Pioneer News SummerSUMMER 2011 20111 PIONEER NEWS ISSUE 43 & RESIDENT REPORTERS PULL-OUT incorporating St. Peter’s Community News

St. th People making the news in the St. Peter’s area of Ashton-u-Lyne PARTNERSHIPS Peter’s You Children & Young Peoples Award Winners A Streetcharitable company registered in England & Wales (no.1099806) Party was a massive success!

On the 29th of April, the sun was lovely clay plaque. The Rough Diamonds’ shining and the wind was homemade scones with jam and cream went down a treat! PG tips Gardening blowing! The NSA’s were out Group were rushed off their feet helping early attempting to put up the children make their famous Grass Heads gazebos, but with no luck it was and APH staff came along to enjoy the just too windy! We can’t complain day and were really happy to see so many residents having fun. at least it wasn’t raining! The Fire Service arrived with their engine David Heyes our local MP and Joyce which was enjoyed by children and Bowerman our local councillor were adults alike! The children enjoyed a both kind enough to come along and lovely lunch and went on to have their open our Party and the big screen was face painted. Dee Wilson, a local resident put up early so no one would miss out invited members of Limelight Theatre to on the Big Wedding proceedings. come along and sing us a few songs. Families started arriving early and It really was an enjoyable day. A big enjoying the sunshine, just chilled out thank you to all involved in the planning and chatted to their neighbours. The and all who helped out on the day! Clay Man arrived at 12 noon and children queued up patiently to make a

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PIONEER NEWS AND ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY At the recent You Choose event organised by Tameside Council and T3SC at NEWS ARE COMING TOGETHER Ashton Town Hall, local residents voted for the Community Groups / Initiatives that should receive funding from the Council. ...and we want your views as to whether this should become a regular arrangement. The aim Ashton Pioneer Homes would like to is to increase the readership of both publications across the ward, but more importantly… congratulate REACH and the Rough Diamonds Ladies Group for their hard • Provide an opportunity for all local residents to submit articles of interest work and their excellent presentations. The result of which meant both groups • Keep APH tenants and other social housing tenants informed about what’s receiving the funding they need to deliver happening with their landlord their community projects. • Keep all residents of St. Peter’s ward informed about local issues that affect them Congratulations and Well Done !!! • Provide an interesting read about the local area STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • Please tell us what you think… You can now Call us: 0161 343 8128 Text us: 07624802412 follow APH Tweet us: @AshtonPioneer Email us: [email protected] on Twitter @AshtonPioneer

Inside...

Housing Management Customer Services Resident Reporters Repairs & Resident & Tenancy Issues Notices Section Maintenance Involvement 2 Pioneer News Summer 2011 HOUSING MANAGEMENT Housing Services’ Officers - introducing our Buddies! We are responsible for voids, allocations, lettings, tenancy visits, rent arrears, referring vulnerable people for support and debt management, tenancy management, anti-social behaviour, legal proceedings and many more!!! And to give us a helping hand we are operating a buddying scheme with the Customer Services Team, so if we are not available there is always someone you can speak to.

Patch Addresses Brook Street East Grosvenor House Clifton Street Margaret House & Dean Street Moss Terrace Hodgson Street Portland House Kenyon Street Welbeck Street South Housing Services Officer Customer Services Officer Layard Street Alison Kenworthy Kate Fisher

Patch Addresses Balmoral Court Margaret Terrace Bishops Walk Pioneer Court & Bradgate Street Victoria Street Eastgate Street Welbeck House Ellison House Westgate Street Housing Services Officer Customer Services Officer Gladstone Court William Street Nicola Hamer Jo-Anne Wright Kent Mews

Patch Addresses Bentinck House Katherine Street Bentinck Terrace Portland Terrace & Bollington Street Red Brick Court Cecil Walk Ryecroft House Grosvenor Court Southgate Way Grosvenor Place Upton Walk Housing Services Officer Customer Services Officer Hanover Court Victoria Court Vicki Davies Natalie Nixon John St. East Get In The Savings Habit Cash Box Credit Union is a Are savings protected? its directors are volunteers. financial cooperative open to Yes. All credit unions in Members use their credit union all who live or work in Tameside. England are registered with as a safe and secure place to The Cashbox website is: The scheme is run mainly by the Financial Services make savings (known as shares). www.cashbox.org.uk volunteers from the community Authority. They are also This creates a pool of funds, and offer a fantastic savings If you are interested in joining members of the Financial which members can apply to scheme and loan opportunities cashbox please call into our Services Compensation Scheme borrow. so there is no need to go to office for an application form so members’ savings are About Cash Box loan sharks or other expensive or visit the cashbox team: protected. loan companies. Current services in place Cash Box Credit Union Ltd How does it work? include: What is a credit union? 6 St. Michael’s Court A credit union is not a profit- • Savings • Loans. A financial cooperative and St. Michael’s Square making organisation. Its board community bank owned and • White Goods Scheme. Stamford Street is elected from its members and managed by its members. • Payroll deduction. Ashton-under-Lyne Pioneer News Summer 2011 3 HOUSING MANAGEMENT Manchester loan shark admits lending to vulnerable residents

A Manchester loan shark has pleaded guilty to illegal money lending and money laundering over a five year period, following an investigation by the Trading Standards Illegal Money Lending Team, working in partnership with Manchester City Council.

Winston Mills, 40 from Openshaw “We want to make clear that illegal admitted the charges at a hearing money lending is not a community TO REPORT A LOAN SHARK: DON’T GET BITTEN BY at Manchester Magistrates. He was service. Anyone who has borrowed from Call the 24/7 confidential hotline: sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street an illegal money lender should contact A LOAN SHARK. Crown Court on Thursday 21st April. us in confidence on 0300 555 2222.” 0300 555 2222 Mills admitted giving small, short term Nationally the illegal money lending Text ‘loan shark + your message’ IF YOU’RE HAVING loans to vulnerable adults, often teams have secured over 180 to: 60003 FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, charging 100% interest. Tony Quigley prosecutions for illegal money lending Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team and related activity, leading to 107 years email: reportaloanshark@ CONTACT YOUR said: “Illegal money lenders often prey worth of custodial sentences. They have stoploansharks.gov.uk on the vulnerable, leaving them with written off £37million worth of illegal HOUSING OFFICER. go to: www.direct.gov.uk/ little quality of life. These offenders are a debt and helped over 16,000 victims. scourge on our communities and they stoploansharks WE’RE HERE TO HELP! will not be tolerated. GET UPDATE FROM MINTED THE CHAIR Financial issues are high on everyones agenda at the moment, there’s never enough money to go around! WARREN BRAY Help is at hand with MINT, Money Information Network Tameside As Chair of the Board at who can provide you with a wealth of information regarding APH I have agreed to write your finances. a regular article for Pioneer Ashton Pioneer Homes are pleased to be working in partnership with MINT to News giving a brief update help to provide our community with sound financial advice. of Board discussions. As Part The website provides information on how to manage your money, a benefit of the Pioneer Way and checker so you can see if you are claiming all that you may be entitled to whether you are in or out of work and much, much more. our quest for continuous There is a section specifically for dealing with debt which gives advice on who improvement at APH we are to speak to, to make agreements, how to ask for help and the consequences of determined to become an not paying your bills. even more transparent APH, MINT and Other Landlords are working with Tameside Council to raise organisation. awareness of the impact of the Welfare Reform Bill. To see how this will affect you …watch this space! The Board have therefore taken If any residents feel that they have debt issues please contact your Housing the decision to open up Board Services Officer who will be pleased to offer you help and advice. Meetings to residents and the local community. If any resident The MINT website is: www.mintameside.org.uk wishes to attend a Board Meeting please get online and have a look! as an observer then they can do so if they have sent in a written request to the Chief Executive prior to the meeting. The Chief Executive will then contact you and make the necessary arrangements. Currently the APH website is being revamped but in the future, minutes of Board Meetings will be available on the new APH website. Watch this space. The Management Team at APH will shortly be launching the New Pioneer Way improvement plan and I intend to give you regular updates in this column on future progress. 4 Pioneer News Summer 2011 CUSTOMER SERVICES NOTICES

Ashton Pioneer Homes is working closely with St. Peter’s Partnerships and the editor of Community CUSTOMER News to develop and make our newsletter better for our residents. If you have any comments on this new version we would really appreciate your feedback. SERVICE UPDATE We’re also seeking more volunteer reporters. If you are interested please contact: [email protected] or call: 343 8128.

Feedback Customer Profiling... The Customer Service Team is working very closely with our Resident What is Customer profiling? Audit Team to improve our reception area for customers. We want to ensure that we deliver • Demonstrate that Ashton Pioneer excellent services to our tenants and Homes is an organisation We wanted to make it more inviting Next time you call into the office please we want to know that the services committed to service excellence and display relevant information. We take a look at this new area especially we do provide are effective. • Demonstrate that Ashton Pioneer also wanted an area designated to your the ‘You said, We did’ board. We would Therefore, it is expected that we Homes is committed to equality feedback. We’re always looking to like to thank the Audit team for their know the ethnicity, age, gender, and diversity improve our services to you and time, energy, ideas and enthusiasm in employment status, language, constantly asking for your comments helping us to make this area more religion or belief and sexual • Deliver services that are highly and ideas to enable us to improve. ‘customer’ friendly. orientation of our residents. We can valued by our customers then use this information to adapt • Demonstrate that we want to our services to meet the needs and have residents at the heart of wishes of our residents and to ensure service development and that no one is excluded. improvement The information will help us to: In essence customer profiling is a • Be aware of tenants disabilities so way of ‘GETTING TO KNOW that we can tailor our services to YOU BETTER’. If you have not yet meet their needs (if we can). completed the short questionnaire we will be contacting you again • Assist tenants to access help from either by telephone, making a visit other agencies to your property or completing it • Contact you by your preferred with you in reception. method It will only take a few minutes of your • Contact you about issues that are time and will help us ensure that we You Said… We Did… of interest to you give you the best service we can.. This section of our newsletter highlights what we’ve done for our customers in response to what you’ve asked us. Obviously we TAMESIDE COMMUNITY can’t always do everything, but if we can… we will. New Starter MEGA DAY

General cleanliness of Upton Walk is Tenants mentioned the letter from Police in Tameside have launched a poor because rubbish has been fly North West Insulations was misleading Michelle Barnes Summer Mega Day in association with tipped. and that APH should have given prior Tameside council and New Charter Housing warning of works being done by Neighbourhood Services Team was Finance Officer Association, to bring the community North West Insulations. asked to attend and clean up. together in the school holidays and APH acknowledged these complaints support Willow Wood Hospice. The event, Costco leaflets had been scattered on and sent letters to tenants concerned My name is to be held at the Roy Oldham Sports Katherine Street confirming that the letters from Michelle and I Village at Richmond Park in Ashton from Neighbourhood Service Team North West Insulations was above joined APH in 1-4pm on Wednesday 4th August, will attended and collected all the board. April as part of include a range of activities for families leaflets, APH submitted complaint to the finance team. and young people including a climbing Report of a job being carried out and Costco. I was previously wall, 5-a-side football and a bouncy a plumber not clearing up after employed by St. castle. There will also be a dance stage Report received that Greenscape himself. Peter’s Partnerships which is a local charity and a tug of war. Police Community have left a large bag of grass on the Contractor informed and asked to in St. Peter’s Ward which I’m sure some of Support Officer Jenna Healey who is estate. clean up after themselves when leaving you will be familiar with? organising the event said: “Residents have Customer Services Manager phoned a property after doing a repair. I have been working for APH for two told us that anti-social behaviour is the Greenscape and asked for the bags to main issue they want tackling so we have Tenants reported aerial problems at months now and I am enjoying the be removed. launched an afternoon of fun to help keep Portland House. challenges that my role is presenting. My young people off the streets. We aim to Tenants reported that our contractors new colleagues are a pleasure to work Faults reported to contractor and further break down barriers with the need to wear ID badges. with and I’m looking forward to a future communal fault identified. at APH. community and you never know – we may ID badges have been requested Appointment raised for fault to even take part in the tug of war.” be rectified. I enjoy socialising (a bit too much e-mail [email protected] or probably), and holidays in Greece. call 0161 856 9350 for more details. STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP PRESS • STOP You can now APH is currently working with a group of residents with a view to setting up an APH follow APH Facebook page. Our aim is to exploit various on Twitter social media opportunities to improve @AshtonPioneer communication with residents and stakeholders. St. Peter’s SUMMER 2011

St. th PARTNERSHIPS Peter’s You Children & Young Peoples Award Winners A charitable company registered in England & WalesCOMMUNITY (no.1099806) NEWS incorporating Pioneer News & Resident reporters pull-out

People making the news in the St. Peter’s area of Ashton-u-Lyne COMMUNITY ORGANISERS working in YOUR communities LONDON CALLING As we went to press, St. Peter’s Partnerships reports that it was overwhelmed by the public response to the start of the recruitment process for Community Organisers with almost 300 telephone applications received. Lead for the Community Organisers Programme, Lucy Gash said: “This is incredible. We knew that there was a high level of interest by Hannah Spiers but as we are one of only 11 ‘Kickstarter’ organisations chosen to pilot the The SPY Youth Committee have been learning all about Community Organisers scheme democracy and how decisions are made from Ashton through to nationally, I’m not surprised! Once appointed, the new post holders will Westminster. For more details see inside. operate across the borough of Tameside.”

The new crèche will open three times definitely help bring the training a week initially and has been developed opportunities within reach of even to benefit local people accessing advice more people and is a very positive and training at the facility in Cavendish development.”Enterprise Plus has also Mill, Ashton-under-Lyne as Service recently launched ‘Work Clubs’ at both Development Manager Carol Dalton Cavendish Mill and at The Blandford explained: “Often local people requiring Centre. These clubs bring together training are prevented from receiving groups of people who are looking for our services because they have no one to work, who receive free help and support look after their children whilst they from qualified staff and volunteers. learn. Now that we can offer training to our clients supported by free in-house To find out more about everything that crèche facilities, our services will be Enterprise Plus can offer, contact them accessible to many more people which is on 0161 214 8470. great news for the local area.” The Cavendish Mill based facilities are operated by Enterprise Plus in partnership with New Charter Housing Trust Group Big News! and offer information, advice and training to people to improve their employability ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY or to help them find work. It trains local NEWS & PIONEER NEWS people but can also offer the use of its ARE COMING TOGETHER. facilities to external organisations. We aim to: “If an employer or training organisation • Keep all St. Peter’s residents wanted to rent space to deliver their along with tenants from APH own training, we can also offer the use and other social housing Caring for our of this crèche to provide childcare as part providers informed about local of our package, which we believe is a issues that affect them huge bonus,” added Carol. by Catherine • Provide an opportunity for all Bradshaw New Charter’s Executive Director Tony local residents to submit articles children Powell said: “At Cavendish Mill, the of interest superb facilities on offer through • Provide an interesting read Enterprise Plus are available to our about the local area Enterprise Plus celebrated the opening of its latest new facility - tenants and we have been aware for • Increase the readership of both ‘The Can Do Crèche’ - recently, when the Bishop of Middleton, some time that childcare is a major publications across the ward the Right Reverend Mark Davies dropped by and received a tour concern preventing some from benefiting. However, the crèche will of their home.

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Communities Minister comes to St. Peter’s ward - see inside 6 St. Peter’s Community News Summer 2011

enjoyed their time in Tameside and at the lunch were presented with a mug each as Au revoir a reminder of their visit by The Worshipful CREDIT TO The Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Susan Quinn. Damien said: “My LOCAL YOUNG to business colleagues and I would like to thank everyone involved in organising our visit. It has been very good and we have all PEOPLE learnt a lot through it. We have taken by Alex Syddall trainees advantage of the opportunity to practice our spoken English at every opportunity by Daisy Silva-Stafford and it has been very valuable. We went St Peter’s Youth Committee attended to watch Manchester United play at Old the June Ashton District Assembly In May, four French students arrived in Tameside to take up work Trafford which was very exciting!” and saw an update on crime reductions in Ashton presented by placements with a number of local businesses as part of Tameside Alan Marrow, Chair of Denton Town officers from Greater Manchester Twinning Association who organised Council’s European ‘Leonardo da Vinci Project’. Police who credited their work in the support networks including partnership with St Peter’s Youth as a The visit was organised by Denton Town Plus, our social enterprise offering accommodation said: “Twinning with major factor! They also heard about Twinning Association as the students helpful advice and training managed the our European neighbours is helping a review of conservation areas and are from Denton’s twin town of placements. We provided them with develop a better understanding of other negotiations on transfer of land on Montigny-le-Brettoneaux and was co- a structured work plan as well as a cultures and sharing business knowledge Ashton Moss for community ordinated by St. Peter’s Partnerships in number of social events giving them a and techniques can only help strengthen allotments. “It was great to see Ashton-under-Lyne. Six weeks later with well rounded view of working and living our links.” As well as with St. Peter’s young people embraced by the their learning complete, the students in the borough and beyond. I am sure Partnerships, the students also attended political process literally as Councillor have returned home and a celebratory that they will have learnt much during placements with Grafton House Joyce Bowerman gave us all a big lunch was arranged in their honour. their placements.” The four young Preparatory School in Ashton and hug” said SPY’s Jelal Mohammed. Karen Butigan, Chief Executive of St. people, Sarah Ajilli, Sonia Kebaili, Julie Stalybridge Community magazine. Peter’s Partnerships said: “Enterprise Baudelin and Damien Le Clech have

“At St. Peter’s we have strong community networks, existing structures in which Community community organisers can immediately COMMUNITIES MINISTER be hosted and a range of practical support Organisers and management already in place. VISITS ASHTON “We’re very much looking forward to (cont. from front page) He heard how St. Peter’s use a ‘grow our recruiting Tameside’s community talent own’ policy to employ local people and and are sure that we’ll find outgoing volunteers to develop much needed Community Organisers is a government people of all ages with the ability to services for the local community. funded scheme which aims to train 5,000 support and encourage others. We will individuals who will work in local recruit and host the new post holders He was most impressed by the members communities around the country to while they undergo their training with of St. Peters Youth (SPY) that he met and bring people together, listen to ideas, Locality’s national training partner promised them that he would be taking build networks and support people to Re:generate.” their stories back to the capital with him tackle the local issues which are in a very positive way. important to them. Jess Steele, who leads the Community Organisers programme at Locality said: St. Peter’s Partnerships was selected by “St. Peter’s Partnerships is a community- Locality, the organisation chosen by the led organisation which brings people Following last August’s visit of the Prime government to deliver the scheme, and together to tackle the long-term local Minister to St. Peter’s Partnerships, David they will recruit up to 5 of the first 30 issues facing its local area. They are an Cameron’s Lib Dem coalition government community organisers in the country. experienced, innovative organisation colleague, Andrew Stunell MP dropped by to discover for himself, how St. Peter’s Karen Butigan, Chief Executive of St. working hard to make a genuine really does make the difference locally. Peter’s Partnerships, said: “We’re really difference to local communities. We pleased that Tameside is going to be one know they’ll choose some excellent Mr. Stunell who is currently the Minister of the first pilot areas for this initiative. community organisers for Tameside and for Communities and Local Government There are so many people out there who offer them the very best support.” visited Clyde House, Enterprise Plus at are dedicated, motivated and really care Watch this space for details of YOUR new Cavendish Mill and the former vicarage about making their neighbourhood a Community Organisers in the next edition. at St. Peter’s church and met many local better place to be. community representatives.

NEED MORE ROOM? by Good News For Dogs which offered King George’s first dog show advice for naughty dogs and dog treats Enterprise Plus now has 2 new training plus cake treats for owners which went rooms and an I.T Suite available for hire by Alan Fish down well. Chairman of the Friends with a supervised crèche available as an group Alan Fish said: “It was a great day Friends of King George the 5th Playing optional extra. Available separately or for dogs and owners and wouldn’t have Fields held its first Dog Show in early July together, all 3 rooms are fully managed happened without the team effort of in King George’s Park off Ladbrooke and serviced and with a capacity of up the group especially Elsa Gee who has Road in Ashton. Organised by Manchester to 20 persons are available at £10 per done most of the organising and Ashton Dogs Home, it was a great first time hour or £75 per full day including tea District Assembly who offered support. event with over 250 people and 148 dogs and coffee. “Our next big event in the park is Super taking part in the fun dog show. There Funday Sunday on 11th September and Based in Cavendish Mill Ashton-under- were different classes in the show everyone is welcome to attend.” Lyne (entrance at 42 Bank Street) including most handsome male, best Enterprise Plus is one of award winning cross breed, prettiest bitch, best pedigree, If you would like to join the Friends St. Peter’s Partnerships community cutest puppy, dog most like owner and who participated in the event especially of King George the 5th Playing Fields businesses and operates in partnership of course, best-in-show. Andy Bowles, the Friends of the Park group who to help make the park a better place with New Charter Housing Trust fund raising manager from the Dogs organised the event. The overall winner then come along to our regular meetings Group. Bookings can be made with or Home said: “This event has been the of best-in-show was Humphrey, a cocker held in the park on the first Wednesday without the crèche to support people highlight of our fund raising year so far spaniel, owned by Lesley Stuart from of the month starting at 7.30pm. attending courses - for details or to book and we raised over £400. The public and Greenfield. The event was also supported Contact Alan Fish on 0161 330 0305 or your space, contact Enterprise Plus on dogs turned out in numbers to support by CVS (UK) Limited via the Tameside email: [email protected] for more 0161 214 8470. us and I would like to thank everyone based Gourley Veterinary Practice, and information. Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community LOOKING BACK When the films flashed and flickered in the West End

Adjacent to the West Park Estate on the corner of Stockport Road and William Street is the textile to fulfil their dreams. The site chosen for business of J.T. Griffith. Looking at the premises today it is hard to believe that it once housed one of their cinematic venture was just a short walk from what is today the Richmond Ashton’s most popular cinemas! Park and West Park Estates. A former foundry situated on Church Street between Cavendish Street and Bentinck Street would hardly have seemed an ideal choice of building but that is what it turned out to be…‘The Ideal Picture Palace’. Today this part of Church Street no longer exists as it now forms part of the Ashton bypass road. The ‘Ideal’ would have been situated on the short stretch of Park Parade that fronts the American Diner/Carwash close to the ASDA roundabout.

After conversion work had been completed the end result was a functional addition to the town’s picture houses seating six hundred people. The ‘Ideal’ opened in August 1911 and instantly proved successful. The townsfolk, eager for more and more film presentations, were delighted with the ‘Ideal’s’ policy of In 1910 a Mr Ellison bought the building locals as ‘The Bunnydrome’. This strange cinema’s own fire fighting equipment twice-weekly film changes - the first and converted it into the town’s fourth sounding nickname was derived from had been sufficient to quell the flames. picture house in town to have done this. picture house (the other three were the building’s previous life as Bowden’s For twelve months it continued to prosper Many such incidents took place in The Star, The Oddfellows Hall and The cake works (Bowden’s later became after which time, due to business cinemas everywhere before nitrate film Pavilion). At this time picture halls were linked with John Hill’s whose business commitments abroad, both Mr Mills and was phased out during the 1950s. After springing up in increasing numbers still thrives in the area today). Mr Herbert were forced to leave. Rather the fire a new projection machine was throughout the country - many in than continue alone Mr Bennett thought installed and the cinema was given buildings totally unsuitable for that of it best that the business be sold. As a a change of name to ‘The Ryecroft film presentation. result, the ‘Ideal’ came under the Electric Theatre’. Yet another new name ownership of Manchester Picture Palaces In an attempt to ensure a greater came in October 1916 when ownership Ltd. On his return to Britain two years measure of safety the Government was transferred to Messrs Hulme & later Mr Herbert bought it back. Now introduced a new Cinematograph Act. Hargreaves Ltd., who rechristened it under his sole control, the cinema As a consequence Mr Ellison undertook ‘The Ryecroft Picture Palace’. In 1920 it remained opened until June 1916. several improvements to his premises. changed hands yet again with another Showing films nightly at 7pm and 9pm These included the building of a special name change to that of ‘The Ryecroft For details of the Williams Brothers’ with a Monday and Tuesday afternoon projection room which backed on to Cinema’. The cinema continued to draw publications, check out the website: matinee, ‘The Ryecroft Picturedrome’ William Street, while a fire escape the crowds until the onset of sound www.hoydpublishing.co.uk. drew consistently good attendances was erected on the Bollington Street finally sounded its death knell with its from the areas tight knit community. side. The main entrance to the cinema doors closing for the final time in 1929. In March of 1911 an incident occurred at was also on William Street and just the ‘Bunnydrome’ which underlined the Since its opening in 1910 the impact of inside was a small pay box and a dangers of the highly flammable nitrate the ‘Bunnydrome’ on the people of the Our regular column bare wooden staircase leading to the film. The operator working the projector west end of Ashton had not gone upper auditorium. written by well-known dropped a piece of hot carbon (used to unnoticed by three local businessmen, With its rows of uncovered wooden produce the light) which landed on a box William Mills, J A Herbert and Walter local authors: seating on the bare floorboards and a of film which immediately ignited. The Bennett. The trio all lived within minutes simple screen painted on the internal room soon filled with smoke and an of each other in Dean Street, Welbeck Philip Martin Williams west wall this was no luxurious picture obnoxious smell quickly reached the Street and Portland Street and all had palace. Although officially named waiting queues outside, some of whom ambitions of owning a cimema. Seeing & David L. Williams ‘The Ryecroft Picturedrome’ it was raised the alarm. Although the fire the success achieved by the ‘Ryecroft throughout its life better known to the service arrived within five minutes the Picturedrome’ they decided to join forces 7 Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community

Eh! Do you Trivia Quiz remember when! Once again it’s time for the grey cells to do some work! It’s a little harder this time so no peeking at the answers or looking on the computer for the solution. Sit down, relax, get family and friends involved. Here we go! How many times have you heard Mum had a pack of Adams butter only once a week in front of the fire to melt 1 What was Sri Lanka formally called? that about what was called the and having crumpets before watching good old days? captain Pug Wash before Blue Peter. 2 Who was Marie Taglioni? Then it was homework. After that on I remember coming home from school, my bike playing Batman with a cape 3 Where are the dreaming spires? calling at the corner shop with my made out of old curtains - my mate was pocket money for a sherbet dab and 4 Who played Elliot Ness in the film Robin but he kept falling off his bike - fruit salad chews. not the Boy Wonder! ‘The Untouchables’? 5 What did Samuel Colt make? The Reporters Group would like to hear your stories which could 6 Who directed the film ‘The Alamo’? be featured in Pioneer News so come on, tell us about the ‘good 7 Who played Batman in the 1989 film? old days’ to put a smile on our faces! Contact Peter Glenn, Resident Reporter. 8 Who invented ‘The Thermometer’? 9 Which actress died in the shower in Psycho? 10 In what year was Robert De Niro born? Peter Glenn, 11 What sport did Suzanne Lenglen play? 12 Who starred in the film ‘The Gold Fish’? Resident Reporter Think you have solved them? Answers on back page.

Poems by Resident Reporter Martin Cone Adullam Humble Bum How I envy the humble bum who can move whenever and wherever he Homes wants, and doesn’t worry about taxes or faxes or nice clothes, when he can smell a rose for free. Tameside Huddled around his fire at night, his thoughts might be of a passed life, when he owned a house and a wife, or perhaps of his next journey, to a warmer part of maybe something closer to his heart. Floating No one pays him much mind as he scrounges for food, a little arrogant but never rude, well spoken not crude as you might expect from society’s reject. Support He finds solace in cheap drink, it numbs the pain we suppose, who knows? He is what he wants to be not what people expect him to be, he has retired Based at Portland House in the the home you are living in if in difficulty. from the rat race, thrown in the towel, given up the chase, just face in the sea of humanity. Richmond Suite, Adullam Homes Adullam also provides a tenant help support if you are looking for a tenancy is a housing association who gives in Tameside and the support workers are Fly Away practical advice, support and available to help with any issues assistance on housing matters. including, mental health problems, anti- E Banoi” Fingers pointing upwards following the plane on its way across social behaviour, drugs and alcohol the expanse of blue African sky. I spoke to Marie Haynes, one of Adullam’s abuse. Also advice is available on benefits support workers for more information. and form filling. They don’t know where its been or where it’s going, to them it’s still a Marie told me that Adullams’ aims are to magic machine. Marie said the group is based on find a home that suits the needs of the individual needs and deals with respect, These African faces in an open field, shield their eyes against the Sun and family or individual and to help you keep dignity, integrity and fairness. then look back at what is real, a sadness falls among them for a short while and then they smile and bend to plant another row of seeds. The thought of being in that flying machine, is laughable to these folks who earn a The group has drop-in centres throughout Tameside; pound a day and have to work dawn to dusk in the fields where their father lay. information regarding these is available from Portland Freedom has brought them nothing news, it’s just a word, a lie, something House. For more information about Adullam email: some politicians invented to get their vote, and now they cry, it’s funny [email protected] how freedom belongs to those with money and can fly away.

or call: 0161 339 5450. E Banoi” means aeroplane in Zulu. 8 Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community Ken’s Recipes METHOD Heat the tortilla wraps TORTILLA WRAP Ken Newton, per instructions on Community Reporter package. Place on plate 1 packet of ham then add spinach and 1 bag of baby spinach ham. Get a bowl and 1 pack of tortilla wraps add 1 tablespoon of both 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce red and brown sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sauce mix together then add to wrap. Fold wrap and serve with a side salad.

METHOD Slice muffin in half. Cook FINGER SURPRISE fish fingers. Whilst fish fingers are cooking, cook 3 fish fingers the bacon. Once cooked, 1 muffin slightly toast muffin and 1 handful of lettuce place on to plate. Add 2 rashers of lean smoked bacon fish fingers and bacon, 1 tablespoon of horseradish sauce then place lettuce on top. Add sauce to muffin then put top on. Wella!

Great turn out for the Dee Wilson, Resident Reporter Rough Diamonds AGM Photo by Nicola Woods

The Rough Diamonds ladies group Over the past year, the ladies have done had their first AGM on the 26th stalls at the Christmas Fair and Street Party, played games, made crafts and provide a May. APH staff were invited and book swap service. took the opportunity to attend. Other than activities inside, they go to Also in attendance were Councillor bingo at the local pub and organise trips Joyce Bowerman and Sue out. This coming year sounds as exciting from things like film nights to health Moorcroft from Tameside Council. sessions, from line dancing to boules. They started out with a buffet, which the If you are interested in joining just contact food they prepared was from what they Nicola Woods on: 0161 343 8128 or call learn from a cooking course that they had at the Tenant’s Base at Rycroft House on attended. There was a presentation and the Thursdays at 7pm. Ladies received certificates for the cookery course that they had attended. 9 Resident Reporters Stepping out into your local community

Unless your head has been in Portland Basin for the last few Small years, you will have heard ATTENTION of the social networking site businesses ‘Facebook’. In a nutshell, it is a virtual camp fire - a cosy place on the Internet where friends must use and family share thoughts, upload ALL MEN photographs and more. So why is it If you are feeling fed up on a Wednesday evening why not come great for attracting business? One of the problems you perhaps face as a along to the men’s group at Ryecroft House tenants base between small business owner is how to find 7pm and 9pm? customers without spending money. Well, Facebook allows you to connect The group has 14 members who meet to plan visits to events in with potential customers at zero cost. the Manchester area, trips to museums and places of interest. We also organise darts, pool and quiz nights with other groups. How to fish for work We are currently planning various trips and events for the summer and beyond so why not Suppose you started a decorating people what you do and asking them to business. Simply sign up for recommend you to their friends and join us it would be great to meet you, come family. And as you are aware, word-of- along or contact Nicola Woods on 343 8128. a free Facebook account and mouth is the most powerful form of do a little digging around. In a advertising. few days you should have 30 Of course there is no guarantee you will or more people on your Friends get work immediately, but at least people will think of you next time List (social network). someone mentions the words paint, Next, ask your network to help spread wallpaper or stripping! All hands on deck the word. Essentially you are reminding for the PG Tips Simon D. Davies, Resident Reporter CHARLIE CREEPER ON THE KNOCK! Who’s that knocking on your door? Someone selling? Next they tell you it’s a special So, the result is don’t get pressured offer for today only and what into buying. If they are genuine sales people and you ask them to call back a good bargain it is. The offer later when you have had a think and is too good to turn down so they come back, they’re probably you buy the item. When the genuine. If they don’t come back you have had a lucky escape. buzz has gone, you try the P.S. summer holidays are coming. Let item and to your amazement your neighbours know if you are it doesn’t work or is faulty going away and let them know if The gardening group have been busy planning things for the what do you do then you anyone will be entering the property e.g. to water plants or let the dogs coming weeks like the gardening competition, replanting plants can’t take it back anywhere? out? Also, leave an emergency and a general tidy up. Or the item is OK and in good number in case there should be any unexpected problems - but most of There is also the AGM which will have taken place by the time this goes to print. working order but you didn’t all, have a great time! Anyone interested in helping out or joining please contact Dee Wilson on: really need it in the first place? 07919873553 or Nicola Woods on: 0161 343 8128. Ken Newton, Resident Reporter Dee Wilson, Resident Reporter, Photo by Nicola Woods

TRIVIA QUIZ ANSWERS HOW DID YOU DO?

You can now follow 1: Ceylon 4: Kevin Costner 7: Michael Keaton 10: 1945 1-5 Not Bad REACH on Twitter 2: A Ballerina 5: Revolvers 8: Galileo 11: Tennis 5-9 Very Good @ReachAshton 3: Oxford 6: John Wayne 9: Janet Leigh 12: Charlie Chaplin 9-12 Excellent 10 St. Peter’s Community News Summer 2011 11 Summer in the garden by Christine Hallam

cuttings of fuchsias and geraniums must be brought into a cool greenhouse. Now is also the time to start looking for and buying spring bulbs. The autumn flowers and grasses now come into their own and give a lift to the garden for a few more weeks. Keep pulling weeds and remove any debris to the compost heap. Try to keep any creepers trained and clip any stray tendrils.

July in the flower garden Fruit and vegetable garden for pests and diseases and keep deadheading. In damp summers although If everything is going well, your garden Strawberries should be fruiting well there is lots of lush greenery, slugs and should be a riot of colour by now as high now but they are under attack from snails are a real pest. Encouraging birds summer is upon us and there is time to above and below. Netting will solve the frogs and ground beetles into the relax in the long summer evenings with bird problem but slugs and snails need garden to eat them will help. However, friends and family. However, there are still to be taken care of. The best way is slug years ago I used to keep ducks, (Silver some routine jobs but these can be done pellets but you can use sand, fine grit, Appleyards) I never had a problem with at a more leisurely pace. The lawn should coffee grounds or broken egg shells. slugs and snails! I know it is very popular now be a lush green carpet after being They will also start to make runners. to keep chickens now which will do the fed, watered and trimmed through spring These can be potted up and kept for the same job, however, they will also eat and early summer. Check and deadhead next year. 3 years is the limit of the life any plant or vegetable that takes their roses and flowers. This will prolong the of strawberry plants and the runners fancy. Keep an eye on weeds as they are flowering season. Keep an eye open for will keep your strawberries fruiting but competing with your flowers for the any problems either insect infestations or they need a new bed. Other fruits ready same nutrients and they always seem to disease and if you need to use are all the currants and soon the cherries do so much better. any insecticides or fungicides try to at the end of the month, again these Fruit and vegetable garden be mindful of beneficial insects and should be netted to stop the birds Fruit and vegetable garden always spray in the evening after bees having a feast. Now is the time for gathering in the have gone for the night. If you remove All the fruit is now beginning to ripen. harvest lift potatoes. Leave on the any diseased plants or leaves or The early apples can be eaten straight ground for a few minutes for the skin to branches, never compost them. Always from the tree so can pears which dry before sorting through them for burn or bin them. Use a foliar feed weekly. do not store very well anyway. storing. Onions and garlic should be Raspberries cultivated blackberries and lifted and laid out to dry for a few hours You need to take care to cover up when their ilk are all now ready to pick over. If then they can be platted together and working outside wearing a wide you have lots of spare after jam and hung inside to keep. Most root crops brimmed hat and keeping shoulders freezing, give the rest away or sell them can stay in the ground for now until covered to prevent heatstroke and at the gate for charity. It is a shame to needed. Summer cabbage will be always have plenty of cool water on have a glut of fruit and waste it. Plums coming to an end. Anywhere that has hand to drink. Make sure any heavy should also be ripening at the end of been cleared should be weeded, de- work is done in the evening when the the month. These days there are lots stoned and any roots put on the compost sun has gone down and if legs and arms of strawberries which will carry on heap. Areas for over wintering crops are uncovered make sure you wear sun fruiting until the frosts. This really can be given a top dressing and now is cream. Even if you cover your shoulders extends the season. the time to order any farmyard manure still put sun cream on underneath. to spread soon. Early and second early potatoes should Take extra care of spring and autumn now be ready. Make sure they are cleared planted perennials and shrubs. Make Vegetables that can be sown this month completely and again do not put on the sure they do not dry out. Use a mulch to are peas, beans, beetroot, lettuce, turnips compost. Keep them separate. Peas and keep the weeds down and keep the and winter cabbage. They are best sown brassicas should now be filling out. Check ground damp. Rhubarb leaves and in modules rather than direct as the for caterpillars on cabbage and calabrese newspapers are ideal as well as wood watering can be controlled easier. Also all before cooking. Runner beans flowers chippings. vegetables need to be fed weekly and need to be sprayed in hot dry weather to Use water wisely. It may seem checked for any attack of insects. help the beans set. It is important inconvenient but using a watering can Winter planted onions and garlic and to keep weeds down and stop them gets the water exactly where it is early planted broad beans, peas, beetroot from flowering, it is impossible to get needed. A hosepipe may seem easier and radish should now be ready for rid of them completely but keeping but it is wasteful. If by the end of the harvesting. Keep an eye on potatoes for them down is the only option. Mulching month the grass you have taken so blight. This is detected by the plant between the rows of vegetable helps much care of starts to go brown, don’t collapsing and going brown and needs to keep weeds down but in wet weather it worry it will recover without be acted on quickly. The whole potato is the ideal place for slugs and snails to watering. In very dry summers there is should be dug up and all the foliage live and breed. often a hosepipe ban. You can use gray burnt. The potatoes even if small should water (either bath or washing up water) be edible. If they do not look good burn September in the flower garden Find us on and using rainwater tubs is ideal but them. Also never compost. keep them well out of reach of children. Twitter & Facebook Autumn in the garden can be very You can take cuttings of fuchsias and August in the flower garden beautiful with the golds and browns. For the links, go to: geraniums for overwintering now for Plants are finishing flowering but try stpetes.wordpress.com next years hanging basket and tub Make sure everything is ready for any not to cut them down. The effect of the displays. Now is the time to cut lavender holiday you are taking. Get a neighbour shortening days is noticed now by for drying when the flowers are starting to water any baskets and tubs and anyone who works in the garden. The to open. They are really lovely when cut any sweet peas for you or they will heavy dew on the grass in the mornings laid at the bottom of drawers and hung run to seed if left to long. As for July brings back the lovely green colour. in wardrobes. use your water wisely and be vigilant Frost tender plants and any rooted 12 St. Peter’s Community News Summer 2011

Visit to London Young People Speak Out (cont. from front page) by Hannah Spiers by Victoria Clark-Leece

St Peter’s Youth Committee have done their first piece of peer research called ‘Youth Truth - SPY through the eyes of young people’. The Committee researched what young people have gained, learnt, enjoyed and what they would like to improve in SPY. This report has been forwarded to the Big Lottery who have funded SPY for 3 years and is about to be presented to our young people and to local The SPY Youth Committee successfully individuals and groups can influence decision makers to share findings and applied for £1,000 from Youth them. “Since returning, we have already agree on an action plan. Opportunities Fund to run a workshop so that we can share our “Well done to the youth forum that “It really shows the St Peter’s Youth visit London, our learning and sixteen young people worked very hard and spoke to over Committee is doing a great job at capital city and to learn attended” said Committee member Nazia 120 young people and thanks to representing young people and more about how Begum. Big thanks to Youth Opportunities everyone that shared their opinion getting their voices heard in the St decisions are made fund and SPY for funding the project. with us,” said SPY’s Carl Kelsall. Peter’s Area!” nationally and how

were able to swim with their shark fin to be shown how to canoe and what to SUPERSWIM and armbands on. Local ward councillor do if they capsized (which they all did!). Joyce Bowerman said: “This is a fantastic Racing Dragons After the training, the Scouts took part in by Surrya Glover project which has been running for by Alan Fish races up and down the canal in double about five 5 yrs now. Both St. Peter’s canoes and single kayaks. The winning and Holy Trinity primary schools are team - 6th Ashton - took the trophy from involved, so there is some great the favourites and last years winners partnership work being done in the by just a few points in the final Dragon area.” SPY’s Surrya Glover said: “I’ve Boat race. Team members Jay, Daniel, been doing the swim since it started and James and Stacy were presented with the like the children, I enjoy every minute. trophy which they will hold until next Some of the young people we have had years Water Day and shields to keep. have been total non-swimmers at the Scouts from Ashton and Droylsden took Daniel said: “I have had a great day start but with the encouragement and part in their annual water activity day canoeing and getting wet and would like Once again the beginner swim organised enthusiasm of our staff, our success rate on the canal outside 413th Scout to do more canoeing.” If you are by SPY & FAST (St. Peter’s Youth and for these swimmers is 100%. “I can’t Headquarters recently. The Scouts from interested in canoeing and would like Families & Schools Together) has been a wait until the summer holidays where I various groups took part in various to join the Scouts then ring the Scout’s fantastic success. Fifty juniors took part will be putting on my wetsuit and activities on the water and as can be Helpline 0161 330 0305 or email: in the swim during the recent school splashing around again!” SPY would expected, got very wet! Some Scouts had [email protected] or go to holidays, twenty of whom could not like to thank Ashton Pool & also all staff, never been canoeing before and so had www.scouts.org.uk/join. swim at the start. They were taught to casual workers and volunteers who swim at Ashton pool and at the end of enjoy taking part and being part of the the session, each of the young people SPY family. Olympic Gym...My Son The Strongman by Lynne Stott Olympic Gym Ashton is in Portland Mill at the back of the Magistrates Court. The first CARIBBEAN challenge when you get there is to climb CRANBERRIES the stairs to the top floor where the Gym is – that’s a killer! You can get the lift but if by Audrey Ward you’re in training you climb the stairs. The gym is owned by Mark Clegg and his Ashton’s two Cranberries Clubs joined brothers from West End estate. Anyone together recently to have an Open Day came 6th out of 19 and made the reserve who knows the Cleggs are amazed at with a difference - it had a Caribbean for the England’s under-90kg squad. Three them - brother Michael was in the first and Latin American theme! Audrey days before the England competition, why not give me a ring to check team at Manchester United when they Ward said: “Every year we choose a someone dropped out and Mark put that we’re not out enjoying won the treble! The brothers are weight theme for the afternoon and have Anthony into the team. He came 14th out ourselves somewhere and then pop lifters (one was an Olympic weightlifter) already had the Roaring Twenties, the of England’s top 15 guys beating one after along and join in? Contact me on: and their dad used to train the under 21 Flower Power Sixties and the Wild just 6 months which is brilliant. He has just [email protected] or ManU players. Olympic Gym is the only West. This year we decided to dust done his latest competition and come 4th tel: 0161 336 0670. The Cranberries gym that trains strongmen in the area and down our maracas and salsa along to out of 12. My son trains every night after Club meet in The Common Room, both my son and grandson use the gym. entertainer ‘Beliza’ with her music work and has to eat about 10 meals a day Cranbrook Gardens, Cranbrook Street, Six months ago, my son Anthony joined from Brazil which was very enjoyable”. - chicken, chicken and more chicken with Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 9AA on with The Strongman Team and he has pasta. His wife says his eating is costing a Both Cranberries Clubs are open to Tuesdays from 1.30pm until 3.45pm. done really well in that short time. His first fortune! My grandson is 13 and they do a anyone over 55 who needs a bit of The Cranberries 2 Club meet at competition was an open weight youth training gym session by arrangement. company and interesting things to do. ‘Heylee’, Kelvin Street, Ashton-under- competition and he came 12th out of 24! I Anyone who wants more information If you’re feeling lonely or fancy a cup Lyne OL7 0JF on Thursdays from went with him to Consett in County about how they can join The Strongman of tea and a chat with new friends 1.30pm until 3.45pm. Durham a month ago to watch a Team can phone Mark at The Olympic Gym competition. It was a really good day; he on 07432397486.

St. Peter’s Community News is published by St. Peter’s Community Partnerships, Clyde House, Clyde Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0NQ, in conjunction with Ashton Pioneer Homes Limited. St. th PARTNERSHIPS Peter’s You Children & Young Peoples Award Winners A charitable company registered in England & Wales (no.1099806) Pioneer News Summer 2011 13 CUSTOMER SERVICES NOTICES Shop till you drop! Help us test how we deliver our services to you by signing up to be a Mystery Shopper. • Full training and support provided • No cost to you • Help improve our services to you • Make your feedback count

WHAT IS A MYSTERY SHOPPER? A Mystery Shopper is someone who contacts a company or makes use of their products or services and then reports back HOW DO I DO MY MYSTERY SHOPPING? on their experience. We do not want you to contact the WHY DOES ASHTON PIONEER HOMES Association any more frequently than NEED MYSTERY SHOPPERS? you would normally do. However every time you do contact us with a genuine We want to test our Customer Service query, whether it’s by phone, by visiting standards and find out how well they the office or a home visit, we would like measure up to what we say in service you to answer as many questions as you standards. can on a couple of straightforward WHO CAN BE A MYSTERY SHOPPER? questionnaires afterwards. Anyone can. We are looking for up to 50 INTERESTED? residents to shop for us. Their identities Email: will remain secret (except to the person [email protected] running the Mystery Shopping scheme), so that staff in our offices are not aware or contact : they are speaking to a mystery shopper. Clare or Nicola on 0161 343 8128

If you would like to pay us a compliment FORMAL INFORMAL 3C’s Update or if you have a comment or complaint to make then please complete one of APH accepts responsibility 2 5 our ‘C’ Cards, attached in this newsletter or contact our Customer Services Team. APH accepts responsibility on behalf 3 9 Alongside is an update on the number we of contractor have received in April and May 2011. Not at fault and not acted Please also read our article ‘You said, We 0 0 did’ to see what we have done in response to your feedback. Not at fault but acted 1 4 From April the complaints will also be categorised into groups to enable us to APH and contractor equally at fault 0 0 see where the weakness lies. At the end of April and May 2011, complaints were TOTAL 6 18 as follows:- If you have a comment, complaint or compliment, please complete the tear out slip below and return it to the Margaret House office.

PLEASE RETURN TO: Ashton Pioneer Homes Name: Margaret House, Margaret Street Contact: Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7TH 14 Pioneer News Summer 2011 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE You’ve just MAINTENANCE got to be in it to DEPARTMENT win it…

Maintenance & Quality Heating Upgrades - All heating substantially completed the field work Standards upgrades deemed necessary to ensure necessary to collect the survey data. compliance with Decent Homes The Maintenance Department continue The process to validate the survey data Standards are now complete. to review work undertaken by its will commence next week and a draft of contractors by post completion inspections Power & Lighting Rewire at Tower the survey should be available for and the scrutiny of Resident Auditors. Blocks - Work is now complete at 6 discussion at a meeting with Property Tower Blocks with Grosvenor House to Tectonics in early July. Preliminary We continue to re-examine all our be changed over during this week. feedback would indicate that the survey In order to increase your current specifications, contractors, Subject to Finance being available this is unlikely to reveal any serious defects chances of winning £25 suppliers, methods of procurement in work will also be carried out at Ryecroft over and above the issues we are already order to improve standards. worth of vouchers for a House during this Financial Year (before aware of. April 2012). store of your choice in We are now partnering with The final survey should identify all Maintenance Staff from similar RSL’s Render issues - The first concerns the planned maintenance work necessary to Ashton-under-Lyne all you with collaborative meetings aimed at issue of defective render to Grosvenor improve/maintain existing standards need to do is make sure identifying best practice. House and Ryecroft House. The second and assist in the process of prioritising you return the repair allows for the replacement of defective conflicting demands on the finance Planned Maintenance Works soil stacks at the Tower Blocks. available in the short and medium term. questionnaires that are sent Programmes to you when repairs are In the case of the former, security West Park Gates - Hi-Tech Controls Our two painting staff (Paul and Paul) fencing has now been erected to part of have agreed to provide further completed. last month commenced external the perimeter of both Tower Blocks to assistance to complete the programming We use this information to improve painting works at the top end of restrict access to those areas on to which of key fobs to operate the Balmoral the repair service that we provide Richmond Park to improve the dislodged render might fall. This is a Court gates. Once the gates are fully to our customers. YOU could even appearance of the Tower Blocks and sensible precautionary measure prior to operational we will then seek to win a prize! Maisonettes. All areas of Bentinck remedial work commencing. extend works to the gates to the House accessible by ladder are now remaining Courts. Here’s a few of our lucky winners - we complete and work has now started on French doors to maisonettes from April, May and June: will shortly be inviting contractors to We understand that it has taken quite Bentinck Terrace. tender for the upgrade works of the patio some time to complete this work but it Our April winner was Mr Howard These works will continue throughout doors to the maisonettes. This work will was necessary to ensure that the who chose HMV Voucher. changes made to the gates could the summer weather permitting. In the be completed this financial year. Our May winner was Ms Todd who withstand some of the vandalism that event of inclement weather Paul and chose Argos Vouchers. occurred previously. If the works carried Paul will revert to the making good of Stock Condition Survey decoration disturbed by the new out were not successful we will then Our June Winner was Mr Crowley lighting installations at the adjacent Property Tectonics, the consultant look at a manual system of opening and who chose Iceland Stamps. Tower Blocks. appointed to undertake this has now locking the gates.

Blocked bin chutes - In recent weeks Please DO NOT place large items or we have had a number of blockages indeed bags into the chute as it will occur to the bin chutes in the high simply cause the chute to block up. We rises. The cause of the blockages include do not wish to have to start recharging large items such as toilet seats. innocent residents for the neglect of others. Please respect your home and the people around you. Pioneer News Summer 2011 15 RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT Audit Team Report – July 2011 Since the last issue of this In April we inspected Bentinck House and Since April we have been inspecting the newsletter the Resident Audit Bentinck Terrace where we raised a total APH Reception area on a monthly basis of 137 issues ranging from cobwebs to a and the changes there have been Team have been busy inspecting broken metal grill! We also made some amazing! In April we raised 40 issues and all aspects of APH - with very positive comments that will hopefully in June we only raised 7 issues and the positive results which we hope become standard across the estates. team had to work hard to find most of these! We would like to congratulate the We re-inspected these in June and a that all of you have noticed as Customer Service Team for all their hard total of 83 (64%) of the issues had been work making reception look fresh and you walk around! resolved. The majority of the remaining inviting. We have also had two new issues are tied into the planned works. Overall we feel that the standards of During the re inspection the works that members join our team and we APH are good and are always improving had been done were very noticeable and we would like to thank all the staff Resident Auditor look forward to working with and a resident of the block commented at APH for working with us and Jenny Boff them and utilising their skills on the improvements and was happy explaining issues to us. We would also with them. In May we inspected the and experiences. like to thank residents who talk to us on interior of Ellison House (we only did our inspections and bring things to our Since our last report we have done four the interior due to the extremely bad attention or make positive comments void inspections. We have not returned weather outside). We raised 103 issues on things. to three of these but we have conducted ranging from cobwebs to broken dry a post move-in interview on the fourth. riser doors. We have not yet re-inspected Over the next few months we will be Out of this interview over 93% of works this block but within a day of our report inspecting more blocks, re-inspecting had been completed and the new tenant being submitted, residents of Ellison others, continuing to monitor Reception rated APH very highly on all aspects of the House were commenting on the and conducting more void inspections. process. It was very good feedback, not improvements and again were happy. We are also attending a conference in only for us but for APH as we do conduct Warrington in July, where the main In June we inspected Moss Terrace and these interviews independently of APH. topic is resident scrutiny. We hope to found 30 issues. We also inspected the As the team grows we hope to do more learn from other residents and share houses in Holy Trinity and found 9 issues. voids to ensure a high standard of our own experiences. Resident Auditor accommodation. Martin Cone

BLOCK AUDIT - BENTINCK HOUSE DATE NUMBER % COMMENTS Number of issues raised at First Inspection 18/4/11 105

Number complete at Second Inspection 17/6/11 63 60.00

Number of new issues raised 17/6/11 30

Not done due to Budget or Planned Works 17/6/11 29 Planned Works

OUTSTANDING 43 40.95 Resident Auditor Frank Knowles

VOIDS DATE NUMBER % COMMENTS Number of issues raised at First Inspection 21/3/11 47

Number complete at Second Inspection 22/3/11 0 0.00

Number complete at Post Move In 6/5/11 44 93.62

OUTSTANDING 3 93.62 Resident Auditor Derek Smith

If you think you can help us improve our services then we would love to hear from you. If you would like to become a Resident Inspector, a Mystery Shopper or you would like to get involved in Resident Scrutiny in some way then please email: [email protected] or call Clare on 343 8128 16 Pioneer News Summer 2011 RESIDENT INVOLVEMENT Resident Involvement Social Events

It’s not all work and no play for We had 5 teams and a great time was had by all. REACH won the quiz and the the Residents Involvement team! prize was a bottle of wine (which they Recently the group members generously donated to the Rough have been enjoying a fun packed Diamonds Ladies Group!) The quiz night was that much of a success the group social life! members have convinced the Trafalgar Every Wednesday its bingo in the Trafalgar to host a quiz once a month! If you are Pub which is a good giggle. The staff and interested in becoming involved in any customers are a friendly bunch and very way or would simply like to meet new welcoming. At the APH communication friends. Call in to see Nicola Woods for group it was suggested that the groups more information! have a quiz night so this is exactly what The next quiz night will be in August check we did. The Trafalgar pub kindly provided so please watch your local notice boards. a quiz master and a buffet! Ashton Fire Station Community Allotment For those residents that have not attend. They’ve been working really yet visited the allotment you are hard to get stuff growing and are now waiting for the results! missing out! Saturdays have proved quite popular You don’t have to have “green fingers” with the local community so please or be an expert to get involved! Just come down and join in. It doesn’t matter come along and have a look around and what your capabilities are. Just come see for yourself the natural surroundings. along and enjoy. Whether it is digging Some planting has already started but or just chilling in the sunshine and there’s still a lot of preparation that meeting new friends, you’ll be very needs doing. welcome. Adullum are now working in partnership If you would like to meet up with a with APH on the plot and their help and member of the Resident Involvement support has been fantastic. The St. team beforehand to find out more email: Peter’s ‘Dads Drop In’ group have also [email protected] reserved a plot which they regularly or ring 343 8128. Cook 2 Eat Course In April some of our residents attended a ‘Cook to Eat’ course at Oxford Park which was a huge success and will be back soon by popular demand!

The residents that attended this course have benefited hugely from it and they would recommend it to everyone. They now have the skills to cook healthily, read food labels and lots more to do with healthy lifestyles.

The group celebrated their achievements To get this newsletter in Braille, by making a buffet and our local councillor, Joyce Bowerman, presented large print or on tape: the certificates. If you are interested in attending the Phone: 0161 343 8128 Text: 07624 802412 next sessions of Cook to Eat please call Nicola Woods at APH to put your name Email: [email protected] on the list.

Pioneer News is published by Ashton Pioneer Homes, Margaret House, Margaret Street, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7TH St. th in conjunction with St. Peter’s Partnerships. PARTNERSHIPS Peter’s You Children & Young Peoples Award Winners A charitable company registered in England & Wales (no.1099806)