32nd Edition • July 2015
HHoming In coosts 25p a compy to print ing in In this issue
Universal Credit – find out more page 5
Helping local communities page 11
How are we doing? page 20 Dear Reader
ore new and modernised regeneration work to make Mhomes will become them easier to heat and keep available to rent in our district warm. this summer thanks to our on- This summer we started work going housing regeneration on a £5.3million external wall New homes in G programme. insulation scheme to more than rassmoor We now have high quality 300 non-traditionally built brand new houses and properties. improve them. bungalows available in Over the past few months our The survey asks you Eckington and Killamarsh and a Regeneration Team has been questions about everything from modernised complex of consulting with tenants and our repairs and maintenance apartments in Holmgate. residents affected by the service to how you can get This is great news for people schemes in North Wingfield, more involved with the work we looking to rent in North East Pilsley, Tupton and Dronfield. do. Derbyshire and we are currently With this issue of Homing In We would like as many of you looking for new funding you should have received your as possible to return the opportunities to create even Annual Tenant Satisfaction surveys. As well as helping us more homes in future. Survey. This is your opportunity to shape our future service We are also delighted that to have a say on the services delivery – you could also be in hundreds more homes in our we provide and let us know with a chance of winning £100 district are set to benefit from where we could strengthen or in shopping vouchers! Contents
Dear Reader 2 Chance to win prizes 3 Positive ageing 3 Money Matters 4 Newsround 6-7 A Day in the Life of... 8-9 Working with local communities 10-11 Regeneration and renewal 12-13 Direct debit winners 14 Make your voice heard 15 Time Out - Recipes & puzzles 16 Apartments in Clay Cross 17 Get Involved 18 Useful Contacts 19 How are we doing? 20
2 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Win! Win! Win! Don’t miss out on a chance to win one of our three prizes.
nyone filling in and returning n our current services meet your Athe Tenant Satisfaction needs Survey sent with this edition of n we identify what changes The more surveys we receive Homing In will automatically be need to be made to make means we get a much clearer entered into a prize draw to win them better picture of what you up to £100 in shopping n we develop new services to think about our services and vouchers. meet changing demands. where we might need to make changes. Each year Rykneld Homes asks It should only take you a few tenants and residents what they minutes to fill in and we have Return the survey by Friday think about the services we offer. included a pre-paid envelope for 31 July and you could be one We do this to make sure that: you to return it. of our lucky prize draw winners!!! ing Positive age
hanks to everyone who attended Tthe launch of the Federation for Positive Ageing this spring. Rykneld Homes was one of the organisations which supported the Federation and is looking forward to working with groups and members in future. Federation organisers were delighted with all the good ideas which came out of the event and are now looking at how to take them forward. In the meantime, if your group needs any help you can contact g. Diane Sheppard, the Federation sitive Agein ration for Po Co-ordinator on 0755 396 7087 or of the Fede unch event email: [email protected] The la
n The Federation of Positive Ageing improve the quality of life for Rykneld Homes is working in is a project run by Age Concern older people by helping to partnership with the Federation Chesterfield and District. combat isolation and to support activities aimed at The Federation is working to loneliness. getting people out and about.
www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 3 Money Matters Help and support elping tenants identify what Hbenefits and payments they are entitled to is part of the work of our Financial Inclusion Team. They have helped people claim thousands of pounds in benefits and offered advice and information about how to make money go further. We have included here two recent cases that had a very positive outcome for the people involved.
Back payments In the first case we were able to help a new tenant claim £6,600 in back payments. Following a visit from a of that time the Officer Neighbourhood Support Officer In our second case we were end ed the tenant make a the tenant was put in touch with able to help a tenant who help application which our Financial Inclusion Team to was in arrears and affected fresh lted in a further award of check what benefits he might be by the Welfare Reform resu .62 per week for 16 entitled to. changes. £ 20 . A Financial Inclusion Officer The tenant, a single person weeks e also made the tenant visited him at his home and claiming Housing Benefit, W re of Personal identified his entitlement to was under occupying the awa pendent Payment – a Housing Benefit, a Council Tax property by two bedrooms Inde fit paid to people with refund and his eligibility for State and was therefore subject to bene in disabilities which limit Retirement Pension payments – a 25% Housing Benefit certa daily lives and referred the tenant was over 65 but still reduction. their o the Citizens Advice working and did not think he The Financial Inclusion them t au for additional debt could claim his state pension. Officer helped the tenant to Bure ce. The officer was able to help apply for Discretionary advi e tenant successfully the tenant complete his Housing Housing Payment (DHP) to Th ied for the Payment and Benefit Form and send off the help with the under appl ed with the Citizen relevant information. She occupation charge. As a work ce Bureau to obtain a phoned the Pension Service, result they received £20.62 a Advi relief order. with the tenant’s permission and week for 26 weeks. At the debt completed the claim over the phone and also helped to identify that he was entitled to If you would like to receive advice from our Financial Inclusion Pension Credit. Team please contact us on 01246 217670.
4 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Welfare Reform What do I need to do? You will need to make sure you ction of Universal Credit have a bank account or building Introdu society account set up for these payments to be made. As payments will be made four weeks What is it? When will it come into force? in arrears, you are advised to pay As part of the Government’s This will be introduced between a little extra each week to get your changes to the benefits system, September and November 2015 accounts in credit in preparation for a new payment system called and you will need to claim Universal Credit ‘Universal Credit’ is being online. introduced that will bring about changes to the way people’s Will I be affected by this? Do you require further help benefits are paid. If you are currently claiming and assistance? welfare benefits you will not be If you need any help or advice Universal Credit replaces the directly affected by Universal around your welfare benefits, following benefits: Credit straight away but you will setting up a bank account, be moved across to Universal budgeting, debts, savings, or n Housing Benefit Credit in the near future. bills then we are here to help. n Income Support However, if you have to make a We have a specialist in-house n Income-Based Jobseekers new claim for benefits and are Financial Inclusion Team that can Allowance single then you will need to claim assist you with your finances n Income-Related Employment Universal Credit when this is and budgeting and Support Allowance introduced from September 2015. For more information or to n Child Tax Credit This will then be rolled out to arrange an appointment please n Working Tax Credit include new claims for couples contact us on 01246 217670. and claimants with children. n For more information on What this means to me and Universal Credit visit the GOV.UK how will it be paid? website www.gov.uk/ Once you receive Universal universal-credit Credit, your Housing Benefit will n Visit the Money Advice Service no longer be paid directly to your website for impartial advice on landlord but will be paid straight budgeting and preparing for to you. This means you will Universal Credit. become responsible for ensuring www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/ your rent is paid on time. en/articles/how-to-budget-for- a-monthly-benefit-payment Visit the Money Advice Service website for information about things to think about before opening a basic bank account. ww.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/ en/articles/basic-bank-accounts
www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 5 News round Putting tenants first nce again we were delighted to receive Oindependent praise for the high quality erate Constructors services we deliver. Consid In April it was fantastic to be shortlisted for Rykneld Homes Social Landlord of the Year in the 2015 Housing was also proud that the new build schemes curre Excellence Awards. This comes only months ntly underway in Eckington and Killamarsh hav after reaching the finals of the 2015 Housing e earned top awards. Our contract Innovation Awards for our work as a landlord ors Galliford Try won a Bronze award in the 2015 Con and our regeneration scheme at Stonelow siderate Constructors Scheme for their care at bo Green flats in Dronfield. th sites. They were judged on how well they respe These awards celebrate the best in the cted the local community, protected the environmen housing and construction sectors so we were t, secured site safety, cared about the appearance of proud to know we are up with the best when it the site and valued their workforce. Mike Petter, Cha comes to the services we provide. ir of the Considerate Constructor scheme, said: “ Nigel Barker, Chair at Rykneld Homes, said: Each award winning project serves as a shining ex “We want to provide the best we can to ample to the industry as to what can be ac tenants and residents so it is great to receive hieved. My congratulati national recognition for our work and to know ons to all sites that have received a Natio that we provide high quality, professional nal Site Award.” services that can match the best.”
Tackling Domestic Abuse t Rykneld Homes we take the housing options available. domestic abuse including: Aissue of domestic abuse very We define Domestic Abuse as seriously. It can be considered a any incident of threatening n Destructive criticism and good enough reason for eviction. behaviour, violence or abuse verbal abuse Domestic abuse is a serious (mental, physical, emotional, n Pressure tactics crime and we are committed to financial or sexual) against you by n Disrespect supporting people who find your partner, ex-partner or n Breaking trust themselves at risk and will work in another member of your family or n Harassment partnership with other agencies to household. n Threats tackle the problem. In the UK domestic violence n Sexual violence As part of that commitment we accounts for 16% of all violent n Physical violence have developed a Domestic Abuse crime. In 2013/14, 20,076 n Denying the abuse is taking Policy which sets out the actions incidents of domestic violence or place Rykneld Homes will take where abuse were reported to Derbyshire abuse is reported or we suspect it Police and 1,046 convictions lk to is taking place. obtained as a result. Each month If you would like to ta omestic A copy of the policy can be North East Derbyshire District someone about our D ontact a found on our website at Council receives an average of six Abuse Policy please c unity www.rykneldhomes.org.uk. Some homelessness applications from member of our Comm of our staff have undergone victims who have sought Sustainment Team on special training to help them deal assistance to escape domestic 01246 217670. with the issues and advise on the abuse. There are signs of
6 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Accommodation Support he Choice Move Team at [email protected] TRykneld Homes holds special advice sessions at our Clay The surgeries are by Cross, North Wingfield and appointment only and bookings Killamarsh Area Housing Offices may be limited. to help our customers with: The surgeries will be held between 9am – 12noon: n Completing applications and other housing related forms n alternate Mondays between n Medical assessment referral North Wingfield One Stop n Advice on under-occupation Shop and Clay Cross Area n Allocations Housing Office n HomeSwapper registration n the first Thursday of every Read on… n Bidding for properties month at Killamarsh Area ould you like to help us n General housing advice Housing Office Wshape the look of Homing In, our leaflets and You can book a 30 minute website?
appointment with a member of n you can nformatio We are always keen to our team by: For more i bsite at recruit more tenants to our n our we or visiting an Area Housing Office visit es.org.uk kneldhom Editorial Panel. n calling us on 01246 217670 or www.ry 217670. on 01246 The Panel looks at n by e-mail tact us con newsletters, leaflets, handbooks, letters and other documents to ensure that they are easy to read and understand. Most of the documents can be emailed so involvement in this group can be done from home. There may be occasions when we invite the group to attend meetings at our headquarters in Wingerworth. If you would like to find out more about this group and how you can help to improve the way Rykneld Happy Birthday! Homes communicates with tenants, Happy 100th birthday to our tenant Mrs Gladys Lowe! please get in touch with the Community Involvement or Rykneld Homes presented her with a gift to help celebrate the occasion. Communications Teams on Paula Darby from our Customer Services team was on hand to ask 01246 217670 or email them at Gladys for a few tips on how to stay fit and looking so well. “I love drinking tea and have seven cups a day!” said Gladys. “I also [email protected] like keeping active and enjoy sewing and reading.” www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 7 A Day in the Life of…
very year we carry out thousands Council and Rykneld Homes for 10.30am Eof repairs to your homes and are almost 30 years and during that proud of our record of completing time has probably visited most of My next job is in Danesmoor 99% of them on target. our homes! where repairs are needed to a Our team of skilled repairs and We follow Pete on an average day. firewall in the loft. maintenance staff work hard to am .30am ensure we deliver the best service 8 11 possible to you. This is my first call of the day to a I am booked in to replace a property in Mickley where I need corroded grab rail outside the Did you know? to clean out a blocked gully on a property of an elderly tenant in Grassmoor. In 2013/14 we carried out footpath which is causing flooding. 19,218 responsive repairs – an 9.15am 1pm average of 370 a week. We My first job in the afternoon is also carried out almost 6,000 I receive an emergency call to say plastering work at a property in emergency repairs – an a roof tile has come off in North Wingfield. When I arrive the average of 115 a week Stonebroom and is hanging dangerously from a gutter. After tenant is not at home. A neighbour says the tenant One of our repairs and finishing the job in Mickley I go generally picks up her daughter maintenance operatives is Pete straight there to remove the tile from nursery at that time and is Wigfield. He has worked for the before it falls and possibly harms someone. normally back by 1.30pm. I wait to see if the tenant returns and contact Rykneld Homes to say I could be late for my next job booked in Holmewood and to let the tenant know. 1.30pm The North Wingfield tenant returns. I inspect the plastering repair work and this turns out to be a much larger area than reported and will take longer to complete. The tenant asks if I can repair a broken gate whilst I am there but I explain I have another job to go to but will make an appointment for the work to be done at a later date.
3.15pm I set off for my final job in Holmewood to refix some wall tiles.
8 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Help us to help you
How you can help us deliver a first class service?
n Let us know if you cannot make an appointment n Let us know if you might be out on a school run and unable to give us access to your property when we arrive n Make sure items such as furniture and carpets have been moved where necessary elongings Moving b We want to reach as many tenants and repairs as Sometimes we will advise you that the repair work that we are possible and these three going to do in your home will require you to move the furniture, simple steps will help us make carpets or other items to enable us to undertake work safely the best use of our time and without damaging your property. It greatly assists us if you can resources. do this but if you or your family feel that you are unable to move the items for any reason please contact us on 01246 217670 prior to the repair appointment and we will consider individuals circumstances and provide help and support where possible.
ed units Double glaz During the last 25-30 years, the Council and Rykneld Homes have installed UPVC Window frames and double glazing. In a number of areas these are reaching the end of their useful life and are due to be replaced. Rykneld Homes are developing programmes of window replacements which will start this year and continue over the next 5 years. In the meantime some double glazed units have become misted, due to their age small amounts of moisture have got into the gap between the glass. In an ideal world these would be replaced as they fail. However it is not cost effective to replace the individual units as this reduces the amount of funding that we have for whole house window replacements. Therefore as long as the unit is performing normally in terms of keeping out wind and water and retaining warmth the units will not be replaced as a Repair.
www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 9 Working with local co unity Working in the comm ur Community Involvement Team will be out and about across the district this summer supporting Olocal groups and organisations to hold community events. This is a great opportunity for us to meet with tenants and residents and use your comments to help us shape our future service delivery. We are also able to offer support to groups through our Neighbourhood Improvement Budget – which provides funding to help projects that benefit local communities. Here are just some of the things we have supported over the past few months: BMX in Mickley
ast year saw the official opening Lof a new BMX track in Mickley. Rykneld Homes helped to support the project and is now keen to help youngsters make best use of the fantastic facility. In May our Community Involvement Team hosted a consultation event to generate interest in establishing a BMX Club. More than 50 young people and adults attended and enjoyed competitions run by Extreme Wheels. There was also an opportunity to win a Rayleigh BMX Bike and Helmet in a free raffle. To be in with a chance of winning the prizes participants community put a lot of hard work about running a successful answered questions about how into getting it off the ground and BMX club and to gauge how they saw the facility developing in we want to support them in potential members see the club future. making most of what it can offer to developing in the future. Heather Summers, Head of the community and to visitors for The consultation event and Neighbourhoods at Rykneld years to come.” the BMX club were also Homes, said: “We want to inspire The next step is to invite all supported by the Mickley people to get involved and interested parties to a meeting Tenants and Residents develop this fantastic facility. The that will give more information Association and Shirland and Higham Parish Council.
10 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Supporting local groups In the last few months we have been able to offer ommunities funding through our Neighbourhood Improvement Budget to two local Out and about this summer organisations. ur Community Staff at Rykneld Homes Dronfield Gentle OInvolvement Team has supported the charity walk already attended galas and organised by the Killamarsh Exercise Group fun days across the district in Tenants and Residents Forum A group which meets weekly for partnership with tenants and to raise funds for Ashgate gentle chair based exercises were residents groups and other Hospice. The 12-mile walk in awarded £389 from our local organisations. June was from Ashgate Neighbourhood Improvement So far this summer we have Hospice to Killamarsh Sports Budget to give it a more secure attended events in Renishaw, Centre. future. The group meet at North Wingfield, Hasland, We will also be attending Dronfield Baptist Church. Holmewood, Morton, and the Clay Cross Gala and the Secretary Anne Jones said “We Killamarsh with more Grassmoor Galas in July. would like to say thank you to planned in Clay Cross and Rykneld for supporting our group, it Grassmoor . is appreciated by all who come to In Renishaw our young the classes. The sessions help to Community Improvers worked keep us moving and provide a with Sporting Futures and the social meeting point where we Community Safety Partnership make new friends. to help organise the event. “Although we pay £3 per week, In North Wingfield we gave there are some weeks when this is support to an open day at the not enough to cover the cost of local community allotment and holding the class, so this award is in Holmewood we worked very important.” with the parish council, Village Games, North East Derbyshire Tiny tots play group District Council, the local A mother and toddler group was foodbank and Church to help awarded £435 from the organise the first fun day in Neighbourhood Improvement many years held on the cricket Budget to develop a designated ground. baby area at the Church Hall in Eckington. This will help to make wn roots the facility safer and more colourful. Putting do The group which meets on Thursday 9.30am - 11.30am were Our Neighbourhood extremely grateful for the support. Services and Community Involvement Teams joined forces with Wingerworth Parish Council to plant sapling trees and shrubs on land at Adlington Park in Wingerworth to act as a barrier against high winds.
www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 11 Regeneration and renewal
his summer will see more new Rykneld and Council homes being completed in our district Tand hundreds more properties made warmer and more energy efficient. Over the past two years, in partnership with the Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), we have invested millions of pounds to improve housing in North East Derbyshire. We are proud of our achievement and look forward to welcoming tenants and families into the new homes - helping to ease the housing shortage in our area.
New homes in Grassmoor
In June we completed our new build scheme in Grassmoor. This has involved replacing nine pre- fabricated bungalows on Keats Way which were hard to heat and keep warm, with a total of 24 brand new properties. The development includes 14 two-bedroomed bungalows and 10 semi-detached houses. The New homes in Grassmoor houses are a mixture of two and three-bedroomed properties and have all been built to a high the Grassmoor development is Eckington have now been re- standard. great news for our area. We are housed and new tenants are North East Derbyshire District very proud of the scheme and the moving on to the estate. Council Member for Housing, Cllr provision of additional homes for In Killamarsh phase two of the Betty Hill, said: “We are delighted to rent in an area of high demand.” scheme to create 24 new see the completion of these brand bungalows is nearing completion new homes in Grassmoor. By Eckington and Killamarsh and the majority of existing working in partnership with Rykneld tenants have moved into their new Homes and the HCA we have been Work on our new build schemes to home. able to build additional homes on create 129 homes in Eckington and Any properties which are not the site and help to ease the Killamarsh is progressing. We are required to re-house the tenants housing shortage in our district.” replacing 99 defective Tarran from the Tarran bungalows in both Included in the development are bungalows with the new Eckington and Killamarsh will be 15 homes owned and managed properties – a mixture of advertised and allocated in line by Rykneld Homes. bungalows and family homes. with the Local Lettings Plan for Nigel Barker, Chair of Rykneld All the existing tenants in each area. Homes, said: “The completion of
12 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Marx Court Tenants at Marx Court in Clay for the future. Cross have benefited from a These improvements to major programme of Marx Court follow other improvements to their homes. significant works carried out in To help with accessibility to 2014 when we fitted a new the Marx Court flats we have energy efficient heating system replaced the old lift and and carried out Decent Homes installed a stairlift to the main work to kitchens and staircase. This will offer an bathrooms. alternative way to access the Nigel Barker, Chair of upper floors should the main Rykneld Homes, said: “We are lift be out of action. delighted that work to upgrade We have also brought the and modernise the flats and former Warden’s Office back facilities at Marx Court is now into use as a tenanted complete. property, fitted a new door “The tenants have the entry system and up-graded benefit of modern, warm the communal lighting. homes, improved accessibility The redundant chimney with a new lift and stairlift and stacks have been lowered to a pleasant communal area to reduce on-going maintenance enjoy and meet in.”
Making homes warmer
e have now started work All properties will receive Won a £5.3m programme external wall insulation and to carry out external wall where required houses will have insulation and other roofs and windows fitted. improvements to 323 non- All of the work is scheduled to traditionally built properties in be completed this year. North Wingfield, Pilsley, Tupton,Dronfield, Holmesfield and Unstone. Contractors have been appointed to carry out the work on the Reema homes - Westdale Services Ltd will undertake the external wall insulation, Avonside Roofing Ltd any roofing works and Anglian Building Products will undertake window replacements.
www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 13 Direct Debit winner! hanks to everyone who Meanwhile, Rykneld Homes Tdecided to make the switch this makes an annual prize draw spring and start to pay their rent by for anyone who pays by Direct Direct Debit. Debit and has a clear rent In our last issue of Homing In we account by the end of the were offering the chance to win financial year. £1,000 in shopping vouchers to So well done to Margaret anyone signing up by 30 June to Pearson from Dronfield who pay by Direct Debit. This was part of won this year’s draw and will a national campaign to encourage receive £50 in shopping more tenants to make the change. vouchers. We already have around 2,000 If you would like to make the tenants who pay by Direct Debit switch why not pick up a leaflet and enjoy the peace of mind that their rent is paid on time, every time from one of our Area Housing with no missed payments. Offices or go to our website We will let you know if there and download a form at were any voucher winners in www.rykneldhomes.org.uk our area in a future edition of Homing In.
Community News If you have any community events you would like to publicise through Homing In – let us know. Our next edition will be delivered to tenants at the beginning of October. You can send any information to [email protected] or write to the Communications Team, Rykneld Homes, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Our team of young Community Improvers helped out at a Chesterfield S42 6NG. recent community clean up day in Holmewood.
Grassmoor allotment open day Mill Lane Allotments at Grassmoor will be holding an open day event from 2pm on Saturday 8 August to celebrate 100 years of gardening on these allotments. There will be a flower and vegetable show and the best kept allotment will be judged. We hope to have a cake baking exhibition with samples to eat with tea and coffee provided.
14 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Make your voice heard
ur Tenant Scrutiny Panel is is vital to have the opportunity to of the country I wanted to find a Onow going from strength to scrutinize the services provided by worthwhile cause to become strength with the addition of two Rykneld in order to help improve involved with. I am proud of the new members! services and the tenancy positive effect the panel has for That means we now have six experience for us all.” tenants – after all, we speak as tenants on the Panel but would still tenants on your behalf!” like to recruit even more. Here’s what some of our current members have to say about why they joined the Panel and what it means for them.
Denis Needham ry Godfrey Ker Denis Needham, said: “I’ve been a tenant for more than 40 years. Godfrey Kerry, who has been a I’ve been a Panel member for four tenant for 30 years, had already years and I’ve really enjoyed being been involved with other tenant Wright Alan part of a hard-working, friendly groups at Rykneld Homes when he panel of people who all share the joined the Panel. “It was an Alan Wright got in touch with us same goal. opportunity to make improvements after reading the advert in the last “The proudest achievement was to our homes and the local issue of Homing In. “I thought the being part of the team that won a community.” Panel sounded interesting,” said national Tenant Participation Alan. “I wanted to get involved in a Advisory Service Award for our project like this and look forward Tenant Scrutiny work in 2013.” to working with the other panel members and Rykneld Homes.”
g Susan Goslin A feeling shared by Susan Gosling: “After retiring I was looking erlo Adrienne Van Mi for something to get involved in and this seemed really interesting rry Angela Pa Panel member Adrienne Van as it directly affected me as a Mierlo, said: “I’ve been a tenant for tenant. I am proud of everything Angela Parry heard about the nine years and was already the Panel has achieved so far.” vacancies from Rykneld Homes involved with other groups at If you are interested in joining the staff and decided it sounded like a Rykneld Homes when they Panel why not give our Community challenge she would enjoy. “I love introduced the Tenant Scrutiny Involvement Team a call on 01246 my local community and as a Panel. 217670 for a chat or to request an Rykneld tenant for 15 years I feel it “After 30 years spent living out application form.
www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 15 eOut Tim s puzzles and recipe
hy not try this tasty and easy n 1 tablespoon tomato puree Wto make recipe from Rykneld n 1 beef stock cube , dissolved Homes’ own mini cookbook! in 250ml hot water It’s been put together by our n 1 teaspoon mixed herbs Community Involvement Team n 1 teaspoon sugar which helps to deliver healthy food n salt and pepper to season and cooking sessions to groups in n 1 tablespoon oil our district. The book contains n 300g spaghetti some of the recipes they use including this one for spaghetti Instructions bolognese. 1. Add the oil to a big based pan Serves: 4 people. and gently fry the onion, garlic and carrots. Spaghetti 2. Once the onions have softened, add the beef and brown. Bolognese 3. Add all the other ingredients, stir and leave to simmer for 30 Ingredients minutes (add a little more water Notes while cooking if needed). n 500g minced beef 4. Cook the spaghetti for 12 What vegetables you add to the n 1 onion, chopped minutes, drain, then add to the Bolognese sauce is your choice. It n 1 clove of garlic, crushed Bolognese sauce with a little of can be anything you have left over n 2 carrots, chopped the spaghetti water. or can be tailored to your own n 100g mushrooms, sliced 5. Mix it all in well then serve. taste. n 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
Word search A E S E N G O L O B I L P I O A T S A P See if you can find the words linked to Italian cooking. spaghetti pizza S T L O T S E P I O bolognese basil tomatoes mozzarella E O T E S U L Z E C pasta pesto O S L E R I Z P N I tiramisu garlic T R I M H A R I O L A E S E T G Z P I R M R A O N P A Z S A O S B O L N I P O G T I R A M I S U S M
16 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Quality apartments in Clay Cross
Rykneld Homes is pleased to be offering for rent a selection of apartments in the Clay Cross area. The properties, located in Holmgate, have undergone an extensive upgrade and now offer attractive, economic and easily managed living space. The major improvements have included :
n Brand new kitchens
n New bathrooms
n The installation of energy-efficient A-rated gas central heating
n New double-glazed windows throughout
The apartments are ready to move into and have been finished to a high standard and decorated throughout.
If you are interested in renting one of the apartments, or want to find out more about the scheme, please get in touch with our Choice Move Team at Rykneld Homes.
They can be contacted on: 01246 217670 or check out our website at www.rykneldhomes.org.uk
www.rykHnOelMdhIoNmGe s.IoNrg . u-k J• UHoNmEi n2g0 in1 5 117 7 Get Involved!
Why not make your voice heard in the local community by setting up a Tenants and Residents Association? At Rykneld Homes we work in partnership with several groups in the district and are able to offer help and support. Godfrey Kerry, Secretary of the Danesmoor and Clay Cross TARA, said: “We can achieve a lot more if we work together for Secretary, Liz Kirton. buffet for more than 60 the good of local communities. Meetings are held the first senior citizens at the “The Associations are able to Monday in the month at community hall. promote and hold events for Eckington Civic Centre, both tenants and residents and Market Street from 7 – 9pm. n October 17 – Danesmoor consult with people about and Clay Cross TARA – developments affecting their n Danesmoor and Clay Charity fund-raising night to homes or communities. Cross Tenants and raise money for Motor “We are always looking for Residents Association . Neurone Disease. Clay Cross new members to join the Secretary Godfrey Kerry. Social Centre. Entertainment existing groups and would like Meetings are held the first and pea and pie supper. to encourage new associations Wednesday of every month Tickets £4 each. to start up in areas of the at the Community of Christ district that are not yet Church, Thanet Street, represented.” Danesmoor from 7 – 9pm. We currently have five Where can I find out n Killamarsh Tenants and groups in our area. They are: more about setting up Residents Forum . Secretary Wilf and Stella Nightingale. a group? n Holmgate TARA – Secretary You can get help and Clifford Fox. Meetings are Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every advice in setting up and held at the Community running a Tenants and Centre, Holmgate every 2nd month at Killamarsh Sports Centre from 2 – 4pm. Residents' Association Wednesday of the month from Rykneld Homes from 7 – 9pm Future events organised by the Community Involvement
n Renishaw Forward Tenants groups: Team. They are able to and Residents Group . – offer support with Secretary Stephen Fidler. n September 11 – Killamarsh organising meetings, Meetings are held on the last Tenants and Residents administration, training Wednesday of every month Forum. Disco, raffle and for committee members at Renishaw Community Hall auction at Killamarsh Leisure and holding social from 7 – 9pm. Centre. events. Contact the team on 01246 217670. n September 19 – Renishaw n Eckington Focus Tenants and Residents Group . Forward – Free bingo and
18 Homing in • www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Useful contacts
Rykneld Homes Rykneld Homes, Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield S42 6NG. North East Derbyshire For all services please District Council call us on 01246 217670 2013 Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Home Ownership Chesterfield S42 6NG Or visit our website at: (Right to Buy and Leaseholders) Tel: 01246 231111 www.rykneldhomes.org.uk Tel: 01246 217670 Or visit our website at: Or Text us at 07800 002 425 Email righttobuy@ www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk rykneldhomes.org.uk Housing Offices Leaseholdmanagement@ Council Tax and Housing For all Area Housing Offices at rykneldhomes.org.uk Benefits Eckington, Killamarsh, Clay Cross, Tel: 01246 217600 Dronfield and North Wingfield Housing Accounts/Rents telephone 01246 217670. Tel: 01246 217670 Elections and Electoral Registration Repairs Tenancy Support Tel: 01246 217069, 217068 For repairs contact 01246 217670 . Tel: 01246 217670 Emergency housing repairs Text: 07971 793 892 Energy Advice Centre (including drainage). Only serious by writing to Community Tel: 01246 217263 emergencies accepted out of hours. Sustainment, Pioneer House, Freephone 08000 121 621. Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Environmental Services Text repairs4u to 07800 002 425 Chesterfield S42 6NG Tel: 01246 217610 for abandoned or via an Area Housing Office. vehicles, Burgundy Bin collection, Adaptations Bulk Collections, Cleansing, Dog Tel: 01246 217670 Community Involvement Wardens, Fly Tipping, Pest Control, E-mail: adaptations.team@ Team Pollution Control (air, noise, rykneldhomes.org.uk Tel: 01246 217295 odour), Recycling initiatives, refuse Email: collection and street cleansing. Choice Move [email protected] Tel: 01246 217670 Food Safety and Hygiene Email: Warden Services Tel: 01246 217238, 217239 [email protected] Tel: 01246 217670 Homelessness Tel: 01246 231111 . For emergency out of hours call Derbyshire out of Other Services hours duty team 01629 532600 . Derbyshire County Council During normal office hours if Derbyshire Constabulary Tel: 08456 058 058 anyone is in need of emergency For non-emergencies phone 101 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday housing they should contact www.derbyshire.police.uk and 9.30am - 4pm Saturdays. 01246 231111 . After 5pm the Email: emergency out of hours service Chesterfield Jobcentre Plus [email protected] kicks in and this is run by Call Tel: 01246 343100 Text: 86555 Derbyshire (managed by Fax: 01629 585995 Derbyshire County Council). North East Derbyshire Citizens Minicom: 01629 585400 The emergency out of hours Advice Bureau By writing to: number is 01629 532600 . Tel: 0844 848 9800 Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG.
www.rykneldhomes.org.uk • Homing in 19 How are we doing?
In this issue of Homing In we’ve taken a look at how our services performed in 2014/15. We are proud of our performance in areas such as repairs, gas servicing, answering your calls and keeping your homes up to standard. But we are not complacent and will be working with tenants over the coming year to look at how we can make our services even better!
Did you know? Our Financial Inclusion Team helped 378 tenants secure a total of £27,000 in financial payments from benefits such as Discretionary Housing 3 Payment and Housing Benefit.
Did you know? Did you know? 3 Our Independent Living Our Gas Servicing team 3 Wardens helped 611 people carried out almost 7,000 gas who had fallen in their home safety check visits. and called for assistance.
Did you know? Did you know? We completed 22,794 repairs In 2014/15 our Contact Centre in 2014/15. answered 96% of calls within 3 target. 3
Did you know? In 2014/15 we managed and invested £28.6million on new build and improvements for Rykneld Homes and North East Derbyshire District Council properties. 3 Did you know? In 2014/15 we spent £749,000 Did you know? We spent £254,000 delivering Did you know? bringing our void properties 3 up to our new Lettable 84 major adaptations to help 99.5% of the repairs we Standard which helps to give people to continue living carried out were responded tenants a head start in their independently in their own to within the target new home. homes. timescales. 3 3
Rykneld Homes Ltd is a company limited by guarantee, controlled by North East Derbyshire District Council and registered in England and Wales. Reg number is 05864912. Registered Office is: Pioneer House, Mill Lane, Wingerworth, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S42 6NG. Registered Provider number 4608.