy, describes her job.Louise, who lives just round the corner from work in Elm Park, said: “I've been the housekeeper here for 12 years so every day I’m seeing friends and helping keep their home clean and tidy.“The residents here are really friendly and do a lot to keep everywhere tidy themselves which makes the work go even quicker; you can always have a good laugh and a joke with them.”

Busy RoutineLouise’s day starts at 9am and finishes at 12.30pm. During those three-and-a-half hours each weekday her first job is to clean the communal kitchen and lounge so it’s ready for the busy programme of events that happen at Thomas Sims Court.Next is vacuuming the corridors and communal areas, followed by polishing the woodwork and fittingsThe laundry room is the next stop with the washing machines cleaned, floor mopped and a general tidy up before, weather permitting, heading outside to sweep the patio and paths.

The laundry needs daily mopping to keep it ready for use.

Keeping the patios and garden paths clear is a daily task

Really LovelyResident Eileen Cohen, said: “You can’t find any fault with Louise, she’s a really lovely lady and very good at her job. She’s very thorough with her cleaning.“She’s also very helpful; if she sees you coming in with bags of shopping she’ll take them off you and leave them at your front door, which is really helpful.”Fellow resident Bob Willett, added: “She’s brilliant. Louise will do anything for anyone in this place.“I enjoy chatting with her as she’s a good film buff and that’s one of my interests too.”

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More information:www.havering.gov.uk/GoodNeighbourAward

For more information:www.freedompass.org

How good is your neighbour?

New Freedom Passes now available

Everybody needs good neighbours but do yours go that extra mile to lend a helping hand?If so then it’s time to recognise the help they give by nominating them for a Havering Council Homes and Housing Good Neighbour Award 2015.The help they give could be to individuals or to the wider community, can be from doing your shopping to maintaining a housing scheme’s communal garden – the list is endless.To make your nomination complete the form on the website. The closing date is Wednesday 30 September.

Everybody needs good neighbours but do yours go that extra mile to lend a helping hand?Freedom Passes give older and disabled Londoners free travel on almost all public transport in London so if you haven’t got one and travel by bus, tube, train, tram or Docklands Light Railway you could be paying

when you don’t need to.To get a Freedom Pass your main home must be in London and you must meet the age criteria, currently the same as the women’s state pension age.To check if you are eligible, and to apply if you are, go to the website below.

Rat Pack ReviewForty sheltered scheme residents quickly snapped up the available tickets when they heard that The Rat Pack was in town, and it was a night to remember.The tribute act was performing at The Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch, and in the audience was Holsworthy House resident, Stan Tackley, who said: “The Rat Pack was very good and played to a packed house.“Our seats were at the front and in the centre so we had a great view.

“The Queens always puts on a good show and their staff look after you well so it was a really good evening, very enjoyable.”

Live Music Thomas Sims Court resident, Peter Cox, added: “A four-piece band – a piano, keyboard, bass and drums – performed all the old favourites from Sammy Davies, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, live.“The audience was soon joining in; singing and clapping along. There was a lot of comedy in the show too, which made it a really good atmosphere.“I’d highly recommend going the next time The Rat Pack are on town.”

More information:www.queens-theatre.co.uk


More information:www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates

More information:www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing

Computers put to good use

With computers now available in communal lounges, sheltered housing residents can make use of email to keep up to date with what Havering Council is doing.The Council has now launched a regular email update on housing issues – called At the Heart

Online – and more than 47,000 subscribers receive the twice weekly updates on news and events.Regular newsletters are produced on a wide range of other topics from activities for the over 55s to the Care Act;

recycling to cycling; crime prevention to travel hotspots and more topics are planned during 2015.It’s easy to sign up, all you need is an email address then go to the website below and choose which newsletters interest you.

Keep up to date with the Council

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

Scheme Number of logins

Holsworthy House 685

Cotton and Fambridge Courts 536

Brunswick Court 502

Maygreen Crescent 486

William Tansley Smith House 450

Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts 435

Queen Street 367

Poplar Street 260

Bards Court 240

Thomas Sims Court 231

Ravenscourt Grove 217

Cole Court 177

Royal Jubilee Court 174

YourCouncil

@

sign up to email updates

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

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

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

security chains and spy holes on your front door

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

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

the batteries

HANDYMAN SCHEME

How can you find out more or request a repair?For more information or to ask for help from the Handyman, call us on 01708 434087. Our administrators can discuss your needs and assess whether our Handyman can assist you.What the Handyman Scheme cannot do.The Handyman scheme cannot carry out the following works:• Electrical or gas work• Ladder work• Major works• Decorating• Gardening

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

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

• Have a learning disability• Have a mental health problem

Meet our Handyman Paul Call 01708 434087 or 0800 1513444 to arrange for one of our Handymen to visit your home

Perhaps we can help?


£6m spent on Sheltered Schemes

Jamie Curtis briefs SHOUT Forum representatives on the Decent Homes Programme

More than £6 million has been spent improving bathrooms, kitchens and communal areas in Havering Council’s 19 sheltered housing schemes during the last two years.

Giving a final briefing to the SHOUT Forum, Decent Homes Project Manager, Jamie Curtis, said: “The contracts for the Decent Homes Programme are now finished. I have been involved in a lot of similar contracts and am pleased that this is the first time we have received more compliments about the work done than complaints.“The walk-in showers have proved particularly popular and we have had some very good feedback about them.“We have worked in more than 800 properties across the 19 schemes, as well as in the communal areas.

Warranty“All the work done has a 12 month warranty so if any problems do occur they will be repaired at no cost to the Council.“In the communal areas we have decorated the exteriors of the buildings and installed new automatic doors that work on special key fobs.“Inside we have refurbished communal lounges and kitchens, where work was needed, and ensure that each scheme meets the most recent fire and safety regulations.”

PatienceJamie added: “When doing work on this scale it is inevitable there will be some disruption but my thanks go to residents for their help, patience and understanding. I hope they will agree with me that the end result is a big improvement for everyone living in our sheltered housing.”

Facebook for housing news

Havering Council Housing services has its own page on Facebook which

is there to provide information to tenants and leaseholders, including details of forthcoming events.You can also use the page to share ideas and views with other tenants and leaseholders.The computers in Sheltered Scheme communal lounges can be used to access this page so do check it out and click ‘Like’ today.

More information:www.facebook.com/haveringhousing

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Heard at the SHOUT Forum

Question Time at the SHOUT Forum

• AT the Annual Meeting of the SHOUT Forum a new constitution was unanimously approved.

• UNDER the new constitution each sheltered scheme must elect two SHOUT Forum representatives before the Annual Meeting takes place in April.

• Officers elected at the meeting for the next 12 months were:• Chair, Paul Clark of

Brunswick Court• Vice Chair, Peter Cox of

Thomas Sims Court• Secretary, Mike Droy of

Thomas Sims Court• Treasurer, Pam Skipworth

of Poplar Street• MORE than 100 people have

asked for befrienders through the Tapestry scheme, the original target was 30. Two new befriending coordinators have been recruited and meetings are due to take place in each sheltered

scheme during the next few months.

• THE Great Sheltered Housing Quiz 2015 will take place at Hacton Hall, Hornchurch on Tuesday 9 June. Each sheltered scheme is encouraged to enter one or more teams of eight people; if your scheme can’t raise a full team still book in as you can join force with another scheme for a joint team.

• WORK is planned for Beehive Court to put a new ceiling, carpet and curtains in the communal lounge.

• IDEAS are wanted to be added to the “Wish List” of what improvements residents would like to see in their schemes, suggestions should be given to the SHOUT Forum representative or scheme manager.

• DEMONSTRATIONS of the new mobility scooter stores have now taken place at all sheltered housing schemes and installation is now underway.

• CURTAINS in communal lounges at all schemes are being checked to see if they need replacing.

• EXPERTS will be looking at housing for older people including sheltered schemes during the next three months. This will include looking at how bedsits, which are not popular, can be converted to flats.

• ANY resident not sure if they are eligible for Housing Benefit, or who need help applying for it, can ask their Scheme Manager for help.

Beating targets“The Telecare Service is beating its targets,” said Telecare Contact Manager, Claire Carter (pictured) , at the SHOUT Forum.Claire added” The target is for 90 per cent of calls to be responded to within 45 minutes and we managed 100 per cent responses in that time, with an average response time of 25 minutes when someone is needed at a client’s home.”


More information:www.havering.gov.uk/telecare


SHOUT for YOUR representativeEach sheltered housing scheme can have up to two representatives attend the SHOUT (Sheltered Housing Users Team) forum. If you have an issue you wish to raise please contact your representative.The current representatives are:29 Bards Court Ann Ruddiman29 Bards Court David Ruddiman 40 Beehive Court Jeff Haimov47 Beehive Court Joyce Rafis 15 Brunswick Court Ann Christian45 Brunswick Court Paul Clark9 Cockabourne Court Brian Morland58 Charlbury Court Barbara Hughes94 Charlbury Court Rosie George 9 Cockabourne Court Brian Morland22 Cockabourne Court Kenneth Turrell3 Cole Court Beryl Lodge10 Cole Court Doreen Richardson 82 Delderfield House Shirley Fletcher7 Dell Court Maureen Marsh14 Dell Court Maureen Piller 11 Fambridge Court Bert Morley18 Fambridge Court Jean Freeman7 Garrick House Malcolm Hales29 Garrick House Susan Moore

35 Holsworthy House Stan Tackley29 Maygreen Crescent Sue Hutton75 Neave Crescent Bill Brace 166 Park Lane Lil Hudson35 Poplar Street Pamela Skipworth41 Poplar Street Daphne Clifford41 Poplar Street John Clifford 14 Queen Street Ted Jones56 Queen Street Gordon Kirkley135 Ravenscourt Grove Lesley Duke109 Ravenscourt Grove Jean Garbett34 Royal Jubilee Court Thomas Walsh39 Royal Jubilee Court Gladys Collier13 Solar Court Frances Rowntree3 Sunrise Court Brian Laws6 Thomas Sims Court Peter Cox11 Thomas Sims Court Mike Droy5 William Tansley Smith House Lucy Proctor11 William Tansley Smith House Adrienne Bell

Energy useEnergy use and efficiency at all sheltered housing schemes will be reviewed this year.That was the message from Havering Council’s Energy Efficiency Advisor, Penny Crookshank (pictured), when she spoke at the SHOUT Forum.Penny said: “I am available to make energy efficiency assessments of individual homes, just contact me to make an appointment. “In the last three months more than 100 free home energy checks have been conducted and one person will save around around £180-£250

on their annual bill.“It isn’t just electricity and gas usage which is reviewed but also water as water charges can often also be reduced, especially for people living on their own.”

More information:[email protected]

The provisional dates for future SHOUT Forum meetings are: • Tuesday 28 July 2015 • Tuesday 27 October 2015These meetings are for SHOUT Forum representatives and by invitation only.

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Spotlight on Royal Jubilee Court

Royal Jubilee Court is a blend of traditional and modern buildings

Close to shops and main bus routes yet secluded and peaceful is the ideal location for a sheltered housing scheme, which is why residents of Royal Jubilee Court describe it as “perfect”.Located on Main Road, it is just minutes away from the bustling Romford Market but walk out of the back gate and you’re in beautiful Raphael’s Park with its lake and gardens.Gladys Collier, who has lived there 12 years and is one of the two SHOUT Forum representatives, said: “I love it here; the flats are really nice especially now they’ve put in new kitchens.

“I really enjoy living here, it’s so easy to pop out and take a walk through the park, which is beautiful. I can look out over the park from my windows and watch the birds on the lake.”Fellow SHOUT Forum representative, Tom Walsh, who has lived there nearly eight years, added: “The only time there’s any real competition is when playing bingo as everyone wants to win.”

Coffee and chat

One of the reasons everyone gets on so well is because of the range of social events that are held.Every Monday, Wednesday and

Friday there’s coffee, biscuits and chat in the communal lounge so you know you can meet up with friends at least three times a week.

Ken and Patricia Gogay play scrabble watched by Sara


We have a convoy! Model vehicles are unusual containers for plants

Tom Walsh checks out the latest additions to the communal library

Scrabble challengeEvery weekday Ken and Paddy (Patricia) Gogay spend a couple of hours playing Scrabble in the communal lounge which often attracts spectators. They are often joined by their Personal Assistant, Sara, who is paid for via their Personal Budget to provide them with care and supportSara, who has been with Ken and Paddy for more than 11 years, said: “Royal Jubilee Court is in lovely grounds, is safe and secure and has peaceful surroundings – what more could you ask for?”

Glorious gardens Also planned for this year are cream teas and barbecues in the garden – with Gladys’s son-in-law Guy doing the cooking.New garden furniture has recently arrived ready for the summer season so residents can sit and enjoy the gardens or even watch their neighbours’ green fingers at work.Gladys added: “I enjoy gardening but am a lazy gardener so use a lot of pots and containers. My husband was a long distance lorry driver so we have a convoy of vehicles carrying plants through the garden led by a

model of his container lorry painted in West Ham colours as that was his team.“There’s quite a few of us who look after different parts of the gardens and we must do a reasonable job as we won first prize in the Havering in Bloom competition in 2013. “We had a number of raffles and raised £105 which we’re going to spend on more pots and containers for the garden.

Joining together

Residents at Royal Jubilee Court join forces with Thomas Sims Court residents for trips to Broadstairs, Ely and Southend-on-Sea as well as to the Christmas lights in London.Summing up what makes Royal Jubilee Court special, Tom said: “The only way I want to leave Royal Jubilee Court is in my coffin – it’s a great place to live, the environment is fantastic and everyone gets on well together.”

Gladys Collier gets dug in to some gardening

Ken and Patricia Gogay play scrabble watched by Sara

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Emma Daly Emma is a former Rent Account Officer and will be looking after Charlbury Crescent and Cole Court schemes.“I’ve always wanted to work in the sheltered schemes as there is a lot of job satisfaction helping older people. I am expecting this new job to be very rewarding and am looking forward to it.

New managers now in placeEight new sheltered housing scheme managers are now in place and will be working with residents to bring improvements to each of the schemes.

Havering Council Community Services Manager, Marina Crofts, said: “The new managers will each have responsibility for two or three sheltered housing schemes so they can get to know residents much better than was possible under the Mobile Support Worker (MSW) service.

Extensive Consultation“An extensive consultation at the end of last year showed 88 per cent of residents supported the new system. “Since January we have been interviewing applicants and have taken our time as it is important we get the right people, with the right skills in these jobs. “We want managers who care about people, will build good relationships with each tenant and do their best to help them.”New RolesMarina added: “We are currently looking to recruit to the overall manager’s post, to help each manager deliver the right results for their residents.“The scheme managers have much wider responsibilities than the MSWs and have had special training to help them do those new tasks.”

The new responsibilities include:• Working with the community

engagement team to run a programme of activities and events for residents

• Carrying out viewings and tenancy sign ups with prospective new tenants

• Managing the housekeeper• Housing management, such as

changes to tenancies and management of nuisance or breaches of tenancy

• Carrying out inspections, including ensuring repairs to communal areas are carried out satisfactorily

• Reporting and chasing repairs for individual residents if they are unable to do so or have experienced unreasonable delays

• Carrying out care needs assessments for social services.

Carol FoleyCarol has spent the last eight years as a Havering Council Neighbourhood Officer and Neighbourhood Warden, and will be looking after Bards Court, Brunswick Court and Cockabourne Court schemes.“It’s time for a change and this new system allows us to focus on just a few schemes so should be more rewarding.“I’ve got experience of working with older people so have the skills to do the job well.

“I’m particularly looking forward to working with the Community Engagement team to introduce more activities that residents can join in.”


Lisa Matthews

Kelly was a Resident Liaison Officer before taking on her current role where she will be looking after Thomas Sims Court, Park Lane and Serena Court, Solar Court and Sunrise Court schemes.“I wanted a new challenge and like socialising with people. I also enjoy working for Havering Council and this new role brought all of those together into an exciting new job.”

Andra was Mobile Support Team Leader at Havering Council, where she has worked for the last 14 years. Andra will be looking after Dell Court and Garrick House. “The new job means I can be more involved with tenants, working with them to bring about positive changes to make sure each scheme is a happy place to live in.”

Denise job shares with Lisa Matthews. Denise has worked for Havering Council for 30 years, and will be looking after Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House schemes. “Because I’ve been an MSW I know the way the sheltered schemes run at the moment and want to be involved in the positive changes .”

Gillian has been a Housing Officer at Havering Council for five years. She will be looking after Cottons Court, Fambridge Court and Queen Street Villas schemes.“I’m not expecting my Anti Social Behaviour experience to be used in my new job but am looking forward to working on a one to one basis with residents in my schemes.”

Lisa job shares with Denise Smith. Lisa has been a Mobile Support Officer, working for Havering Council for the last 25 years. She and Denise will be looking after Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House schemes.“I wanted a new challenge and know this job will be very rewarding.“I’m looking forward to making a difference in my schemes and to supporting tenants to lead, happy, secure and independent lives.”

Stephanie has been a Mobile Support Officer, working for Havering Council for the last 21 years. She will be looking after Royal Jubilee Court and Poplar Street schemes.“The opportunity to get to know each resident and help so they can live in their home as independently as possible is something I’m really looking forward to doing.“The new job means I can be more involved with tenants”

Kelly Murray

Andra Ramsay Denise Smith Gillian Wallis

Stephanie Johnson

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“Wot, no chorus

girls?” asks Wally as he looked in at the VE Day

party held at Ravenscourt to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.“Great grub” was also available as the indoor street party got underway.

Ravenscourt resident, Jean Garbett took time off the dance floor and said: “It’s right to celebrate VE Day as it meant so much then as we knew the war was really over.”

Ivan Dobson, said: “We get on well here and this street party is a great way of getting together, enjoying ourselves and sharing our memories.”And those memories were vivid, humorous and also recalled frightening times.

Memories Ivan Dobson was 11 on VE Day and lived in Manor Park with his parents and sister Val Martin, who was five.

Ivan said: “VE Day was a great celebration. We held a street party and really enjoyed ourselves.

“Rationing was in place but everyone in the street mucked in and gave what they could for the party.

“Everyone baked in those days rather than buying cakes like they do today.”

In the Mood to celebrate VE DayRemembering his war experiences, he added: “I can remember being in the air raid shelter at home and granddad was stood in the doorway watching the searchlights when a bomb hit the nearby railway line. Granddad was blown back into the shelter, the door went flying the other way and the house was demolished.“On another day I was stood in the street watching a dog fight above London, planes flew a lot slower than they do today so you could see what was happening, when a neighbour ran out and dragged me inside out of harm’s way.“There were a lot of Italian prisoners of war (POW) on work parties in the area and they had a big yellow spot on the back of their clothes so you knew they were POWs.”Frightening

Sister Val added: “I can remember walking home from school with Ivan when the sirens went off, we were half way between the shelters at school and the one at home so I was terrified and wet myself. “Ivan was so embarrassed he made me walk well behind him until we got home.“I can also remember standing on Romford Road, with lots of neighbours waving flags when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the current Queen’s mother) drove past.“That was really exciting for all of us.”

Caught shortJean Garbett was a schoolgirl in Kent during the war and her most vivid memory was on VE Day itself.

She said: “My mother, Mrs Bridge, and our neighbour, Mrs Bone, never drank but on VE Day they put on their best outfits and went to the village pub to celebrate; the first time they’d been to the pub.

“They must have had a bit to drink as on the way home they got caught short and popped round the back of the “big house” to answer a call of nature, even though it was used as a camp for Italian POWs.

“Well the following morning Mrs Bone came round to say she couldn’t find her handbag so a big search took place around the big house as none of us knew where they’d actually gone but we didn’t find the handbag, which eventually turned up tucked into a pair of

Waving the Union Flag in celebration are Jean Garbett, Val Martin, Ron Fletcher, Eileen Wiltshire, Ivan Dobson, Rene Beadle and Roy Ward


In the Mood to celebrate VE Day

bloomers in a bedroom at Mrs Bone’s house – no idea why she put it in her bloomers but it must have made sense to her at the time.

Bomber watch“I can also remember those of us in the top class at school were on a rota to sit in the park near the school and keep an eye open for German bombers

heading over our part of Kent.

“If you saw one you had to race towards the school ringing a hand bell so everyone could get to the shelters as quickly as possible.

“I hated doing that as if it rained all you had was an itchy old sack to put over your head to keep dry but worse was being frightened of the consequences if you didn’t spot a bomber in time and the rest of the school didn’t get to the shelters on time.”Gas works

Roy Ward was 10 on VE Day and lived in East Ham, near the gas works which made life very interesting as it was a target for the German bombers.

Roy said: “All I really remember about VE Day itself was a neighbour’s boy saying the war was over.

“During the war we lived in a block of flats and when the sirens went you went down to the big basement until the all clear.

“I remember being in that basement when a bomb hit the gas works and a man came in who’d been caught by the blast wave – he looked like he’d come out of a Laurel and Hardy film after they’d been blown up, covered in soot and clothes ripped.

“The Express Dairy also was bombed and because they were worried one of the bombs may go off and affect the gas works, we were all told to go to the

Your StoriesIf you remember celebrating VE or VJ Day and have a story to tell we want to hear from you.E: [email protected]

Waving the Union Flag in celebration are Jean Garbett, Val Martin, Ron Fletcher, Eileen Wiltshire, Ivan Dobson, Rene Beadle and Roy Ward

Jean Garbett and Ivan Dobson dance to Glenn Miller

Grabbing their grub are Ron Fletcher and Rene Beadle

local church hall where we had tea and buns until it was safe to go home.

“One thing we used to do was go to the local park and watch the girls winch up the barrage balloons and then after an air raid us boys would go looking for shrapnel to collect.

“I had a narrow escape when a doodlebug came down about 100 yards away, it demolished some houses but I was ok.”

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Memories of VE Day

Race backing for marathon runnerResidents at Charlbury Court in Harold Hill have been racing ahead to support a London Marathon runner raising funds for Great Ormond Street Childrens’ Hospital.SHOUT Forum representative, Rosie George, said: “Maria Moccasitano ran the London Marathon for this worthwhile charity.“When we heard what she was doing, we wanted to show our support so held two race nights, which were well supported by residents and raised £110 for her to add to the money she collected.”

William Tansley Smith House residents celebrate VE Day

It was party time at William Tansley Smith House in Hornchurch as residents gathered to celebrate VE Day.

The communal lounge was decorated with Union Flags, copies of newspaper front pages from VE Day were read as a special afternoon tea and quiz on the 1940s took place, all to the sound of music from the war years.But most importantly memories were shared.Lost brother

Resident Colin Meers was eight on VE Day and lived in the Kings Cross area. He said: “I can remember my brother going missing on VE Day but we found him soon enough as he was always playing with matches.

We had a long run of bomb shelters down the middle of our road and we simply followed the smoke coming from one of them and there he was.”Louisa Dixon was 17 on VE Day and spent the evening at Victoria Park in Bethnal Green. She said: “There was a big bonfire, a massive one with everyone dancing and singing in the park. The atmosphere was very good, I really enjoyed myself.”

Hyde Park romance For 15-year-old Winifred Boxhall, of Mile End, VE Day was a romantic one. With a twinkle in her eye she explained: “I went up to Hyde Park for the VE Day party and met a nice little soldier and stayed all night

with him at the party. We kept each other warm but nothing came of it as I had already had a boyfriend.”

Banned from booze Tom Tyler is Hornchurch born and bred. On VE Day he was 16 and had been working for a sand excavating company at Aveley for a couple of years.He said: “I decided, as it was a time to celebrate, I’d have my first beer. Well I had a couple of pints and because I wasn’t used to it was a bit the worse for wear. I ended up getting a right telling off from my parents who banned me from drinking.“Can you imagine that happening these days?”


Egg-citing time for Easter

Gladys Collier with her hamper

Let’s get QuizzicallThe little grey cells were working overtime when residents from five sheltered housing schemes descended on William Tansley Smith House, in Hornchurch, for a quiz night.Quiz master was resident volunteer, Glenn Anderson, who travels to different sheltered housing schemes to run quizzes.This one saw 27 residents from Brunswick Court, Cottons Court, Fambridge Court, Ravenscourt Grove and William Tansley Smith House divided into two team to pit their wits against the other team to answer the general knowledge questions.Half-way through the evening, a fish and chip supper was enjoyed with the hope that the fish would live up to its reputation as brain food.The night ended as a tie with each team scoring 23 points.

William Tansley Smith House resident, Adrienne Bell, said: “The night went really smoothly, we had a great time and Glenn was a very good quiz master.”

The quiz underway at William Tansley Smith House.

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

A fun quiz, lunch and bingo combined to make a fantastic Easter extravaganza day for residents from Havering Council’s sheltered housing schemes.The quiz included questions on Easter, the 1960s and 1970s and was won by the joint team

from Cottons Court and Fambridge Court, who each went home with two Easter eggs, donated by Tradeline.Winner of the bingo was Gladys Collier, from Royal Jubilee Court, who won a hamper of Easter goodies donated by Cube.

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Activities for you to enjoyScheme Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Bards Court Coffee Morning, Afternoon Tea and Darts

Coffee Morning.Club meet In Afternoon

Computer lessons in Morning, Coffee Morning, Games Afternoon

Coffee Morning 11am-1pm Computer Training Bingo Afternoon

Coffee MorningQuiz Afternoon

Beehive Court Fitness Club Morning

Tapestry Morning Bingo Evening

Afternoon Tea LunchBingo Evening

LunchDinner/ Entertainment Evenings

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

Perky Pensioners Lunch

Bible Studies MorningHairdresser Visits Afternoon Darts Evening

Lunch Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon

Charlbury Crescent Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon

Bingo Evening

CockabourneCourt

Bacon Sandwiches Morning

Bingo Coffee Morning Entertainment Evenings

Cole Court Coffee Morning Lunch every other Wednesday Activities Evening

Cottons Court Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening

Pool Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening

Pool Afternoon

Dell Court Darts Afternoon Keep Fit AfternoonFambridge Court Activities Club

Afternoon Bingo Evening

Pool Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening

Pool

Garrick House Bingo Afternoon Line Dancing Afternoon

Bingo Afternoon Tea and Cake Afternoon

Bingo Afternoon

Holsworthy House Coffee Morning Bingo Afternoon

Coffee Morning Computer Lessons

Coffee Morning

Coffee Morning Bingo Evening

Keep Fit Coffee Morning

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

Darts Evening Cards Evening Bingo Afternoon

Royal Jubilee Court Coffee Morning Computer Games Coffee Morning Computer Games

Computer Games Coffee Morning Computer Games

Thomas Sims Court

Tea and Coffee Morning Bingo and Bonus Ball Game Lunch

Tea and Coffee Morning Pool

Tea and Coffee MorningSilver Linx Craft Club AfternoonCards Evening

Tea and Coffee MorningBacon and Sausage Sandwich Lunch

William Tansley Smith House

Coffee Morning Knitting /Craft Afternoon

Entertainment Evenings

There are lots of activities for you to enjoy in each of the Sheltered Housing Schemes as you can see below:


Special Events

General

Tuesday 9 June Big Sheltered Quiz of the Year Tuesday 25 August Trip to Saffron Walden Market

Bards Court Tuesday 21 July Barbecue lunch

Beehive Court

Thursday 4 June Afternoon QuizThursday 2 July Afternoon QuizThursday 6 August Afternoon QuizThursday 3 September Afternoon Quiz

Charlbury Crescent

Monday 8 June Trip to Southend-on-SeaSaturday 13 June Quiz Night Saturday 4 July Cockney NightSunday 12 July BarbecueFriday 17 July Special Lunch

Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts

Tuesday 14 July Barbecue lunch

Thomas Sims Court

Thursday 4 June Morning QuizFriday 26 June Family DayThursday 2 July Morning QuizMonday 27 July Trip to ElyThursday 6 August Morning QuizThursday 3 September Morning QuizTuesday 8 September Trip to BroadstairsSaturday 7 November Fireworks PartyMonday 14 December London’s Christmas Lights tour

William Tansley Smith House

Thursday 18 June Afternoon QuizTuesday 7 July Barbecue lunchThursday 16 July Afternoon QuizThursday 13 August Afternoon QuizThursday 17 September Afternoon Quiz

Cabinet Member’s SurgeryCabinet Member for Housing Services, Councillor Damian White, holds surgeries across the Borough so Council tenants can discuss housing issues with him.The surgeries are on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and any tenants are welcome to come along. All discussions will be confidential.The next meeting dates are:


• Friday 26 June3pm to 5pm

Highfield - room next to Highfield Towers, Hillrise Road, Collier Row RM5 3DQ

• Friday 14 August4pm to 6pm

Town Hall, Main RoadRomford, RM1 3BB

The table below shows the special events at the time of going to press, please check for latest information on each event using the web link below

Holsworthy House

Tuesday 9 June Afternoon QuizTuesday 14 July Afternoon QuizTuesday 11 August Afternoon QuizTuesday 15 September Afternoon Quiz

Lombard Court


Poplar Street


Ravenscourt Grove

Monday 22 June Afternoon QuizMonday 20 July Afternoon QuizMonday 24 August Afternoon Quiz Monday 28 September Afternoon Quiz

Royal Jubilee Court

Saturday 27 June Family BarbecueWednesday 29 June Barbecue lunchMonday 27 July Trip to ElyTuesday 8 December London’s Christmas Lights tour

20 |

A new dawn – the Care Act is hereAs the first part of the Care Act came into force this April there is a wealth of information and guidance from Havering Council that helps explain the changes and enables you to plan for the future. You can use the computers in your communal lounge to check the website for two publications Getting the right care and support for you and support for carers for an outline of the care and support changes that will affect people the most from April 2015. Under the Act, more changes to the way people pay for care and

support will be introduced from April 2016. Havering’s independent information and advice website for adults has been updated with a range of information to help people make informed care choices and learn more about the services available in Havering.The website contains information ranging from paying for care, online care assessments, telecare, meals on wheels and a directory of services.

More information:www.havering.gov.uk/careact www.haveringcarepoint.org

The libraries of every sheltered housing scheme received a World Book Day boost in April thanks to World Book Night, which donated two books to each scheme.

The books were Spring Tide by Cilla Borjlind and Custard Tarts And Broken Hearts by Mary Gibson.Havering Council Community Engagement Officer, Chelsea Potts,

said: “Each sheltered scheme has its own library, often in the communal lounge, and these new books will be welcome additions to those collections.”

Anyone who wants to speak to someone about the changes to care and support can pop in to Care Point, 36 High Street, Romford, RM1 1HR, from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Stan Tackley, from Holsworthy House, and Ann and David Ruddiman, of Bards Court catch up on some World Book Day reading.

World Book Day boost for libraries

Documents

Sheltered times 5 Summer 2015