Providing Quality Homes & Neighbourhoods

Inside this Issue

Cover Story Community Champions We recognise the people who have really made a difference in their community. Get set for winter As the seasons change we’ve got some useful tips to get your home winter ready. Sowing the seeds We ask two of our Branching Out team how the project has changed their lives.

www.a1housing.co.uk Issue 29 Autumn 2011 Welcome from David A message from In Touch’s Tenant Editor, David Smith

MY tip for this issue is a bit of an extended version and takes the form of a trip down memory lane.Editor’s It might help you to keep the heat up but the bills down. Let me set the scene, my granddad was born in1882 and he lived to be 93 years old. Throughout his long life he never had to worry about a gas bill - because he never had a gas supply, in fact for the majority of his life he had no electricity either. The only source of heating was a coal fi red ‘range’ in his two-up two-down terrace and his toilet was at the end of the yard. I guess Tip No. 1 is to forget about fashion and dress for the weather. The memory that prompted this was as a child in the 1950s, calling on my granddad late one night with my parents only to fi nd that he was already WELCOME to the Autumn Edition of In Touch dressed for bed. and I hope that, like me, you’ve all had a good After much knocking he answered summer and enjoyed the sunshine when it the back door wearing his occasionally decided to pop out from behind fl annelette nightshirt, woollen bed the clouds. socks and a nightcap – and yes, he Again, like me you’ll have started to notice the was even carrying a candle in a holder. nights are drawing in and my walks back from It was a vision of something straight out of the pub on an evening (just for a swift half or a ‘Dickens’ novel! three) have changed from evening sunshine to dusk and now fi nally to darkness. Whatever we might have thought standing there on the doorstep, he was toasty and It’s a clear sign that autumn is here and winter warm. is on the way. Hopefully it won’t be anywhere near as disruptive as the last one but just in Tip No. 2 is to keep a close eye on your case, why don’t you have a look at some of utility bills. the winter tips we’ve put together on page 11. There’s plenty of other interesting stuff in here as well, like some of the projects A1 Housing are working on and all the regular bits of How are we performing? valuable advice and information. AT regular times of the year we like to give you an update on some of the Back in September the A1 Housing Annual things we are working on and how we are progressing with these tasks and General Meeting took place where many targets. important things are discussed and agreed. You may remember that at the beginning of the year we created a Local But more importantly the end of the evening Service Offer to address the needs of all A1 Housing tenants and specifi cally is set aside to recognise A1 Housing Tenants our tenant profi le. from across Bassetlaw who give their all to The offer sets out a number of targets and actions that were developed with make their community a better place to live. the help of tenants through groups such as the A1 Hundred Club and Tenant We’ve got all the winners and some pictures and Resident Associations. from the night on pages 12 and 13 and it just The other update we would like you to look at is the Best Value Inspection goes to show how many wonderful people do Recommendations. This document lists all the recommendations that were make a difference. made by the Audit Commission following our inspection back in November last David year, and tells you what plans we have now put in place.

2 Involving you & Community News Welcome from Bernard A message from A1 Housing’s Managing Director, Bernard Coleman

THE kids are back in school, the nights are getting darker and the In 1972 my son was born in a thoroughly modern council house. We had weather is getting colder coal fi replaces in each bedroom and the only radiator we had was the one – and just like everyone TiPon the car. else, we are getting ready for the winter. To boost our heating we had paraffi n stoves in the kitchen and hall and we bought our paraffi n from a chap who came round each week in a pink van. I am hoping that we Some of you may remember this nationwide supplier that boasted odourless have a milder autumn paraffi n, it’s safe to say the trade descriptions act was not around in those and winter compared to days. He called, we paid. the extreme weather we experienced almost 12 We got our coal each week from a reputable merchant, avoiding the dodgy months ago. Like most ones that were around in those days as weights and measures were not as organisations we were keen as they are today. He called, we paid. not fully prepared for the events of last year And for our electricity we had a meter that was fed with shillings. but we have learnt lessons from this and are in much better shape to deal with problems that What I’m trying to say here is, budget for your bills. Try to work out what you arise as a result of bad weather. are using and put that money to one side. A good way of doing this is by requesting a payment card from your electricity or gas supplier. It’s cheaper In September we held our Annual General than a pre-payment meter (which has a surcharge) and saves you the nasty Meeting where we looked at how A1 Housing surprise when a large bill comes. has performed over the last fi nancial year. We also recognised some well-deserving members Finally, Tip No. 3 is simple. If you’re not using it, of our community with our Community Awards. switch it off. You can fi nd out who our champions are on With TV’s, DVD players, games consoles, computers pages 12 and 13. and the like in most rooms it’s easy to leave things We have produced a summary performance switched on or left on stand-by. If you are not using it, report for 2010/11 which is available on our turn it off at the wall and turn off the lights as you leave website, which also shows what you as tenants a room, believe me it’ll save you some brass. Also if thought of our services. you have a room in the house you don’t use very often, turn the radiator down or off. Unfortunately we have not escaped the consequences of the cuts in public funds and I hope you fi nd these little tips useful over the next six months we will be talking to and I’ll be back next time with the Council, staff and tenants about the impact some more. on services, specifi cally those for the elderly as a result of the reduction in supporting people funding announced by County How are we performing? Council. As public money is being reduced we have You can fi nd both of these updates on our had to look at innovative ways of attracting website www.a1housing.co.uk by clicking on investment from outside of About Us, and then Company Performance. Council. Just one of these ways is by working You can also request a copy by calling with E.ON to fi t Solar Panels to over 500 council our Customer Services team on houses throughout the district. See page 7 for 01909 534520. more details. We are talking to other agencies about further investment that will benefi t tenants and we will keep you informed of our progress over the next 12 months.

Our Call Centre is open from 8am to 5pm - to beat the rush, call after 1pm 3 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk News and events from your TRA News neck of the woods NOTRA help with community improvements IT’S been an eventful summer for New Ordsall TRA that has Funded by Notts County Council’s Local Improvement Scheme, included another successful Fun Day and the unveiling of a it was unveiled by Cllr Wendy Quigley who said: “The area has community notice board. been transformed and hopefully this will encourage more people Situated in the heart of Ordsall, the notice board was a welcome to use the local shops and keep people informed of local events.” addition as part of improvement works New Ordsall TRA chairwoman, Ann Battey also welcomed the on Welbeck Road that included latest addition and said: “Wendy asked us what we thought would a new paved area and be most useful and this is what we suggested. Its position in ornamental trees. the heart of the community has allowed us to tell people what is going on and it’s proved to be very popular so far.” One of the events advertised there included the Summer Fun Day (pictures opposite), which helped to raise more than £800 thanks to a range of stalls, bouncy castles, bingo and other attractions – including an appearance from Mickey Mouse. “Thank you to everyone who came along and helped to raise so much money,” added Mrs Battey. “It will help to fund future community events for local residents and TRA members.” • NOTRA will be holding a Halloween Party at West Hill Community Centre on Sunday 30th October between 5pm and 7pm, contact Ann Battey (01777 700617) or Nicola Keeling (01777 710290) for tickets. Balmoral raise vital funds BALMORAL TRA has raised £1,000 “It is all thanks to everyone who Thorpe for local charities following yet came to our Strawberry Fair and RESIDENTS of Mattersey Thorpe have another popular Strawberry Fair. especially to those people who been out and about during the summer, donate their spare time to help and Bassetlaw District Council Chairman, fi rstly on a trip to Harewood House, Leeds organise things. It seems to get Cllr David Challinor was on hand to and most recently a visit to Lotherton Hall, better each year and we hope this dish out the cheques and among near Wakefi eld as part of a special English continues.” the charities to benefi t were Breast Heritage weekend. Cancer Care, Stroke Club, Notts Air Balmoral TRA meet each Monday Ambulance and other local charities. afternoon between 1pm-3pm at Balmoral TRA chairwoman Joan Balmoral Community Centre and new Tuxford TRA Linacre said: “It’s fantastic that we members are always welcome. MEMBERS of Tuxford TRA recently are able to donate an amount as big Contact Joan Linacre for more details celebrated with a Summer Party - and what as this and support local charities. on 01909 488134. a party it looked! As well as tucking into a summer feast, the local residents had a bingo session as well as a raffl e. Carlton Gateway AN after-school Homework club is being held each Tuesday between 4pm and 5.30pm. This will be supervised by a qualifi ed teacher who will be on hand to provide help and support for the children who attend. Children between the ages of 7-11 are also invited to the Kids Club which will be held each Friday between 4pm and 5.30pm.

4 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Summer Fun Throughout the summer we’ve been out and about enjoying many of your summer fairs and fun days. Pictured below are just some photos we took while we were out and about.

Sandy Lane fun day

Sandy Lane park opening Sandy Lane park opening

Mattersey Thorpe Mattersey Thorpe Ordsall

Community groups benefi t from A1 Housing rewards Each month A1 Housing helps community groups across From left to right are: Bassetlaw with Community Award grants. Pictured here are just Christ Church Luncheon Club, Thievesdale some of the groups who have received funds to help with running Shireoaks Bingo Club costs and equipment. Mattersey Thorpe Youth Group

5 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Special day at Swallow Court WALLOW COURT’S longest resident Mrs Florrie Parkin She said: “Having your home demolished and watching your new Sled the celebrations as A1 Housing and Bassetlaw home come to life is a challenging time for anyone, but especially District Council offi cially opened the completely refurbished for our senior residents. We would like to thank all the residents of Sheltered Scheme in Misterton. Swallow Court for their patience.” Mrs Parkin has lived in Swallow Court for 25 years and has seen “Swallow Court has been our most ambitious refurbishment fi rst-hand the transformation that has taken place over the last project so far and I must say it has been a real team effort with few months, but what made the day extra special was that Florrie support from Councillors, A1 Housing Board members, A1 also celebrated her 95th birthday. Housing and Bassetlaw District Council staff and local residents. And to mark the occasion, she unveiled a commemorative plaque “When it comes to Sheltered Housing we are bucking the national in front of her family, fellow residents, local dignitaries and staff trend where most Sheltered Schemes are diffi cult to let or lie from A1 Housing, Bassetlaw District Council and Bullock. empty,” added Ms Richards. “Today we have fi ve Sheltered Swallow Court is now the fl agship of A1 Housing’s Schemes offering 151 fl ats and have only two Sheltered Schemes having created nine two- vacancies across the district.” bedroom and four one-bedroom fl ats, as well as It was an honour “It was an honour to have Mrs Parkin offi cially open renovating all communal areas. to“ have Mrs Parkin Swallow Court and I hope all our residents enjoy “I feel quite honoured to have been asked to offi cially open Swallow living in their newly refurbished home.” offi cially open Swallow Court, it was a complete Court and make it a The project was funded by Bassetlaw District surprise,” said Florrie. “It was also nice that Council and Alan Rhodes, portfolio holder for everyone was here to celebrate my birthday.” double celebration. housing, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Mrs Parkin moved into Swallow Court in 1986 after ” A1 Housing and Bullock on such a worthwhile living in a bungalow across the road and praised the work that project that has improved the day to day lives of has taken place. She added: “We had to grin and bear it while all the residents at Swallow Court. It is now a fantastic example of the work was going on but it’s absolutely marvellous now.” Sheltered Housing and I wish all the residents the best of luck in their new home.” Those thoughts were echoed by fellow resident George Walker who has lived in Swallow Court for 16 years, he said: “The old facilities were all shared and I lived in a bedsit, the renovations they have made have really changed my life. Things are very comfortable and we get more privacy.” Joice Richards, Director of Strategy and Change for A1 Housing welcomed the existing and new residents to their new home.

Pictured left; Joice Richards, Director of Strategy and Change, and Florrie Parkin offi cially open Swallow Court. Pictured above; Joice Richards, Maureen Lightfoot, Supported Housing Manager and Veronica Allen, Warden with residents of Swallow Court

6 Involving you & Community News

E.ON and A1 Housing have announced a partnership to fi t solar panels to around 500 homes in Bassetlaw – saving residents money on their fuel bills and helping to meet ambitious environmental targets. said: “We are delighted to be working costs covered through Government E.ON, one of the UK’s leading energy with E.ON to help tenants save money reward payments for renewable energy. In companies, will fi t the solar panels to a on their energy bills and work towards return, A1 Housing receives an income for selected number of homes in Bassetlaw the Government’s target of reducing our effectively renting out the roof space and with work planned to start in October 2011 Carbon Footprint by 80 per cent by 2050.” the tenants benefi t from savings on the and completed by March 2012. “This is an extremely exciting project and electricity generated. This partnership adds to A1 Housing’s shows that A1 Housing is taking a leading Thomas Buss, Head of Microgeneration award-winning renewable energy and role when it comes to renewable energy.” at E.ON, said: “We’ve all got a role to play environmental projects that have included Tenants can save around £100 a year in bringing down our carbon footprint and installing more than 90 air source and 150 on their electricity bills as the 2kW solar becoming more energy fi t. I’m delighted ground source heat pumps and creating a panels will produce an estimated total of that we’re able to work with A1 Housing ‘Retrofi t for the Future’ house. 4,000kWh of electricity per year. and together we can start to make a Don Spittlehouse, Director of Technical Under the scheme, E.ON will fund the difference and build energy effi ciency into and Housing Services for A1 Housing installation of the solar panels, with the our everyday lives.” Grand plans for Exchange Street VISITORS to ’s town centre may have seen a new building starting to take shape on Exchange Street - and if you’ve been wondering what it’s going to be, take a look at the picture right. Bassetlaw District Council, in partnership with A1 Housing and Bramall Construction, have been working on the project since July 2011 to build fi ve retail units on the ground fl oor with nine fl ats on the fi rst and second fl oors. The modern accommodation will consist of seven two- bedroom and two one-bedroom fl ats and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Alan Rhodes, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Bassetlaw District Council said: “Bassetlaw District Council successfully secured £450,000 of HCA funding to help deliver this project. Not only are we utilising a site that has been derelict for over 12 years but we are providing employment and retail opportunities as well as new affordable homes. “We believe it is the fi rst time in more than 20 years that we have built new council homes so this is a very exciting project to be working on.”

To report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour out of offi ce hours call 0800 590 542 7 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Gardeners gather for new-look competition

GREEN fi ngered tenants from across Bassetlaw were able to show off their horticultural talents in the new- look A1 Housing Gardening Competition. This year saw the introduction of four new categories - Traditional Garden; Modern Garden; Family Friendly Garden; Fruit and Vegetable Garden along with the popular Community Garden. And while his title may have changed to Traditional Garden Winner, ’s Robert Garside was pleased to have scooped a prize for the second year running. “I’m very pleased to have won again and it’s a brilliant event,” said last year’s Senior Citizen prize winner. “I really enjoy getting out in the garden, so winning something like this is a nice bonus.” A1 Housing’s Director of Strategy and Change, Joice Richards and Chairman Michael Bowskill, along with judges and board members Heather McMillan and Richard Underwood handed out the prizes at an awards ceremony held at Retford Town Hall back in July. Pictures of all the winners, as well as many of the Traditional Garden other entries, are featured on A1 Housing’s website www.a1housing.co.uk Garden Competition 2011 results Traditional Garden Family Friendly Garden Winner - Robert Garside, Worksop Winners - Mr and Mrs Terence Bolden, Runner-up - Brian Lavin, Worksop Retford Certifi cate of Merit - Jack Spittlehouse, Fruit and Vegetable Garden Retford Winner - Jane Revill, Modern Garden Modern Garden Community Garden Winner - Amanda Salmon, Retford Winner - Larwood House Sheltered Runner-up - Audrey Elliott and Alexander Scheme, Worksop Roebuck, Retford Runner-up - Westmorland House Sheltered Scheme, Bircotes

Family Friendly Garden

Community Garden Fruit and Veg Garden

8 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Growing new roots BRANCHING OUT was launched around 18 months ago and in Branching Out this time it has created thousands of happy customers thanks to the gardening and handyman services it provides. Laying patios, erecting fences, general garden maintenance and now some household maintenance services are just some of the benefi ts that local residents and A1 Housing tenants have been able to take advantage of. However, it is the benefi ts that Branching Out has been able to offer to its workforce that is possibly of even greater value. Branching Out is called a Social Enterprise, meaning that as well as being a business that provides a service to its customers, it also serves to address social issues within the community. With this idea at the heart of the project, Branching Out has been able to provide experience, skills, training and more importantly jobs to people who had previously found it diffi cult to get work and fi nd long-term employment, particularly those people between the ages of 18 and 25. The end result is that Branching Out currently employs eight young people, all of whom have different stories to tell. We spoke to Mark and Will about their circumstances before they joined Branching Out and what impact the project has had on them: Pictured from left to right is Matthew Easter, Will Quinn and Mark Fletcher Mark Fletcher Will Quinn A few years ago I completed a Sports Like Mark, I found out about Branching Out Development degree but after graduating through the Job Centre, at the time I was only I couldn’t fi nd any jobs with permanent getting casual agency work and labouring on contracts. I did a lot of coaching during the building sites. Because I have a family at home I summer but I needed something more reliable. needed something full-time and a bit more secure. I’d been signing on for a while and then the chance of When I was given an interview I jumped at the chance and joining Branching Out came through the Job Centre. eventually I was offered the job - I grasped it with both hands. Because I didn’t have a background in any type of landscaping or gardening work it was all new to me at I’ve never enjoyed a job as much in my life and I actually look the start and there was a lot to learn. forward to getting up in the morning and coming to work. It’s great to be in a routine and it’s made my family and home life It’s been a complete change of career path but I much so much better. prefer this type of work now to the coaching I was doing before. I’ve defi nitely learned a lot of new skills Before this I was getting into trouble and found it hard to get that will help me to fi nd other jobs in the future. The a regular income, but having a stable job and a wage coming other benefi t is that I don’t have to get people in to do in each month I can honestly say that it’s turned my life certain jobs for me at home because I can do them around 100% because I’ve been able to break that cycle. myself now, which also saves me money. I guess that without Branching Out I’d probably be nowhere, Because I’ve been here from the start I’ve seen a few still struggling to fi nd a job like this and doing agency work. people come and go but I also think I’ve been able I’ve learned a lot of new skills, not just around ground-works, to help a few of the lads, like Will, with a bit of advice but other aspects of getting a job. For example, after the six- every now and again and share my experiences with month trial period I had to go through an interview process them. to get a permanent job here. Before Branching Out I had knock back after knock It was so intense and I’d never been the sort of person to back, mostly because of a lack of experience and it wear a shirt and tie to an interview. But I’d been taught how was just getting to me. I found that most companies to put together a CV, how to act in an interview and how to weren’t willing to give you the experience you need to promote myself. Those sorts of skills have been invaluable. fi nd a job, but A1 Housing has given us that chance. The support we’ve had from everyone here has been If you would like to know more about Branching Out, would like fantastic. to become a volunteer or require a free quotation for any of its services, please call 0800 590542.

9 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Open all hours A1 Housing operate an Out of Hours Emergency Repair Service to provide customers with peace of mind that should something go wrong outside of normal working hours, we will be there to help. The definition of an out of hours emergency repair is a situation that poses a health and safety or security risk, or danger to either the occupants or public, or if left unattended may cause serious damage to the building. Should you have an emergency repair, this can be reported to our Contact Centre using the Freephone number 0800 590542 and we will aim to attend to you within two hours. There will be times when we will not be able to completely repair the problem and one of our operatives will carry out a ‘make safe’. A follow up appointment will then be made to complete the repair. We have put together a handy list of emergency repairs below to help you identify an emergency repair. Please be aware that should you exaggerate a repair or mislead us in any way in order to receive an emergency responce, you may be subject to a standard call out charge of £50 and the problem may not be fixed until an appropriate appointment can be made. The boarding up of any external doors or windows may also be subject to a recharge. What is an Emergency Repair? • Overflowing cistern leak • Electrics down to bare wires • Tank leak • External door that cannot be locked • Blocked Flue • Total loss of water • Board up external door • Total loss of heating • Roof leak • Window on ground floor that cannot be • Lights not working in bathroom, toilet or • Blocked drain locked on stairs • Gas leak - Call National Grid • Board up window • Total loss of electrical power immediately on 0800 111 999 Staying gas safe IF your home is fitted with a who will always show their gas central heating system identification and only visit your or a gas fire, A1 Housing’s home following an arranged contractors Liberty (GM&T) appointment. If you are unsure need to carry out a gas safety you can always call us to check each year. confirm their identity. We have a legal duty to make As an A1 Housing tenant, you sure all gas central heating are required by law to allow our and other gas appliances in engineers into your home. your home are safe. It will also We will always send you a provide peace of mind for the letter six weeks before your health and safety of you and safety check is due. Should you your family. not be able to make this first During this safety check we appointment, you have the right will also give your gas central to make a second appointment heating system an annual on a day to suit you. service, which will ensure your You can do this by calling our appliances are working correctly gas team on 0800 590542. and efficiently. You can also find out when your These safety checks and next gas safety check is due services are carried out by Gas by looking at your Gas Safety Safe Registered engineers Certificate.

10 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Get prepared for Winter!

LAST winter is probably still fresh in many people’s minds as the snow and freezing temperatures caused chaos across Bassetlaw. Hopefully things will not be as bad this year but to get you prepared for the winter ahead, we’ve put together a handy guide that might help to ease many of the problems that were experienced last year. During that harsh two-month spell that lasted between the end of November and the end of January, A1 Housing made more than Frozen Pipes 800 emergency repairs during offi ce hours and 500 out of hours repairs. - how to We would like to thank all our customers for being patient with handle them us while we worked hard to resolve all those issues and hope you will all show the same consideration should we experience The fi rst thing you MUST do is turn off the water another harsh winter. at the main stop-tap, it can be found where the water pipe enters your house and is usually under Preventing frozen pipes the sink. It is usually best to leave pipes frozen, but you can try to If you can, set your heating to come on at regular intervals or thaw them out by placing hot water bottles on them or slowly even leave your heating on a low heat constantly, this will prevent heating them up with a hair dryer or a fan heater if the frozen your system freezing up. pipes are inside your home. WARNING: Do not place any If you are going away for a week or two, it is a good idea to leave electrical items where they can be exposed to ice or water. your heating on a constant low temperature. If you are not able to If the hot water system is frozen, turn off any water heaters. do this, turn your water off at the stop tap and drain your system. This will keep the damage to a minimum should you have a burst You might also want to keep an eye on your waste pipes, for pipe. example where your washing machine drains all the water away. These can often freeze up and cause a fl ood the next We advise that all pipes both outside and inside your home are time you use your machine. lagged and insulated, especially any pipes that will be directly exposed to the cold. Check that the water tanks in your roof space are lagged however, never insulate underneath a water tank as it needs heat Staying gas safe from the house to come up from below to prevent it from freezing. It sounds strange but you should also open the loft hatch and allow heat into the loft, this can prevent pipes from freezing. Finally, if you are going away for a while tell your Neighbourhood Housing Manager or Warden and leave your keys with a trusted Burst pipes – what to do neighbour, friend or family member. First, turn off the water at the main stop tap and then turn off any water heaters. Turn on all your taps to drain the system, this may take about 15 minutes. When the water stops running turn all the taps off. If anything electrical has got wet DO NOT attempt to switch anything on or off, and DO NOT touch the electrical item. Then call A1 Housing on 0800 590542 to report your leak or for any more advice. Other handy hints and tips to prevent a disaster this winter • Take out home and contents insurance to cover your • Stock up on grit salt and make sure you own a snow shovel fi xtures, fi ttings and belongings. If your house becomes or spade. fl ooded due to a burst pipe you are not covered by A1 • Check the A1 Housing and Water Board websites for the Housing or Bassetlaw District Council. latest news and advice. • Check that your home is properly insulated. • Don’t forget to ventilate your home – This will prevent • Buy a fan heater and have a small stock of provisions. condensation and a build-up of mould.

Enter our Alfi e and Sudoko competitions on page 23 11 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk AT this time of year weCommunity like to refl ect on the past 12 months and support to their neighbours and help to improve the lives of recognise the people who have really made a difference in their other tenants. community. In addition we thank a member of A1 Housing staff who It is our way of saying thank you for all the hard work that has has gone above and beyond their day to day roles and been put in by those individuals who give their time and effort to responsibilities. make their communities a better place to live. The awards were presented following our AGM at The Well in We have also recognised those people who give help and Retford and all of our winners are true champions.

Janet Flynn has worked individually and as part of a team to reduce anti-social behaviour in her home town of Harworth. She campaigns for improvements to her community that will deter ASB and has shown her determination to achieve her aims. She is a fabulous ambassador for her town and is a prominent member of her TRA.

Janet Flynn - Anti-Social Behaviour Champion

Carl Dickenson - Managing Director’s Award

As one of the founding members of A1 Housing’s Branching Out team, Carl Dickenson has used his experience and expertise in landscape gardening to make this new venture the success it is today. His friendly, patient and hands-on approach has also allowed a young team of colleagues to benefi t from this experience, learning new skills every day, as well as creating many happy customers who have praised Carl for Our 2011 Champions his professionalism and quality of work.

12 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News

This is not the fi rst time Roy Hewitt has won this award and it is easy to see why. He works tirelessly to support his own community as a Tenant Voice, is a key member of the Bassetlaw Association of Tenants & Residents Association and is a Tenant Board Member. He has also helped to secure funding of over £120,000 for projects across Bassetlaw that have developed gardens and play areas.

Roy Hewitt - Tenant’s Champion

Larwood House resident Jean Blakemoor was nominated for this award by her neighbours and Warden Julie McLaughlin (pictured right). They described her as: “A diamond, she has gone above and beyond the role of a good neighbour.” Living in a Sheltered Scheme, Jean has ensured that over a number of years two of her less able neighbours do not miss out on any of Jean Blakemoor - the events that go on in her scheme. Good Neighbour Award This neighbourly gesture means they have not been confi ned to their fl ats and in some cases have been given a new lease of life.

Craig Anderson is a role model for our younger tenants. He is a member of his local Tenants and Residents Association and is a driving force behind making his community a nicer place to live. He has also played a big part in creating and maintaining a communal garden which is enjoyed by all the community.

Craig Anderson - Community Champion

13 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk MONEY MATTERS Come and join the union WE thought you might like to know more about Credit Unions So is a Credit Union just for people who are struggling and what they do. So we spoke to Eric Thompson, Manager of 2 fi nancially? Shires Credit Union which covers Bassetlaw and Bolsover. Absolutely not, our concept is the community helping itself. Credit What is a Credit Union? Unions started off in small estates with a couple of hundred We’re really about giving people a safe place to save and borrow members and the idea was that they would save fi rst, then if they but in simple terms, we’re a savings and loans co-operative. wanted to borrow money they could do so based on what they We’re a not-for-profi t organisation and like any co-operative we had saved. I guess we still try to keep that localism. are owned by our members, the What benefi ts are there for using a Credit Union rather than a people who save with us. high street bank? How long have you been going? We’re not really in competition with banks, more because we are The Credit Union in Worksop has there for people who for whatever reason can’t or don’t want to been going since 2000, but it is use banks. If anything, our competitors becoming increasingly popular. are the door-step lenders and There is massive potential here loan sharks who charge a and our numbers are growing vast amount of interest month on month. on their loans. The difference is we will help Who are your main people to understand customers? whether they have the We are mainly used by ability to repay a loan. people on low income What other help and who normally use door advice can you provide? step lenders. We are also fi nding that as We can put you in contact with more people are being other fi nancial organisations made redundant, they and places that offer specialist are no longer able to advice. We can also help people borrow from banks. to get a bank account, learn how to use it, and help with budgeting.

2 Shires Credit Union A1 Housing Money Advisor Opening Times Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am – 2pm At the moment A1 Housing does not have a Money Advisor. NEW Main Offi ce: It is hoped that we will have a new Money Advisor as Queen’s Buildings (Old Registrar’s Offi ces) soon as possible who will then be able follow-up any Potter St, Worksop, S80 2AE outstanding enquiries, referrals and requests. Tel: 01909 500575, Email: [email protected] Community Collection Points It’s good to talk IF you’ve run out of credit for your Weekdays 8.30am - 4.30pm phone but need to talk to us about Childrens Centre, School Road your rent, you can send us a Tuxford Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 4.30pm FREE text and we’ll call you back. Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm All you have to do is text ‘RENT’, Manton Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm (Term time only) your address and your message St Paul’s Church Hall, Pelham Street to 07797 807 045 and we’ll call you Harworth Tuesday 10.30am - 12.30pm back. Council Offi ces, Scrooby Road It’s completely free and you Tuesday 2pm - 3pm can ask our Rents Team about Gateway Community Centre, Sycamore Rd anything to do with your account.

14 Dreaming of a cheap Christmas?

YOU may think that it’s far too early to be thinking about Christmas, but if you follow some of our Top 10 money saving tips, it could turn out to be one of your best Christmases yet.

Small but sweet 1 Why not strike a deal with some family or friends to just give small gifts, they will still have something to unwrap but it won’t cost a fortune. Don’t go overboard 2 Decide on a realistic budget – and stick to it! It’s very easy to overspend on loved ones but avoid the temptation. Start saving now 3 It’s never too early to start saving for Christmas, that way you won’t have to juggle buying presents with keeping up with your normal outgoings. Use cash 4 Once you’ve set your budget, use cash. It will be easy to see what you’re spending and you won’t get a nasty credit card bill in the New Year. Double up 5 If you have married couples on your Christmas list, buy one gift and match it to their interests – like gardening gifts, board games, cookbooks or travel guides. Shop at Pound Shops 6 These shops are great for stocking-fi ller presents and gift bags. Save on food shopping Look out for special offers when you do your weekly shop and add a few items 7 each week instead of doing a mad trolley dash a few days before Christmas. Christmas dinner - share the cost If you’re entertaining on Christmas Day, why not agree that someone brings the 8 starter, you cook the main meal, and someone else brings the dessert. A team effort makes it all the more affordable and more fun and festive in the process. Plan ahead 9 The prices of many seasonal goods like cards, crackers and decorations get slashed just after Christmas. You can buy them in the sales and save them for next year. Take a few minutes to check your entitlements 10 Contact us to see if you’ve been missing out on any benefi ts and tax credits that are rightfully yours. While you may not get your payments in time for Christmas you may benefi t from some extra funds in the New Year! Our present to you… a rent free week! HAVE you been good this year and kept up with all your rent payments? Well, if your rent account is clear and you have no arrears then you can take advantage of our non-collectable rent week that starts on 26th December. However, if your account is not clear you are expected to make a payment as normal and this will go towards reducing your arrears. If you are having diffi culty paying your rent, come and talk to us as soon as possible. Our Income Recovery Team can help you with your account, debt advice or any housing benefi ts you may be entitled to. Contact them on 01909 533175.

15 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk It also means we will work with you to tackle ASB in your have a little more community and to take swift action when we are able to. WE know that tackling anti-social behaviour means a lot to all Pictured below (left to right) is Mark Ladyman, Director of tenants, which is why A1 Housing has signed up to the new Community Services for Bassetlaw District Council, Mike Bowskill, Respect - ASB Charter for Housing. A1 Housing Chair, Coun Alan Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Like hundreds of other landlords across the country, signing up Housing and Bernard Coleman, A1 Housing Managing Director for the charter means we are making a commitment to give you who offi cially signed the charter at this year’s annual general the best service possible when dealing with ASB and maintain our meeting. high standards. Getting tough with troublesome tenants A1 HOUSING continues to get tough on problem tenants and has taken back possession of a two-bedroom house in Manton. The former tenants were evicted after they had failed to abide by previous conditions set out by Worksop County Court, including an assault on a neighbour. A1 Housing had been given a suspended possession order against the tenants in December 2010 following complaints of noise, vehicle nuisance and some drug offences. New start for Thoresby Close RESIDENTS and A1 Housing offi cers are hailing the success of tenants and something needed to be done as Rachel Burton, a pilot scheme that has turned around the fortunes of Thoresby Service Manager for Housing explained. Close fl ats in Harworth. “We seriously needed to address the issue of crime and ASB here The block had previously suffered from a signifi cant amount of and in the process we wanted to improve the sustainability of the anti-social behaviour, crime and other associated problems which scheme and build a more balanced community,” she said. had not only made life diffi cult for it’s long-term tenants, it was “That’s why we have introduced a number of conditions that also proving to be a problem for A1 Housing and the Police. prospective new tenants here must fulfi l before they are “Things had gotten to be horrendous,” said Kerry Dainty (pictured considered for a fl at.” below), who has lived in Thoresby Close for two years. “Life Some of the conditions that applicants must adhere to include: wasn’t much fun, there was a lot of crime and at times you were afraid to say something to the people who were living here.” • Be over the age of 30 • Subject to a Police check and other checks to reduce ASB, The problems described by Kerry resulted in a high turnover of crime and disorder in the area • Interview with the Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer • A target of 50% of tenants on the scheme to be in employment to provide a balanced community And so far these measures seem to be working, as Kerry explained: “Now this scheme has been introduced things are a lot better. It’s a lot quieter, the new tenants are a lot nicer and we feel much safer living here now.” Works to improve the overall appearance, safety and desirability of the fl ats have also been planned and are expected to begin in 2012.

16 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Young tenants cook up a treat

A1 HOUSING tenants have been learning how to become the next Jamie Oliver and Delia Smith thanks to the latest of our free courses. Run in conjunction with North Nottinghamshire College, the six-week Cooking on a Budget course has taught tenants how to cook and prepare meals using fresh, seasonal and convenience foods that don’t break the bank. A1 Housing run a number of FREE courses throughout the year, including an Introduction to IT course which begins on Tuesday November 1, 2011 and runs for the next four weeks. If you would like to know more about the courses we provide, you’ll fi nd more information in the Training section of our website, www.a1housing.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Lindsay Bradshaw on 01909 533226.

A1 Housing and Bassetlaw District to use and are normally dropped off on the Bircotes Council provide free skips in various Monday morning and collected later that Whitehouse Road - Monday 31st October places around the district throughout the day. The dates and locations of skips for year. October to December are as follows: Worksop Rushey Close - Monday 21st November These skips are for anyone on the street Retford Manton Villas - Monday 28th November Hirst Road - Monday 24th October Hardwick Road - Monday 19th December Leverton Road - Monday 7th November Carlton Wellington Street - Monday 12th Willow Avenue - Monday 14th November December Sycamore Road - Monday 5th December

This is YOUR page! REMEMBER, this page is dedicated to our younger tenants - it’s YOUR page and YOU can infl uence what appears here. If there is anything you would like to see here, please tell us! You can leave us a message on Facebook, email us at [email protected] or call us on 01909 534520.

MANY of you may already be a friend of ours on Facebook, but You can get an instant reply to any if you didn’t know we existed, here’s what you’ve been missing questions you may have during these so far. times, or you can post a message By becoming a friend of our tenants’ group, you can get the latest and we will reply the next time a information on anything to do with A1 Housing and we have a representative is online. group dedicated to our younger tenants. We will also be introducing the You can also chat to some of our representatives through our following surgeries: weekly online surgeries which cover: • Caretakers You and Your Tenancy - Tuesdays 11am to 12noon • Resident Involvement Decent Homes - Tuesdays 2pm to 3pm • Housing waiting list and re-housing Adaptations - Wednesdays 2pm to 3pm Repairs - Thursdays 10am to 11am We currently have more than 716 friends, of which over 375 are Gas Servicing - Thursdays 2pm to 3pm A1 Housing Tenants and 225 are on the housing waiting list. Find us at: Facebook/A1Housingcustomerservices

Get in touch with A1 Housing by text on - 07725 768 444 17 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Make yourself ‘Heard from Home’

WOULD you like to have your say from the comfort of your own Congratulations to our latest winners who are: home and change the way we provide some of our services? July - Denis Kirkwood, Manton We now have more than 1,000 members of our ‘Be Heard From August - Mrs Cheryl Leeming, Carlton in Lindrick Home’ group who regularly share their opinion with A1 Housing in September - Mr Eric Giggins, Retford different ways. Due to a printing error we omitted the winners from our summer During July, August and September we sent out our ‘Question issue. They are: of the Month’ to a random selection of these members to ensure April - Mrs Clare Bloom, Retford that some of the decisions we make are the right ones. And the May - Miss Patricia Christmas, Misterton tenants who sent them back were automatically entered into a June - Mrs Rochelle Willis, free prize draw where our three lucky winners received Love to If you would like to ‘Be Heard From Home’, please call Customer Shop vouchers. Services on 01909 534 520 or find us on Facebook.

YOU took the time to answer our questions and send the Question of the Month answers back… But what were the results? July disabled? It’s good to see that 82% of We asked: Do you think A1 Housing you believe that’s the case. We also encourages good relationships asked: Do you think our services are between different groups of people, accessible for disabled customers? for example disabled and not 96% said ‘Yes’. September August We asked: Do you need to We asked: If your property needed see someone about your rent a repair, would you feel worried or anti-social behaviour? A about reporting it? Thankfully only very low proportion of you 10% of you said that you would answered ‘Yes’ to these be worried. However, reporting a questions, just 4% for Rent and repair is nothing to be scared of 6% for ASB. and you can do this by calling our Freephone number 0800 590542 If you do need to speak to between the hours of 8am and someone about either subject, 5pm. You can also use this number we have dedicated officers outside of these hours but only if who can help you. If you have your repair is an emergency. any questions about your rent, please go to our Money We also asked: Having reported Matters section on page 12; a repair, how do you rate us for to report ASB you can contact keeping you informed about how your Neighbourhood Housing soon the repair will be carried out? Officer. The results are as follows: We also asked: Would it be Excellent - 61% easier for you to see someone Average - 28% between 6-8pm? Only 17% of Poor - 12% you said ‘Yes’

Working hard to make an impact updates on what has been decided as soon as we are able to. They have already helped to improve Estate Inspections and it is IN the last issue of In Touch we spoke to Thomas Sunley, the now easier for tenants to inspect their estates and resolve issues. Chair of our Quality and Impact Panel, who explained how this group of tenants is helping to improve A1 Housing. Resident Involvement Update So far this year they have been looking at how we deal with and We have produced a Resident Impact Report for 2010-11 which tell you about non-standard repairs, anti-social behaviour and the shows the many different ways that tenants can get involved with service we give to our new tenants. A1 Housing and the impact that resident involvement can really The panel, along with our team of Tenant Inspectors will be have. If you would like a copy, please call Customer Services on working hard to improve these areas and we will give you regular 01909 534520.

18 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News How are we doing? EACH year the A1 Housing Board, which is made up of A1 and so that you can see how we are doing, we have shown just a tenants, Bassetlaw residents and representatives of Bassetlaw few of these in the table below. District Council set targets for us to work towards. The information tells you how we performed in a selection of These are spread across all areas of A1 Housing, such as areas between April 2010 and March 2011, April 2011 and June Housing Management, Customer Services and Repairs and make 2011, and our targets for 2011/12. sure that we are giving you a good level of service and continue The colour coded faces tell you whether we are on target, slightly to meet high standards. below or doing better than we expected. There are more than 120 targets that we have to work towards,

Area What we measure How we Our performance Our target How are performed in between April for 2011/12 we doing? 2010/11 2011 and June 2011** Customer Average Time Taken to respond to complaints 6 4 5.00 Contact (Working days)

Customer % of Telephone calls answered in 10 seconds 95.35 No data from 95.00 Contact BDC

Housing Average time taken to relet properties 23.85 24.02 21.00 Management

Housing % ASB closed cases in the current reporting 94.83 63.91 96.00 Management period which have been resolved

Housing Estate Inspections - % done and report sent 95.00 100.00 100.00 Management out in 10 working days

Housing Current Rent Arrears (£’s) 299,045 339,861 290,000 Management

Housing Proportion of rent collected exc b/f arrears 99.57 98.86 100.04 Management

Repairs % emergency repairs completed in timescale 99.95 99.80 99.90

Repairs Non emergency repairs - % of appointments 99.75 99.60 99.80 made that are kept

Repairs % repairs completed “Right First Time” 99.58 99.87 99.85

Adaptations Average time taken to complete Adaptations 93.63 70.71 90.00 for all works (calendar days)

Decent Overall Customer Satisfaction with Decent 93.38 86.73 95.00 Homes Homes works

Supported Response rate to warden intercom calls 98.13 99.42 98.50 Housing received at the A1 Contact Centre - % in 30 seconds **These fi gures measure our progress as we work towards the fi nancial year end target for 2011/12 (April 2011 - March 2012). If you do not understand any of the information or would like to

KEY Above / On Just Below Below know more about the information we have provided, please call our Target Target Target Customer Services team on 01909 534 520.

For gardening and handyperson services, call Branching Out on 0800 590 542 19 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Estate Inspection Programme Estate Inspections October 2011 to January 2012

Date of Inspection - Neighbourhood Worksop Areas Meeting Point All start at 10am Housing Officer Thursday Parking area behind No 26 Jenny Nilsson Manton – Manton Villas, Radford Street 10th November, 2011 Manton Villas 01909 535513 Kilton South – Longfellow Drive, Dickens Road, Tuesday June Pocklington Rayton Spur Community Centre Rayton Spur, Dryden Dale, Sitwell Road, etc 15th November, 2011 01909 533178 Thursday Parking area at York Place, Gary Plumpton Shireoaks, Cuckney, Nether Langwith 24th November, 2011 Shireoaks 01909 533715 Thursday Junction of Bracebridge Avenue June Pocklington Bracebridge 1st December, 2011 and Kilton Road 01909 533178 Thursday Gateway Building, Sycamore Paula Owen Carlton – Wimpey Estate 15th December, 2011 Road 01909 535516 Tuesday Car park outside block 1-6, Debbie Savage Lowtown, Clinton Street, Ely Close, Lincoln View 10th January, 2012 Lowtown View Flats 01909 534467 Manton – Featherston Road, Hardwick Road Thursday Parking area outside No 25 Jenny Nilsson East and West, Rushey Close, etc 19th January, 2012 Rushey Close 01909 533718 Thursday Prospect Office, 91 Lancastrian Donna Bell Prospect 26th January, 2012 Way, Worksop 01909 533284 Date of Inspection - Neighbourhood Retford & Harworth Areas Meeting Point All start at 10am Housing Officer Harworth West – Baulk Lane, Sandrock Road, Thursday Devonshire Road Community Adele Hewison Amanda Road, Beech Road, etc 20th October, 2011 Centre 01777 713209 Thursday Near No.12 Church Lane, Jason Green Clarborough, Clayworth, Hayton 3rd November, 2011 Hayton 01777 713204 Thursday Bottom of Dorchester Road/ Adele Hewison Harworth East – Wimpey/Thoresby 12th January, 2012 Grosvenor Road end 01777 713209 Outside main entrance to Retford - North Road, Mattersey, Mattersey Tuesday Caroline Hurt Conway Gardens, off Galway Thorpe, Sutton, Lound, Torworth 24th January, 2012 01777 713867 Crescent Retford Central – Spital Hill, Moorgate, Eagle Tuesday Outside DN22 - The Lounge Jason Green Place, Armstrong Road 31st January, 2012 Café, Wellington Street 01777 713204

DID you know that A1 Housing has its own collection service to help tenants get rid of bulky rubbish? If you have large items such as sofas, dining chairs and BULKY tables, washing machines and fridges that are no longer of use, A1 Housing caretakers can now remove these for a small charge of £5.20 per bulky item. rubbish To use this service, please call our freephone number 0800 590 542, or you can arrange for a collection to be made directly with your local caretaker. All payments can be made by cash or cheque and must be given to the caretaker on the collection date, who will then issue you with a receipt. For more information on this service and to see what items we can and cannot collect, visit our website at www.a1housing.co.uk and go to Our Services, Your Let A1 Housing take the strain Tenancy and Estate and then Caretaking Service.

20 Involving you & Community News

Advice and information from your Community Surgeries Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer

Location Service

Kilton - Rayton Spur Community Centre, Rayton Spur, Every Thursday, 10.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Worksop Sandy Lane - 1 Sandhill House, Worksop Every Wednesday, 10.30am to 12noon - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Prospect - 91 Lancastrian Way, Worksop Every Tuesday, 10.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Carlton - 24-28 Sycamore Road Every Tuesday, 2.15pm to 3.45pm - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Every Thursday, 9.30am to 11.30am - Income Recovery Offi cer Mattersey Thorpe - Community House, Last Tuesday of each month, 2pm to 4pm - Neighbourhood Housing 3 Cunningham Close Offi cer. Tuxford - Mine of Information, 2 Market Place First Tuesday of each month, 9.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Misterton - The Misterton Centre, High Street First Tuesday of each month, 9.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer. Harworth - Scrooby Road Information Offi ce Every Monday, 10am to 12noon - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Every Wednesday, 9.30am to 11.30am - Income Recovery Offi cer Third Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12noon - Adaptations Offi cer

BELOW are the dates for the 2011/12 meetings of the A1 Housing Board. A1 Board Meetings The fi rst 15 minutes of each meeting are set aside for tenants to ask questions on relevant issues. Individual or personal issues cannot be discussed and these should be taken up with the appropriate offi cer.

Day Date Venue Time

Tuesday 25th October, 2011 Carlton Forest, Meeting Room 6.30 - 9.30pm Tuesday 29th November, 2011 Worksop Town Hall, Assembly Rooms 6.30 - 9.30pm Tuesday 31st January, 2012 Worksop Town Hall, Ceres Suite 6.30 - 9.30pm Tuesday 28th February, 2012 Retford Town Hall, Council Chamber 6.30 - 9.30pm Tuesday 27th March, 2012 Worksop Town Hall, Ceres Suite 6.30 - 9.30pm

A1 HOUSING is managed by a Board of non-executive directors who meet nine A1 Board Update times a year to discuss and review everything that happens within the organisation. Below is a summary of the key decisions the Board has made between June and September.

June 2011 • The Board approved for offi cers to assess whether a funding contribution could be made to Bassetlaw District Council’s fl ood prevention schemes in Clarborough, North Leverton and Walkeringham. • The Board approved the Annual Governance Checklist and actions. July 2011 • The Board approved the draft 2010/11 statutory accounts.

21 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Need help with homelessness?

BASSETLAW District Council’s Housing Needs Team will be running a drop in Service at Queens Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop for people who have issues surrounding homelessness. Advice and support will be on hand if you are worried about anything to do with your present housing situation, such as being unable to pay your rent or mortgage; or if you are concerned about someone else’s housing situation. You can speak in confi dence to a member of the Council’s Housing Needs Team on Monday and Friday mornings from 10am to 12noon, starting on Monday 31st October, 2011, simply call into the Reception Area at Queens Buildings. This service will be run for a trial period of two months.

A NEW Comic Relief funded project called ‘Together We Can’ is being run by the Advocacy Alliance, a charity that helps people Together across Nottinghamshire with mental health needs. A person’s problems do not just have to be medical, you might be struggling to fi nd a job because of your mental health issues, you may feel lonely but don’t know where to go to get support, or We Can have experienced prejudice and want to speak out. Monthly groups are running at Worksop Library for people to discuss their issues and problems together, fi nd a solution and put a plan into action. They take place on the fi rst Wednesday of each month between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. For more information call Sophie Shaw at the Advocacy Alliance on 01623 662664 or fi nd group details on Facebook, just search for ‘Together We Can with Comic Relief’. Leaseholder news WE HAVE recently found that a number of new leaseholders Once the lease has been purchased and the solicitor has have bought their fl at or maisonette without any advice or informed A1 Housing of the new leaseholders details, we then guidance from a solicitor. send out a welcome pack that contains important information, If you buy a lease either privately or through an estate agent we including: strongly recommend that you do with the help of a solicitor, not • Leaseholder’s Guide - a comprehensive booklet full of only to protect you from any legal pitfalls, but also to make you information about day to day issues and the roles and aware of some vital information prior to the sale. responsibilities of a leaseholder and A1 Housing. This includes: • Leaseholder’s Service Level Agreement - the levels and • The estimated annual service charge costs that are paid by the standard of service that have been agreed jointly by leaseholder leaseholders, Bassetlaw District Council and A1 Housing. • If there is any outstanding debt attached to the property • A Plain English Guide To Your Lease – legal jargon made • Any major works that are planned to be undertaken on blocks easier to understand. of fl ats and the contribution that the leaseholder will be If you have any questions about any of the information above or required to make towards these have not yet received the summer edition of our Leaseholders • Bassetlaw District Council’s buildings insurance schedule News Bulletin, please contact us on 01909 533243

22 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News competition winners Where’s Alfie? SUDOKU Congratulations to Sheri-Ann Rowley from Worksop who spotted me on winner Every issue we have £15 worth of High Street Page 11 of the Summer issue. shopping vouchers up for grabs if you can I’m hiding again somewhere in this issue and if you can correctly complete our Sudoku puzzle below. fi nd me, you can win a sledge just like the one below. When you have found me, write down the page number together with your name, address and a contact telephone And the number and send it to; winner A1 Housing Customer is... Services Team Carlton Forest House, Colin James, from Hundred Acre Lane, Harworth who entered our Worksop, S81 0TS Spring competition and Or email your entry to; was the fi rst person to be [email protected] drawn out of the hat.

5 1 Sudoku ENTER 4 2 8 YOUR CHANCE TO NOW! 9 4 8 WIN HIGH STREET 9 2 SHOPPING VOUCHERS! 3 2 4 6 6 1 Each coloured block needs to make 45 8 3 1 Cut out your completed Sudoku puzzle and entry form and send it to: A1 Housing, Customer Services, Carlton 1 3 6 Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, Notts S81 0TS. 7 4 The deadline for all entries is 1st December and the fi rst Sudoku - Competition Entry Form correct entry drawn will Name ...... receive £15 worth of Address ...... High Street shopping ...... Postcode ...... vouchers. Telephone...... Email ......

For the latest information on A1 Housing visit www.a1housing.co.uk 23 Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk How to contact us There are a number of ways you can contact us

Freephone Repairs Service and Contact By phone By writing to us Centre • Head Offi ce 01909 534484 A1 Housing Bassetlaw Limited • Area Offi ce West 01909 533426 Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre 0800 590542 • Area Offi ce East 01777 713202 Lane, Worksop, Notts S81 0TS

You can pay your rent by direct debit or £ Foreign language versions credit card, by phoning • 01777 713864 Automated payment line If you need any help communicating with us or understanding • 01777 713201 Retford any of our documents, please contact us on 01909 534520. • 01909 533175 Worksop Mandarin

On-line Visit our website at www.a1housing.co.uk Email us at [email protected]

Urdu Text message TxT 07725 768444

All of our offi ces are open Monday to Friday between 8.40am and 5pm

Punjabi By visiting us If you want to talk directly to a member of staff, you can visit us at our housing offi ces. We can also arrange to visit you at your home or meet you at one of the council’s community houses if you prefer. You can call into our housing offi ces without making Polish an appointment. However, you may need to make an appointment if you want to see a particular member of staff. Head Offi ce Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, We can arrange for a copy of this document in large print, Worksop, Notts S81 0TS audiotape, Braille or for a Language Line interpreter or Area Offi ce East translator to help you. 17B The Square, Retford, Notts DN22 6DB Our contact details: Area Offi ce West Queens Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, 01909 534520 Notts S80 2AH e-mail: [email protected]

Issue 29 Autumn 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk