KeylinesIssue 39 June 2015 Your news from your housing association

We’ve built our 1,000th new home page 11

Also in this issue: Bee involved page 5 Your Awards Night page 6 Money Matters pages 12 - 18 Hello Five ways to pay your rent Dates for your diary Forum or Event Course Training There are several ways you panel meeting can pay us, you just need to The weather is slowly getting impact will be for you and our work choose the best one for you. July Welcome to the warmer and there are lots of over the coming months. Please 1 Wed Southern Area Panel meeting exciting events taking place which be certain though that we are You can pay: 7pm Cross Keys Homes Head Office, Woodston summer issue you will see featured on the next always here to help and support By Direct Debit 4 Sat Bretton Festival page to keep you and your family you through any changes to, for The easiest way to pay us is by 10am Bretton Park entertained throughout the warmer example welfare benefits, and will Direct Debit. Simply set up a weekly Dogsthorpe Fun Day of Keylines… months. keep you updated as soon as we or monthly Direct Debit payment by 10am Dogsthorpe In this issue we have some know what these may be. However until we have the full details of the calling: 01733 396483 or visit: 5 Sun Sporting Sunday - accessible sporting event Like us on Facebook or follow us on information about our Awards www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/set- 1.30pm Jack Hunt School, Netherton Night which has been arranged for new government’s plans we will Twitter to be the first to hear about continue to focus on what we do up-direct-debit 6 Mon Eastern Area Panel meeting our news. Thursday 10 December 2015. Just 6.30pm Becketts Close Community Centre, Dogsthorpe turn to page 6 to see how you can best - delivering great homes and doing our bit to create strong and Over the phone 9 Thu Careers Festival - the East of ’s largest Skills and Careers event Follow us on: nominate someone deserving for 9.30am The School, Thorpe Road one of our prestigious awards. It is vibrant communities. Use our automated payment line 24 crosskeyshomespeterborough hours a day, 7 days a week to make 11 Sat Honeyhill Garden Party always a fantastic event and I would I hope you all enjoy this new larger 11am Honeyhill, Paston @CrossKeysHomes love to see as many of you there as edition of Keylines which has been a payment to us using either your debit or credit card. Just call: 0330 20 Mon Mears Academy - basic home maintenance course CrossKeysHomesUK possible – so please do get your packed full of articles you have 9.30am Mears Ltd, Manasty Road, Orton Southgate nominations coming in. specifically asked for following our 088 3786 and follow the instructions. You will need your payment Speed Interview Workshop (for 16-24 year olds) You will see on page 11 of the readership survey. Thank you to 12.30pm City College Peterborough, Brook Street everyone who took the time to let us reference number to hand. Remember, our website is packed newsletter that we have built our 22 Wed Orton Community Fun Day full of useful information which is 1,000th new home and have know your thoughts and ideas. 11am Ormiston Bushfield Academy, Ortongate Online available at the touch of a button: development plans underway Finally, I would like to wish you all a 23 Thu Area Panel Film Night and AGM (invite only) www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk to continue to build up to 500 lovely summer and please do keep You can pay your bill 5.30pm Ormiston Bushfield Academy, Ortongate PE2 5RQ new homes a year by 2018. This those emails coming in with your easily online by visiting: 25 Sat Welland Family Fun Day Get in touch… demonstrates our commitment to suggestions to help ensure we are www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/pay. 10am The Charteris Centre tackling the housing crisis and it the best we possibly can be. Please Remember to have your payment 28 Tue Northern Area Panel meeting Your local Neighbourhood Office was therefore great to see housing feel free to email me on: claire. reference number and debit or credit 7pm Honeyhill Children’s Centre, Honeyhill, Paston Tel: 01733 385061 playing such a key part in the run up [email protected] or card to hand. Email: neighbourhoodoffices@ to the general election. on twitter @CKHClaire. August crosskeyshomes.co.uk With the election now over we know Claire Higgins, In person 3 Mon Eastern Area Panel meeting there will be changes ahead but Chief Executive, You can pay your bill in person 6.30pm Becketts Close Community Centre, Dogsthorpe Head Office we are waiting to see what the true Cross Keys Homes at your local Neighbourhood 10 Mon Mears Academy - wall tiling and plastering course Tel: 01733 385000 Office, any Post Office or anywhere 9.30am Mears Ltd, Manasty Road, Orton Southgate Email: [email protected] you see the ‘Payzone’ logo. You will 19 Wed Western Area Panel meeting 2pm Westwood Community Hub Need this translated? Features… need your payment card and can pay at any of these by using either 25 Tue Northern Area Panel meeting Lithuanian cash, debit or a credit card. 7pm Honeyhill Children’s Centre, Honeyhill, Paston September By post Slovak 2 Wed Southern Area Panel meeting You can send a cheque made 7pm Cross Keys Homes Head Office, Woodston payable to Cross Keys Homes Ltd. Czech 7 Mon Eastern Area Panel meeting Just make sure you include your 6.30pm Becketts Close Community Centre, Dogsthorpe payment reference number on the 12 Sat Westraven Big Local Community Fund day Polish Residents Board update 4 Building better futures 8 reverse and send it to: Incomes, 11am Hampton Court, Westwood Cross Keys Homes, Shrewsbury 14 Mon Mears Academy - painting and decorating course Avenue, Peterborough PE2 7BZ. Portuguese 9.30am Mears Ltd, Manasty Road, Orton Southgate 16 Wed Western Area Panel meeting Remember - rent payments 11am Bretton Parish Council offices, Pyramid Centre Kurdish must be cleared and in your 29 Tue Northern Area Panel meeting rent account by Friday each 7pm Honeyhill Children’s Centre, Honeyhill, Paston Also available in braille, large week, however you choose You can also view all upcoming events online at: www.crosskeyshomes. print or audio – CD or tape. to pay. co.uk/events or follow us on Facebook to receive alerts. ( 01733 385116 New Homes 10 Out and about 20 & 21 2 3 Resident Resident Involvement Involvement Residents Board update In March the Group Board officially Bee involved! approved our new Residents making a difference governance structure and appointed Key Contacts Online group The survey revealed that direct debit and Ratcliffe Court, Welland which is the most popular way to pay and resulted in four tonnes of waste members to your new Our Key Contacts Online group help showed that convenience is a top being removed and a subsequent by giving us valuable feedback Residents Board. priority for you. This helped inform drop in the incidence of fly-tipping in about particular areas of our work. our drive towards implementing an both these areas. The Residents Board will oversee We have over 200 tenants who automated 24 hours, seven days the services which fall under volunteer their time to give us this We would like to take this opportunity a week payment line to ensure the consumer standards in our vital feedback which in turn helps to to thank each and every one of our the services we provide offer this regulatory framework and have inform decisions made here about online team of Key Contacts for the flexibility. delegated responsibility for the Your Residents Board developing and improving our invaluable input that they have given following areas: services for you. Your neighbourhood us over the years. • Resident Involvement rating without having to take on any This is a new and innovative Preparing for the future of We also asked the group about • Asset Management further debt. To find out more about approach to governance rent payments the neighbourhood in which they • Sheltered and Hostels this please see page 16 of this live and feedback on the levels of within our sector and is really With Universal Credit around the • Leasehold newsletter. putting customers at the fly-tipping and standards of grounds corner, it’s likely that more and more maintenance. • Right to Buy How do residents apply to heart of what we do. of you will need to access our rent • Anti-Social Behaviour become a Residents Board This change has also meant payment services. It’s therefore The responses received helped Do you want to to support our Neighbourhood • Lettings member? changes to Cross Keys Homes’ important for us to find out which of have a say? Managers in their day-to-day estate Each year, from April 2016, one third Group Board. This now comprises our various methods of payment are Then ‘bee involved’ • Customer Access management functions. It also with us and call our of the Residents Board places (4) two residents (Chair and Vice most preferred and likely to be used • Community Strategy enabled us to provide a proactive involvement team on: will become vacant. These places Chair of the Residents Board), two by you. recycling and waste removal day 0800 803 0359 or • Neighbourhood Management will be advertised for residents to councillors, five independents 01733 385059. Thanks to our Key Contacts Online in Tower & Grove Court, Woodston This accounts for just over apply for, subject to eligibility. Those and also Claire Higgins, our Chief group we carried out a survey to find £9.5 million and involves interested will be invited to attend a Executive, making a board of ten. out how tenants preferred to pay agreeing and monitoring briefing workshop to find out more If you would like any further their rent. about the Residents Board including information on the Residents Board, ❝Thanks to Alternatively delivery of each strategy. you can email: remuneration and what the please contact Melissa Speechley, being involved One of the first of many key involvement@ membership is all about. Residents Governance Manager on tel: I now have the decisions made by the Residents crosskeyshomes.co.uk Board members will be appointed 01733 385004 or email: melissa. confidence to or visit: www.crosskeys Board was to take part in the for a period of three years, but [email protected] communicate more homes.co.uk/involvement Rental Exchange scheme. The may re-apply for vacancies. In line effectively.❞ to find out more about all Rental Exchange scheme works with the Group Board, Residents You can also visit our website to see the different ways in Helen Donohoe in conjunction with Experian Board members can only serve a a full list of our Group Board and which you can get (Orton Goldhay) involved with us. and provides an opportunity for maximum of nine years. Residents Board members. residents to improve their credit

4 5

Your Awards Night The search is on to find the stars in your community, and who better to nominate them for an award than you!

Cross Keys Homes’ Awards Night the Holiday Inn in Thorpe Wood, 4) Area Panel award recognises residents who have Peterborough. 5) Estate champion award gone out of their way to improve the There are seven categories in which 6) Going green award lives of others or who have made you can nominate either yourself, great achievements for themselves. an involved residents group or 7) Making a difference award With a festive two-course meal another resident*… So get your nominations included and a chance to win an 1) Good neighbour award award on the night - we need your coming in! nominations now! 2) Young person’s achievement * Please see our website (aged between 11-24) award www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/nominate The winners will be announced for terms and conditions at a special awards ceremony on 3) Personal achiever of the year Thursday 10 December 2015 at (age 25+) award

Those shortlisted for Nomination form ✂ Your name: each award will also receive complimentary Your address: tickets to our Awards Night Nominations need not only for themselves but to be received for those who nominated Your telephone number: by no later than them for an award too. Name of the resident you are nominating: Friday 30 October Their address: 2015.

Their telephone number: All nominations will go into a prize draw and Award category you are nominating them for: you and the person you The reason why you are nominating them: nominate could each You can also nominate win an overnight stay online by visiting: at the Holiday Inn on www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/ the night. nominate Or you can email: Please continue on a separate piece of paper. Photocopies of the nomination form are also accepted if deborah.dyer@crosskeyshomes. you would like to nominate more than one person. co.uk or call: 01733 396404 / 0800 803 0357. 6 7 Mark Bingham Cross Keys Homes pre-Apprentices He’s a true inspiration who has gone on to achieve spectacular things.

In this edition we meet local His warm personality and sense has been happily working for just Building better futures resident, Mark Bingham, who of humour made him very popular over nine months. recently won the regional Adult with everyone and he soon Mark said: “My life was completely Learners Week ESF Individual became an invaluable part of the upside down before I started on this As part of our commitment the programme, and over 80% Award. Yet there was a time once team. During the six months he of them have already progressed programme, but now I have slowly to bring opportunities when Mark never thought anything volunteered at the hub Mark also been able to build my confidence to local people we have onto further education, training or like this could be possible to enrolled on some of the courses we employment. We continue to work back up from its foundations. I have seen our sixth cohort of achieve. were running. He passed the City & got so much out of working with with the rest and provide them Guilds Business and Administration pre-Apprentices celebrate all with the support they need to Eight years ago Mark had a others in a similar situation, and I budding career in IT in the forces level 1 course with flying colours, love helping people. their six-month placement continue to flourish.” and then went on to complete success at a special when he was hit by a sudden “I just can’t believe I have got my Cross Keys Homes’ Chief Executive illness which halted everything. our Money Management and presentation event. and LEP Board Member, Claire Confidence Building courses to help life back on track now, and things Seven out of the group of ten have Higgins, added: “As a social He beat cancer several times as him prepare for moving back into are really looking so positive. I am already moved on into employment enterprise we aim to make a real well as numerous other health employment. just so grateful I stepped into Cross issues. Yet he was desperate to Keys Homes’ community hub that or training opportunities, one has Court, Cross Keys Homes new difference to people’s lives, and get back to work. As well as his The courses taught him skills that day, otherwise I don’t know where I moved away from the city and we Extra Care scheme in . we think this project does just that. included customer service, phone continue to work with the other two The young people involved benefit physical problems, Mark’s illnesses would be.” “You wouldn’t believe the impact left his confidence at rock bottom skills, business administration and young people. this placement has had on me,” from the opportunity to gain skills organisation skills. All these proved You can see the video that got Mark and experience in a real work and affected him emotionally. The training programme, which Shannon told us. “When I started I to be invaluable to him in his his job by visiting our page: environment, which along with the is part funded by the Greater really struggled with a lot of things, So he joined both the ESF Families search for work. CrossKeysHomesUK. support they get from us helps them and Working 4U programme which Cambridge, Greater Peterborough especially motivation to work Thanks to all Mark’s achievements to move on into further employment Cross Keys Homes runs and very If you are looking to get back Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and my time keeping. But here I he was asked to take part in our or training.” quickly started to achieve great to work and would like our Prize Challenge initiative, enables am now, six months on, with my ten-year anniversary video case things. help – just like Mark did – then young people to gain valuable, contract extended and a career in study. He gladly accepted and the If you are aged between 16 call: 01733 396409 or email: paid work experience, along with catering to look forward to!” He also became a volunteer at our filming went ahead. Yet little did any to 24 and would like to take community@crosskeyshomes. training and support in becoming Cross Keys Homes’ Community Westwood Community Hub and of us know what this would lead part in our pre-Apprenticeship co.uk work ready. Investment Manager, Christina programme call Helen was able to use his IT experience to to… help and support others in similar One of the pre-Apprentices, Alexander, said: “Since the scheme Hutchinson on: 01733 385058 A local employer saw the video and Shannon Ding, has been working started in 2012, more than 80 or email: helen.hutchinson@ situations with job searches, IT Congratulations Mark! issues and general enquiries. wanted to speak to Mark. This has in the restaurant at Kingfisher young people have benefited from crosskeyshomes.co.uk since led to a job for Mark and he 8 9 New New homes homes New homes mean 1,000th new home more affordable homes To ease waiting lists, provide We are currently in the process of building: celebration more family homes and help customers to downsize, we’ve • An extra care scheme known as an ongoing commitment to Lapwing Court in Orton Brimbles We’ve recently increasing the amount of • 71 new homes in Gunthorpe Lapwing Court affordable housing. celebrated the • 25 new homes in Woodston That’s why we’ve got a number build of our of new build projects on the go. • 263 new homes and apartments This will see our development in Godmanchester 1,000th new programme expand dramatically We are also busy looking at many over the next couple of years. We other schemes which will see our home. will provide 500 much needed development portfolio extend to A special ceremony to mark affordable homes per year for areas such as Bedford, Milton the achievement was held with residents living in Peterborough as Keynes, Cambridge and Rutland. Mazalie Jones, tenant of our 1,000th well as further afield. Burghfield Place new home at Pine Tree Close in Dogsthorpe. Over 100 people attended our most Mazalie had a bouquet of flowers presented to her by our Chief recent Shared Ownership Open Event Executive Claire Higgins, Chair in Gunthorpe on Saturday 9 May. Angus Kennedy and the then Own it! Leader of Peterborough City Council More than 30 brand new 2,3 Having a stake in your home • You don’t need a really big at the time, Councillor Marco and 4 bedroom homes are now is a great feeling and shared deposit, as it’s based on the Cereste. reserved at our Burghfield Place ownership makes this a realistic, share you’re buying, rather than Mazalie said: “I am delighted with and Roman Fields developments manageable option for many. the whole property value. my brand new chalet bungalow “It was a pleasure to meet Ms Jones with our future development plans on Manor Drive, with a number of Key features: • You can buy more shares at any and can’t thank Cross Keys Homes and I wish her all the very best for which will see over 500 new homes buyers moving in shortly. time... until it’s all yours! (We call enough. It has given me and my • You buy (and own) a share every happiness in her new home.” built per year by 2018. family stability and it’s somewhere you can afford, rather than just this ‘Staircasing up’). where we really enjoy living.” Our Board Chair, “We are committed to making a renting with no return. • Or, if you want to move on, Angus Kennedy, positive difference in Peterborough you simply sell your share for Our Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, • Your monthly mortgage and added: “This is and the surrounding areas by its market value at the time said: “The great milestone of our ‘rent’ (the fee we charge on an exciting time providing good quality affordable (by which point you will also 1,000th brand new home means the bit you haven’t bought) are for everyone homes that people on low and have paid off a chunk of your such a lot to us but it is only the start much cheaper than buying at Cross Keys middle incomes can genuinely mortgage)! of our ambitious development plans outright and often around the Homes and afford and delivering great services to ensure we provide a great mix of same or even less than privately Cross Keys Homes Shared Ownership I am really not only for today’s residents but for affordable homes. renting. A new way of living in Peterborough enthusiastic about moving forward future generations to come.”

10 11 Money Money Matters Matters

‘Jam Jars’ help tenants with sticky finances Get ahead this year and start your savings with the Credit Facing up Union’s ‘Jam Jar’ budgeting account. You can easily transfer money into different ‘pots’, which allows you to deal with bills, rent and general budgeting, including saving for to debt Christmas or a special occasion. For those of you who can’t, or may not wish to use high street banks, a ‘Jam Jar’ account enables you to control your money in a simple way which deals with all your financial needs. There are no complicated credit checks, and once you start to save with your Credit Union, you can even have access to their own loan scheme. If you are interested in opening up a The name that appears in Faye had debt problems ranging I didn’t even know how much I “I’ve continued to talk to bank account with Peterborough’s this article has been changed from hire purchase, to credit owed and who I owed it too! StepChange over the weeks and Credit Union shop known as Peterborough Rainbow Savers call: to protect the identity of the cards and loans, all of which had now I can honestly say that the individual. “Yet after attending one of Talk to StepChange debt 01733 686483 or visit your local escalated out of her control over Cross Keys Homes’ events, I got black cloud which once followed branch. many years. Yet little did she know me around everywhere has charity who can help draw talking to the staff about my debt up a debt management There are also branches in Never once it would be so easy to get help problems and it was instantly like finally disappeared. plan with you. Simply call Wisbech, Cambridge, Suffolk and did Faye think and advice and sort out her debt a huge weight had been lifted “The only one regret I have is I them on: 0800 138 1111. Norfolk for those tenants who live problems. from my shoulders. wish I had faced up to my debt further afield. it would be so Here’s Faye’s story… “They gave me advice about fears sooner as this could have StepChange debt charity and after all been dealt with years ago.” easy… “I had been putting my debt a couple of minutes plucking up If you have serious money Until recently Faye had a huge problems to the back of my mind the courage to call them; I soon worries, don’t bury your black cloud hanging over her for so many years as I didn’t want had my debt problems under head in the sand. head. to face reality. It was so bad that Rent Electricity Gas control.

12 13 Money Money Matters Matters

Garages available for rent Did you know that we have Peterborough garages to rent?

In particular, we have a number of garages to let across the city Energy is here from £6.23 per week or £7.48 for non-tenants. If you are experiencing parking to help you difficulties or would like a garage for your car or general storage then please contact us for details. save money Garages must not be used for Are you concerned about your energy Energy, comes a number of If you are interested please visit: trade, business or other storage benefits: www.peterboroughenergy.co.uk, purposes. bill? It may have reduced in recent call: 0800 408 6706 or look for the • Save an average of £210* each Peterborough Energy page on the To find out more call: 01733 months with the drop in wholesale year on your annual energy bill). Council’s website. 385061 or pop in to your local oil prices but do you know if you are • No exit fees on all payment Neighbourhood Office. While we at Cross Keys Homes plans (except when switching still getting a good deal and have you cannot recommend an individual *Customers on Big 6 variable tariffs will realise from one Peterborough Energy these average savings. £210 is the difference energy supplier we do recommend checked it out? You could save hundreds fixed rate tariff to another before between the Peterborough Energy 1 year fixed you review your energy prices on a dual fuel tariff (33% green, all payment methods) of pounds just by switching supplier. your contract expires). and average Big 6 (SSE, npower, British Gas, EDF regular basis using a comparison Energy, E.ON, Scottish Power) standard variable • 3% Interest Reward on credit site such as: www.uswitch.com tariffs in regions 10 and 11 for medium usage Peterborough Energy is a new customer focused energy service (3,200kWh electricity, 13,500kWh gas per annum) balances, up to £1,000**. dual fuel customers on standard credit meters. initiative set up by Peterborough to residents in the Peterborough If you do take advantage Correct as at 27/04/2015. Sources: EnergyLinx City Council in conjunction with an region. They also aim to obtain the • OVO’s award winning customer of this offer please let us and Uswitch Insight award winning energy supplier most competitive and sustainable service - OVO recently topped know how you get on by ** Calculated at 3% per year, paid monthly based on number of days in credit and the amount OVO Energy, which could save energy prices for gas and ten of the twelve categories in emailing: communications@ left in your account after you’ve paid your bill. you an average of £210* on your electricity, and pass this benefit the uSwitch Energy Awards 2014, crosskeyshomes.co.uk or calling: OVO Interest Reward is capped at 12 times the amount of the current direct debit amount and annual bill. They aim to offer a on to their customers. With a local including Supplier of the Year. 01733 385116. is available to customers paying by advance no-nonsense, competitively priced, energy supplier, like Peterborough direct debit. Terms apply: www.ovoenergy.com/ coreterms2014 14 15 Money Money Matters Matters

CREDIT where credit’s due Everybody has a credit report, it’s just that you don’t always know it.

Your credit report contains details And credit doesn’t just mean bank when it comes to getting a good better gas, electricity and water of all the loans and credit you’ve loans or credit cards, it also applies Experian’s credit rating. rates. The Rental Exchange will Ways to improve taken out in the past and shows to things like your telephone and also help you pass online identity By joining The Rental Exchange, checks. your credit rating: how up to date you are with your broadband contracts, and your Rental Exchange we will have to share some of your 1) Register to vote – go to repayments. Your credit report gas, electricity and water contracts Programme tenancy information with Experian, www.gov.uk/register-to-vote matters because whoever you ask too. the UK’s leading credit agency – Getting a copy In the past, the odds were always for credit will check your report to and we’ll be sending a letter with 2) Set up an agreement to pay If you’ve got a good credit report stacked against social housing of your credit see if you’re likely to pay the credit full details about what’s involved in old debts. you’re much more likely to get tenants when it came to building back, based on the history of your the near future. good credit, which can mean you up a good credit rating. report 3) Try not to make late credit card payments. payments. pay less interest on any loans By joining this new initiative, You can get a copy of your credit Monthly rents didn’t count, while it taken out, and you won’t have to according to Big Issue Invest, more report online at: www.experian. 4) Don’t make lots of applications was different for homeowners as have an expensive pre-payment than 70% of social housing tenants co.uk/consumer/statutory-report. for credit in one go. meter for the likes of gas or their mortgage payments did. html for just £2. Or you can enclose will be able to improve their credit 5) Avoid ‘pay day’ loans. electricity. The good news is that we’ve joined rating which for you means access a cheque for £2 made payable a new initiative known as The to more affordable credit. to Experian and send with your 6) Do not withdraw cash on your Rental Exchange. This is a joint full name, date of birth and your credit card. It will hopefully also be easier venture between Experian and address for the last six years to: 7) Shop around for credit and for you to open or change bank the Big Issue Invest and it is finally Customer Support Centre, Experian only apply when you’ve found accounts, shop online, get better helping to level the playing field Ltd, PO Box 8000, Nottingham the best deal for you. mobile phone deals and receive NG80 7WF. 16 17 Money Matters Be safe with Get Creative gas Get creative and try one of our FREE craft courses, Your safety is extremely starting in July. important to us. That’s Fancy brushing We have jewellery making, flower arranging, why we carry out a card making, decorating, baking and free annual gas safety up on your DIY sewing courses. check and offer flexible Classes are open to those who are unemployed. skills? appointments to ensure To find out more call Ruth Mingay Then make sure you book on: 01733 396404 or email: we can service your your place on one of our [email protected] boiler. FREE training sessions. It is also a legal requirement under Over the next few months our the Gas Safety (installation and use) training academy, in partnership Regulations 1998. with our contractors Mears, is Calling all 16- Helping to offering training in: Your tenancy agreement also states Basic home maintenance that you are obliged to allow us Monday 20 July 24 year olds… access into your home to carry out this test. keep you safe 9.30am - midday We’re giving you the opportunity Each interview will last eight Wall tiling and plastering to be interviewed by many local minutes and you may just So if you have recently received a Monday 10 August employers at one event with our: find your perfect job match! letter about your annual gas safety We already install hard wired smoke 9.30am - midday check and need to rearrange Speed Interview We will have job opportunities your appointment simply call our detectors in your homes and last year Painting and decorating available in customer service, contractors Mears on: Monday 14 September Workshop 0800 988 we started to install carbon monoxide care, retail and administration so 8330 or email: peterborough. 9.30am - midday On Monday 20 July 2015 make sure you dress to impress detectors too. 12.30pm-2pm [email protected] so that we and bring your current CV to see if can make sure your boiler is safe. At the City College Peterborough, you can secure yourself a job on Yet there are some tenants who This move by all landlords will Brook Street, Peterborough the day. Evening and weekend still refuse to have these fitted! help prevent up to 26 deaths and PE1 1TU appointments are also available if 670 injuries a year nationwide. From October 2015 it will be a Sponsored by: this is more convenient for you. So please ensure you allow us requirement by law for landlords access to carry out this vital work to install these detectors and we and keep you and your family will soon be sending out further safe. information as to when we plan to To book your place on one of install these devices to those who these training courses simply have yet to have them both or call: 01733 385149 or email: [email protected] either one fitted. All classes take place at: Mears Limited, Units 19-24 Manasty Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6UP. 18 19 Out and Out and about about

Share your photos with us. If you would like to appear in ‘out and about’ please email your pictures to: [email protected] or post a copy to the Marketing team, Cross Keys Homes, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough PE2 7BZ.

Our new cohort of pre-Apprentices joining us for six months paid work Mrs Vine celebrating her 100th experience. Welcome aboard! birthday. Congratulations! Peterborough Sports under 16 football team will be running on to the pitch in style now their kit Residents of Kingfisher Court raised a fabulous £319 for Papworth is being sponsored by us. The Hospital at a recent coffee morning, with a tombola and raffle. Dorothy club was struggling to replace Hinton, who organised the event, has been fundraising for Papworth for their old kit that was bought many years, having received fantastic treatment from them. “Papworth from a previous club so we is a pioneering hospital that does so much good and has helped me so stepped in to help as part of our much, I just want to be able to give something back,” says Dorothy. “It’s commitment to supporting health not only about raising the money, though. Events such as this are such and sports among young people good fun and really bring everyone together.” in the city.

Emma and Matthew who were Helen Hutchinson, our Programme Manager, went ‘back to the floor’ the lucky winners of our Hudl in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. Helen spent the day competition for completing our with our catering assistant Shannon Ding at our Kingfishers Restaurant. Get Online course. Here’s Helen getting stuck into the washing up!

Cross Keys Homes’ Community Manager, Christina Alexander, with Cath Robertson, Chair of Westraven Big Local and Gill Ralph Tabram with his beautiful Bill Masters spends a lot of his Hutchinson, Big Local Rep after it hanging baskets. Ralph said: “I time knitting toys for charity. He’s was announced that Cross Keys love gardening and even though particularly good at dolls and Homes had been chosen as the I only have a small patio space it animals and here he is with one ‘trusted local organisation’ to host shows what can be achieved with of his fabulous creations. We love the Westraven Big Local project. a bit of thought and imagination.” this one Bill! Residents at Loxley sheltered housing scheme in Werrington celebrating the scheme’s 30th birthday. 20 21 Fly tipping It takes a special prevention kind of person to This March our rangers picked up make others feel the largest amount special of fly tipped rubbish ever! There’s nothing more rewarding and no We, along with Peterborough City Council, want the area to greater feeling of real job satisfaction remain a pleasant and safe place to live, and with your help What we offer: and support we know we can achieve it. Here’s how… • Good rates of pay from £7.25 an hour for trainees, £7.96 an hour with experience If you come across fly tipped waste… be sure to report it to • Guaranteed contracted hours or part-time hours available Peterborough Direct on: 01733 Care 747474 or your local council. • Weekend work available Looking after you in your home If you need to dispose of large items… the Council offer a How to apply: Call 01733 385018 or email: [email protected] bulky waste collection service for a small charge or you can take your waste to the Environmental Household Recycling Centre on Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, for free removal. If you need to dispose of achievements smaller items, clothes, working Looking for work? electricals, toys and more can We have been working hard over the past be collected for free by Amey, Then here’s a list of the top job search sites, as few years to reduce the amount of waste we or there may be a charity shop near to you to donate your recommended by our recruitment professionals, produce and increase our recycling levels. items. If you are a computer which are worth knowing about: whizz you could even check out We can now proudly say that none of our waste ends up in landfill, and Freecycle.org or give selling on Indeed jobs - www.indeed.co.uk we were recently recognised for this great achievement with our Bronze a go! Jobcentre Plus website - www.gov.uk/jobsearch Zero Waste Award, proving our dedication to reducing our environmental impact. Total jobs - www.totaljobs.com Reed - www.reed.co.uk We also recently received the prestigious Platinum Travel Plan Award for our work over the years with Travel Choice Peterborough. Peterborough Today jobs - www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/jobs The aim of our sustainable travel plan has been to reduce our staff’s CO2 And don’t forget, there’s also our very own emissions, through installing bike shelters and introducing a pool bike website where we advertise our latest vacancies at scheme, encouraging car sharing, and promoting use of our new eco- Cross Keys Homes and Cross Keys Care. Just visit: friendly fleet cars among so much more! www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk/vacancies Or visit Tackling Worklessness in Peterborough’s site which we lead on for any employment support or advice: www.twipeterborough.co.uk

22 23 Puzzles Puzzles

Summer crossword Sudoku puzzle ✂ ACROSS DOWN 3 7 2 5 1 Summer fun 2 Protect your eyes 1 It shines a lot in summer Winners 6 Special seat for the sun 3 Protects summer skin 1 8 2 7 Two-piece swimsuit 4 Popular summer sport round up colouring competition 8 Along the sea 5 Children make castles with this 2 7 9 5 8 6 Congratulations to Mrs 10 Eaten a lot in summer 9 Place for swimming and water Sandra Bennett from Orton 6 9 2 5 sports Malborne who was our 1 lucky winner following our 2 3 word search competition in 9 5 1 8 our last edition. Sandra won 4 5 a £25 Love2Shop voucher. 6 9 2 4 3 7 6 Also congratulations to Mrs 7 7 6 8 Catherine McCabe from 8 Wittering who won a £50 5 3 9 7 4 9 Love2Shop voucher after 10 completing and returning

Notes our Readership Survey.

2 4 6 7 9 8 3 5

Answers can be found at the bottom of page 21. 1

5 8 9 1 3 6 4 7 2

1 7 3 4 5 2 9 6

E B U T T E R F L Y C K I 8 6 3 4 2 8 1 5 9

Word search competition L S H V J E W I C P F C G 7 8 9 1 3 7 5 2 4

H K O C R I C K E T E V F 6

7 5 2 9 6 4 1 8

WIN £50 of Love2Shop Ice cream R S L O L T D J A C J Y A 3

3 6 8 5 1 9 7 2

vouchers. Sun hat G U I F E I U P R O F B E 4

9 2 7 8 4 3 6 1

Just complete our word search Holiday M N D A I S B E A C H K B 5 4 1 5 6 2 7 8 3

competition and send to: Katie Taylor O F A V N B A F N U S G H 9

at Cross Keys Homes, Shrewsbury Beach P L Y H E M R B A S C V M puzzle Sudoku

Avenue, Peterborough PE2 7BZ by Sunflower

Friday 7 August 2015 to be in with a N O Y F W V I C G R U T O

Icecream 10 Beach

chance of winning. Strawberries I W U S U N H A T I S G U 9

Seaside 8 Sand

H E S I G V N E L F Y E M 5 Fill in your details below and send your picture to: Katie Taylor at Cross Keys Bikini Please see our website: 7 Swimming Cricket 4

G R K F O R T U E M T J F Homes, Shrewsbury Avenue, Peterborough PE2 7BZ by Friday 7 August

Deckchair www.crosskeyshomes.co.uk for our 6 Suncream

Butterfly 3 2015 to be in with a chance of winning a family pass to Sacrewell Farm.

Sunglasses terms and conditions. 2 Sun S T R A W B E R R I E S A 1 Across

Name: Down Name:

Address: crossword Summer Address: Email: Answers Age: Tel: Tel: ✂ 24 25 Cheesy risotto with bacon and peas Looking for new, easy and Method: exciting ways to feed your 1. Finely chop the onion. Heat family for under a fiver? For the oil and butter in a large a hearty summer meal on a saucepan, add the onion and fry budget, look no further than for 5 minutes. Add the chopped the Italian favourite: risotto! bacon and fry for a further 5 minutes, until it starts to crisp. Serves: 4 2. Add the rice and stock, and Preparation and cooking time: bring to the boil. Stir well, and 35 minutes then reduce the heat and cook, Ingredients: covered, for 15-20 minutes until the rice is almost tender. Top tips: 1 onion Risotto is one of those great 2tbsp olive oil 3. Stir in the peas, add a little salt and pepper and cook for a meals that can use up almost 30g butter further 3 minutes, until the peas anything in your fridge and still 6 rashers of streaky bacon are cooked. Serve sprinkled with taste amazing! Great additions 300g risotto rice grated parmesan (cheddar is include mushrooms, courgette, squash, chicken, broad 1 litre hot vegetable stock just as good!) and black pepper. beans… the possibilities are 150g frozen peas Simple, nutritious and delicious! Finding a new home endless! Hard grated cheese to serve with House Exchange Top tips for garden lovers For green-fingered gardeners summer is a busy time of year! Register with House Here are some of our top tips to get the most out of the warmer months: Exchange to find thousands • Order a FREE garden water • It’s not too late to give growing • Put up a bird feeder by your of available properties. saving kit from Anglian Water. your own veggies a go – lettuce, window or a bird box in a tree It even includes water storing carrots, broccoli and more can and see what grateful summer House Exchange is fast becoming the number one way to find crystals and mats for use in pots all be planted now to provide you visitors you get to your garden! a new home, whether you’re looking to downsize or to gain an and hanging baskets, so you can with fresh home-grown produce extra bedroom. make the most of what space in the autumn. Do you live nearby The web-based database is packed full of information given you have! Also consider installing to one of our Incredible Edible by tenants who want to move and is the largest not-for-profit a water butt if you don’t already planters? Why not make the most national system of its kind available. have one. of it! House Exchange instantly lets you know what matches you have on the system and by registering for email alerts, it can also let you know as soon as a new match registers. Just visit: www.houseexchange.org.uk for more information or call your Neighbourhood Office on: 01733 385061. 26 27 We need you! Useful We don’t believe the relationship between Cross Keys contact Homes and our residents should be one way. We believe in working together. numbers If you’re passionate about making a difference, want to learn more about housing and can work as part of a team – you could be the person we’re Anti-social behaviour 01733 385065 or text ASB looking for! followed by your name, address We will soon start pulling together our next Annual Report and we are and complaint to 60066. after a team of residents to work alongside our Communications and Marketing Manager to help with this. Cross Keys Care 01733 396484 To register your interest call: 01733 385116 or email: communications@ crosskeyshomes.co.uk. Gas servicing 0800 988 8330 Help finding work 01733 396409 Improvement works and adaptations National Citizen Service (NCS) 01733 385134 brings together thousands of 16 & 17 year olds to take part in exciting Lifeline 01733 396439 challenges and new opportunities Neighbourhood Office - during the summer. for general enquiries 01733 385061 Payment line Build your CV 0330 088 3786 Meet inspirational people 24 hours, 7 days a week Payment enquiries line Take on new challenges 01733 396483 9am - 5pm Repairs centre 0800 328 2742 or Make a difference 01733 385030 24 hours, 7 days a week Recognised by UCAS Resident involvement NCS is government-backed so the cost of this 0800 803 0357 once-in-a-lifetime experience is just £35. Sheltered Housing Make sure you don’t miss out.* 01733 385103 *financial assistance is available

Sign up for the summer programme: Other useful Wave 1 - 6th July to 24th July 2015 Wave 2 - 3rd August to 21st August 2015 contact numbers: Anglian Water: Contact us on 01733 863954 or 08457 145 145 email [email protected] POWERED BY Gas leaks, National Grid: and use the code NCSCKH 0800 111 999 to sign up now. Peterborough City Council: 01733 747474 NCSEAST @NCSEAST NCSYES @NCSYES

StepChange debt charity: 0800 138 1111 ✂

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