issue 1, winter 2019

NEW YEAR New Magazine.

We're proud to introduce our brand Role model. new magazine, Gary Williams is a hard act to follow – pages 10&11 valleys. WIN £30 in Love2Shop vouchers with our puzzles – page 19

@WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk Editor's Note WHAT'S INSIDE? With Rebekah Hewett Welcome to 4 Readers' Panel WELCOME to the very first edition of valleys., our new look tenant magazine. After seven years, we’ve 5 Looking Back made the decision to say farewell to Roof Top to create something with a new look, new stories and features all written and designed with you in mind 6 Millie Gets Gold – our customers. We’re really pleased with how this 6 15 first issue has turned out and it’s all 7 Driving Success thanks to you for sharing your feedback and telling us about what you like to read. In this edition, we’ve got great 8&9 Know Your gardening tips from an expert who works locally in Tonteg, a delicious Lemons recipe that’s quick and easy to do and some fab advice from our in-house teams around money management and 10&11 budgeting. Role Model Turn to page 10 to read our cover story about Gary Williams; a man who Rebekah-x- plays a number of different roles within 12&13 Money Matters his community each day or go to page your completed puzzles; each one we us on [email protected]. If you 19 if you like more of a challenge and receive will be entered into a prize would like to be more involved in the want to try your hand at our brand draw and the winner (who is picked at magazine, we’re looking to create a 8&9 10&11 new puzzle page – there’s a crossword, random) gets £30 Love2Shop vouchers. readers panel to review our ideas for 14 Health & word search and Sudoku that will We’d love to hear from you to see valleys. throughout the year. Does make you scratch your head for sure. what you’ve enjoyed reading in this this sound like something you would be Wellbeing Don’t forget to send us photos of issue so please get in touch by emailing interested in? Email us to learn more.

GETTING IN TOUCH 15 Can You Dig It? THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS FOR YOU TO CONTACT US AT TRIVALLIS. 16 What's Cooking?

17 Puzzle Pavilion

5 7 18&19 Customer Corner

Email us on: Text us on: Visit us at our office: [email protected] 07827 895 936 Tŷ Pennant, Mill Street, Pontypridd, CF37 2SW HOW ARE WE DOING?

If you would like this edition of valleys. or any other communications from Trivallis, Our quarterly performance report is now available. in an alternative format such as large print or Braille we would be happy to do this. To see 'Our Performance @ A Glance' turn to page 18 Simply contact Trivallis on 03000 030 888 and ask to speak to the Communications Team. or to view the full Quarterly Performance Report visit If you would prefer not to receive this magazine, please let us know by emailing [email protected] www.trivallis.co.uk/our-reports and click Simply tell us your name and address and we can remove you from our mailing list. 'Trivallis Quarterly Performance Report'

2 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 3 valleys. Readers' Panel

With Sadye Baker

BEING a Tonyrefail girl brought up surrounded by music lovers, it’s no surprise that I’ve visited many music venues across the Valleys. From Treorchy’s Park and Dare theatre to Merthyr’s Red House, I’ve been lucky enough to see lots of live acts, from punk to poetry. In this edition of ‘Looking Back’, I’ll be sharing the story of a particular venue that holds a special place in my heart, The Factory in Porth.

1890s POPTASTIC PAST The Factory William Evans’s Welsh Hills Mineral has played host for many top acts Water Factory was built in the 1890s over the years to house state-of-the-art machinery for What is our Readers’ Who are we looking for? and share ideas for what we can making soft drinks, or pop to you and takeover by the ‘Beecham Group’. called ‘Rhondda Rocks’, that brought Panel? Anyone can join – you don’t have to include in the next issue. We will me . in hundreds of people to check out Four times a year, we send out be an expert. We want to know your also pay your travel expenses. A new idea, it was hoped the fizzy 2000s emerging talent from our valleys. a magazine to our customers. We views because our magazine is for you. For some projects, we might also drinks may reduce the amount of Fast forward 20 years and Pontypridd These days, the venue no longer want your help to make sure it’s If you like reading, you’re interested speak to you over the phone to alcohol being drunk in over 120 pubs icon Tom Jones is smashing a bottle of promotes its own live music, but relies what you want. in design or photography or simply get your opinions or hear your around the South Wales Valleys at the dandelion and burdock against the brick on outside promoters to keep the want to have your say on what we put personal story or we may invite time. walls to mark the re-opening of the music alive. We’re looking for people to join in our magazine, this is a great chance you to join a focus group. Door-to-door deliveries of Welsh building as a music and media complex . Nigel Baker from Tonyrefail has our Readers’ Panel who can help to get involved. Hills’ soft drinks saw glass bottles of ‘The Pop Factory’ was founded by Emyr recently launched ‘The Loft Acoustic’, a us to make sure the magazine is: u Interested? If you’d dandelion and burdock, lemonade, and Mair Afan of Avanti Media. monthly opportunity for acoustic acts How does it work? like more information on orangeade and raspberryade brought Weekly television shows filmed in the to showcase their talents at the venue. • Useful When the time comes to produce becoming a panellist, email to people’s homes by horse and cart. building were broadcast by ITV Wales He said: “I’ve always loved this building; • Easy to read the next edition of our magazine, we’ll [email protected] or and the building played host to live I’ve played here a few times and even • Attractive and well-designed. get in touch and ask if you want to call 03000 030 888 and ask 1920s music shows from Victoria Beckham, supported The Blockheads once. help. We’ll invite you to come along to to speak to a member of The success of the business grew and , Cerys Matthews, Manic “I was gutted to hear that the our offices to look over the magazine the communications team. William Evans decided that it would Street Preachers, , venue was no longer putting on gigs need a new name. Welsh Hills Soft The Blackout, Bullet for My Valentine, so I decided to start something up Drinks became ‘Corona’, which was Kids in Glass Houses and even former myself. Our monthly nights are an soon to become a household name. Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl when he opportunity for anyone who likes SINCE I started here at Trivallis just of love and hard work has gone into The brand became so popular that 87 stood in for Queens of the Stone Age. music to come along and see some over a year ago, I have wanted us to THOMAS creating them. factories and distribution depots were great performances; you can even get reconnect with you - the customer. At a time when a lot of housing eventually built across England and 2010s involved and do a few songs if you Without you we simply don’t exist, associations are doing away with their Wales. The Valleys Kids charity bought the fancy it! Check us out on Facebook to that’s why I am pleased that we are TALKS magazines we simply wanted to make Delivery drivers worked a 13-hour building in 2012 and launched the find out when the next night is.” able to launch this new look magazine The quarterly column from ours better, make it more useful and day and were paid 30 shillings a week Factory with the aim of developing the The Factory also hosts an art gallery based on your feedback, based on what make it more about you and less about plus commission – and door-to-door space as a creative hub and live music and play centre for young children, a Trivallis Chief Exec you said you wanted. Ian Thomas us. salesmen were expected to call at 250 venue. big change from its early days of fizzy For me Trivallis has a huge role to play I hope you enjoy reading it as much as households each day. From 2012 – 2014 I volunteered at drinks. in the Valleys (hence the new name for sure that we do all we can to make we enjoyed making it. the venue, promoting live music events this magazine). We want to be a lot sure that your house is a home. 1980s like performances from Reggae Rock u To keep up with the latest more than a landlord, we want to help We are committed to that, in fact The 1980s saw the end of an era, with band Skindred, Mod-Rockers From Loft Acoustic events at The regenerate our communities, improve we are passionate about it. I hope this the closure of the Welsh Hills works The Jam, Radio One’s legendary DJ Factory, visit opportunities and importantly make is reflected in these pages too, a lot as a ‘pop’ making factory following a Judge Jules and a three day festival facebook.co.uk/LoftAcoustic

4 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 5 Volunteering gives Kayleigh Millie gets a new found freedom

MILLIE CAMPBELL is 28 By Sadye Baker and lives in Trealaw with her foster parents. From the age of 8, Being part of Millie’s foster mother the team has Linda has supported really built my her with her busy schedule and confidence up social life. because I usually Linda said: “Having try and keep learning myself to myself. difficulties has never Millie said: “I get bored really easily stopped so I like to get out and about when Millie from I can. When I saw the bowls team trying new training I just asked them could I things. For the have a go and really enjoyed it. Being last 20 years, I’ve part of the team has really built my supported her through all confidence up because I usually try of her interests, including and keep myself to myself.” volunteering, swimming Millie has recently represented Wales BOWLED OVER and keeping fit. in the Special Olympics in Scotland Millie has really “Her love of swimming and the National games. She picked DRIVING SUCCESS Kayleigh Grainger inspired everyone with Trivallis' driving instructor Barrie Whiles at Trivallis with her saw her join the Polar up three medals, a gold for singles, a accomplishment, Bears swimming club gold for triples and a bronze for pairs. pictured above with at Rhondda Sports Barrie Jenkins is Millie’s head coach, KAYLEIGH GRAINGER is a mother By Sadye Baker her recent medals Centre, but it was he said: “Millie is a fantastic player, she from Cwmaman. After giving her time and below in her volunteering role the bowls team that totally dominated her singles matches to support children in her local infants Through giving and, since passing she’s much with Trivallis site practiced there that really in the Special Olympics and we’re school, Kayleigh was eligible for free more independent and has been supervisor Jason caught her attention. She really looking forward to see how she driving lessons as part of Trivallis’ my time, I’ve contacted by a few agencies with job Johnson approached the team and performs in the next competition in volunteering programme. managed to land opportunities outside of Cwmaman.” had a go and has gone Scotland this June.” She said: “Being a mother without Kayleigh added: “Through giving my from strength to strength When she’s not bowling, Millie my own means of transport was really myself a job in time, I’ve managed to land myself a ever since.” volunteers for Trivallis’ Estates and difficult. I was paying just under £100 the local school job in the local school and pass my Millie has now been Communities team. Her role involves per month for me and my son to travel driving test. My sister lives in England playing bowls for sorting out stock when it arrives on public transport so, when I heard I and pass my so I now have freedom for me and around two and a half at our warehouse and keeping the was eligible for free driving lessons with driving test. my son to just get up and go, without years and, in that time, working environment clean and tidy. Trivallis, I decided to go for it.” having to worry about the cost of she’s grown her skills She wants to build her confidence and “I’d had a few lessons in the past but that people struggle to find work, public transport over long journeys. I’d and become a part of skills up and eventually have a go at I’d never managed to make it to taking one of these being the inability to definitely recommend volunteering with Cardiff Chameleons, painting some of Trivallis’ homes. my test. I was petrified of roundabouts drive. Trivallis offers its volunteers Trivallis to anyone who is interested.” an organisation that and bikes so it’s something I never one free lesson for every 15 hours provides sporting u As a thank you for all thought I would be able to pass.” of volunteering. It’s a great way for u If you’re interested in facilities and coaching Millie’s hard work, Trivallis After just 6 months of lessons with people to improve their employment volunteering with Trivallis or for people with has agreed to sponsor her for Trivallis’ in-house driving instructor prospects, whilst giving them the want to find out more about physical or learning her next bowls competition in Barrie, Kayleigh passed her driving test independence that comes with being the driving school, call 01443 disabilities. Falkirk, Scotland this June. first time. able to drive. 494 660 or visit www.trivallis. Barrie said: “There are lots of reasons “Kayleigh was a great student co.uk/volunteering

6 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 7 Know your

Tenovus Cancer Care was chosen by you, our customers, to be Trivallis’ charity partner for 2017 – 2019. We have made a commitment to raise funds that will help to invest in cancer research and support people at the heart of our communities who have been affected by cancer.

By Sadye Baker

Trivallis FUNDRAISERS Image supplied and owned by Worldwide Breast Cancer staff raised over £4,400 for Tenovus Cancer Care.

OVER the last 18 months we have Tenovus Cancer Care has teamed up breast cancer in 2014. Despite going to “Tenovus Cancer Care’s free Support her symptoms weren’t spotted soon speak to one of their nurses. baked, biked, climbed mountains and with Worldwide Breast Cancer on her GP as soon as she found a lump, Line was invaluable after I was enough. That’s why we’re calling on used our brains on the Christmas Quiz their Know Your Lemons campaign, to she wasn’t diagnosed for months, and diagnosed. The nurse I spoke to had our supporters including companies u In the next few months, to raise over almost £6,000 for the increase awareness of the signs and was recently given the devastating news a real impact in my life and helped like Trivallis who fundraise to help we’ll be looking for your charity. symptoms. her cancer was terminal. me come to terms with my diagnosis. support our services in the heart of opinions on who you think We spoke with Tenovus Cancer Care The aim is to make every woman “I’d been visiting my GP for weeks but While I’m well enough it’s important the community and fund our lifesaving Trivallis should support as it’s to see what the money we have raised and every GP aware of the symptoms, I didn’t really tick the normal boxes as to raise awareness, so that people like research.” charity partner for the next is helping to achieve: because early diagnosis and quick I was under 35. When I finally saw my my daughters won’t face the same Don’t forget, if you or someone you two years. Keep an eye on the Last year, 2,800 women were referral saves lives. oncologist they asked why I’d left it so experience as me.” love is affected by cancer, the Tenovus Trivallis website and follow @ diagnosed with breast cancer in Dawn Wilson, a 35 year old mother late. It blew my mind because the delay “No woman should have to say free Support Line is open 365 days WeAreTrivallis on Twitter and Wales and the numbers are going up. from Hengoed, was diagnosed with had been out of my control.” goodbye to her children because a year. Simply call 0808 808 1010 to Facebook to find out more.

8 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 9 PLAYING THE PART Pictured left to right, Gary as the chair of the Wattstown TRA, on stage as one of his many characters and as a member of Trivallis' Scrutiny Panel. A man of many faces just love being on “It made me go Beddau and makes the 20 minute journey Gary Williams leads a stage.” I’ve done all sorts back to singing and I to Wattstown community centre to carry very busy life juggling Throughout his of work to get the was going to give up!” out his daily to-do list. From there, he different roles and life Gary has always Despite Gary’s love travels to the TRA base to check in on the responsibilities as been involved in money I needed to for performing it local community members and to make Rebekah Hewett performing arts in be able to support didn’t always pay the sure everything is running smoothly. discovers one way or another, bills which meant he’s Even though Gary has his hands full with whether that’s my family. My had to try different his commitments in Wattstown, he also GARY WILLIAMS is a man of many talents entering singing family and my jobs throughout the signed up to be a Scrutiny Panel member who plays a number of different roles competitions on his community are a years. “I’ve cut hair, three years ago. “I joined the Scrutiny Panel each day. For over ten years he has own, playing with sold perfume, worked to make a difference, I’m not a Trivallis committed 40 hours a week local jazz bands or big thing to me. in a petrol station – tenant but my family are and so it’s really to Wattstown community; performing with an you name it, I’ve done important to me. supporting the community amateur operatic society – being in front of it,” Gary said with a smile on his face. “More tenants should try and join in with centre, managing and an audience has always come so naturally “I’ve done all sorts of work to get the something like this and become a volunteer, running the Tenants and to him. money I needed to be able to support my if they have the time, because you feel Residents Association In 30 years, there was only ever one family. My family and my community are a you’re really feeding into Trivallis; you have a (TRA) and being an moment where Gary considered giving up big thing to me.” valuable input.” active member of Trivallis’ singing and that was following the death of Feeling fulfilled with his solo career, Gary For years Gary has been an active Scrutiny Panel – and that’s his father. “I couldn’t sing for six weeks after turned his attention to another one of member of the community and doesn’t just in the day. I lost my father,” Gary explained. “It was too his passions – Wattstown community. “My show any sign of slowing down because of During the evenings, Gary difficult because he loved to listen to me singing is my work and I’m lucky I do it in how much it means to him. “Community is fulfils his other 30 year passion sing, he idolised me.” the evenings because I can volunteer as all about people and sometimes they can performing on stage as a visual vocal However, one evening changed how he well.” feel isolated; especially the elderly. What we comic; singing songs from great stars was feeling and reminded him why he loved In 2007, Gary started Wattstown TRA do shows people they’ve got a helping hand. past and present and dressing like them doing what he did so much. along with his close friend Julie Williams and It doesn’t matter if you haven’t got anyone too. “I’m a completely different person “I was in Fishguard performing at a holiday other local residents because of issues in to fall back on; you know there’s always when the music starts and some people camp and in the interval a gentleman the community involving drugs and anti- someone there if you knock on the door. are so shocked when they see me,” Gary approached me crying, saying he was so social behaviour. “I called a meeting with the “My community is really, really important explains. happy to see his grandson dancing with me community because people were blatantly to me and I like to think that one day the Growing up in a musical family, it and enjoying the show. up to no good and it has always been such residents will remember someone was seems obvious Gary chose the “The guy told me that the little boy had a a lovely area,” said Gary. there to support them so they do the same path he did. “My mother was rare condition and they’d spent thousands “Our work meant we were able to stop for others.” an entertainer; she still has seeing specialists but nothing seemed to the troublemakers and reduce the crime an amazing voice. work. During that night, seeing me perform, rate by 78%.” u If you are interested in getting “All of us loved it; my the little boy came out of his shell, he was As he is responsible for two community involved with one of Trivallis' father, brother and sister. I was the only one playing with the other children and his hubs in Wattstown, Gary’s days are always customer groups then email that followed in my mother’s footsteps, I family put that down to me. jam packed. He wakes up every morning in [email protected]

10 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 11 moneymatters.

By Rebekah Hewett By Richard Haddock

UNIVERSAL CREDIT Full Service is Universal CREDIT THIS time of year can always feel a bit now live in Rhondda Cynon Taff. This flat, especially after the excitement of means that if you are of working age Christmas. We can all be a bit guilty of and have a change in circumstances you over doing it during the festive season; may be moved from the benefits you spending too much on presents for our currently receive to Universal Credit family and friends, and now is the time (UC). when we start thinking about how to Do you have children or currently pay off that extra expense. claim Employment Support Allowance Here are a few different ideas that (ESA)? could come in handy to help you start NEW If you do, it’s worth taking the time off your year in the right way and to check to see what you could claim stopping your money worries from if you moved onto Universal Credit. RCT taking over: This is because from April 2019 work YEAR allowances in UC will increase by SAVING SCHEMES £1,000 benefiting 2.4 million people. It might seem really early to start This means that working parents and thinking about Christmas 2019 but people with disabilities on UC will be putting a tiny bit of money away each budgeting tips £630 better off every year, and will month in readiness for this year’s big allow households to keep more of day can make all the difference in the what they earn by reducing the amount long run. Setting up a savings account DEBT ADVICE some money goals? One example of their earnings that is subject to UC could help you to do this. Here are If you’re looking at your bank account could be reviewing your gas, electric taper rate. some of the ones we recommend you and feel you might have gone a little bit and water bills to help you make some Why not use the Turn2Us calculator take a little look at: overboard, don’t worry because there big savings each year. If you currently to see whether this could affect you? is lots of support available to help you receive benefits, you could also try • turn2us.org.uk • Dragon Savers Credit Union: get back on track. Get in touch with completing an online benefit check to It doesn’t matter whether you are dragonsavers.org/saving any one of these services today: make sure you’re getting everything currently claiming UC or want to • Help to Save Account (only you’re entitled to. uSwitch and Turn2Us know more about it and the changes suitable for people claiming • Citizens Advice: are really simple tools you can use. it brings. UC Made Easy offers lots of Universal Credit or Working Tax citizensadvice.org.uk guidance and information from Money Credits): gov.uk/get-help-savings- • StepChange Debt Charity: • uSwitch: uswitch.com Advice experts from Registered Social low-income stepchange.org.uk • Turn2Us: turn2us.org.uk Landlords across RCT. This account gives you a bonus of • universalcredit.wales up to 50% of what you save MAKING MONEY GOALS Welsh Water also offer a number of • credydcynhwysol.cymru • Monthly Savings Account with any It’s a tradition for many of us to set a different schemes that could reduce high street bank – pop into your New Year resolution at the beginning of your water rates charges. For more Making a joint claim for people who are in a 'couple' local branch to see what they offer January; could yours be to set yourself information visit: bit.ly/pay-my-water-bill

IF you believe you will be claiming UC are part of a couple you will need to to make an appointment with a work as a couple, here is some information make a joint claim. To get set-up and coach. on the best way to do this. ready to go for Universal Credit, one Then, both you and your partner WE'RE HERE TO HELP First things first, what do we mean person (so either you or your partner) will need to accept a ‘Claimant when we say couple? must fill in a claim form. There are lots Commitment.’ This is a record that The Department of Work and of ways to do this; choose whatever explains your responsibilities so you Pensions (DWP) say two people are works best for you whether that’s can receive UC, as well as what will classed as a couple if they live in the online, over the phone or face to face happen if you don’t meet them. same house and are; civil partners, in your local Job Centre or council. married or living together as though Once you’ve completed a claim and u Go online and visit they are married. applied for UC, you need to contact universalcredit.wales to find If you think this includes you and you your local Job Centre within seven days out more information.

The Money Advice team are available to help anyone who would like some support to keep on For your online guide to Universal Credit visit top of their money, accessing benefits they’re entitled to or getting help to make sure your rent made easy. is paid on time. You can contact the team by phoning 03000 030 888, visiting Trivallis.co.uk and universalcredit.wales searching for ‘Money Advice’ or you can email [email protected]

12 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 13

CHRISTMAS is over, the decs are down and the dark nights are making us all feel like we need a little sunshine in our lives. Winter is the perfect time to start preparing your gardens and thinking about what flowers you want to see blooming in spring. In this ‘Can You Dig It’ feature, gardener Roger will be sharing his top tips on Get fit for how you can bring a little colour into your home; whether you have a big open space or just enough room for a pot plant on your windowsill. FREE this SOW SOME SUMMER COLOUR With Roger Crookes You can pick up some packets of seeds from your local garden centre or DIY WHO IS ROGER? shop which can cost as little as £1. Roger is the ‘Horticultural Consultant’ at Ysgol Ty Coch Special School in Tonteg, New Year You’ll also need a small pot and some this means that he teaches pupils about plants and develops the grounds compost to get you started. around the school for use by the children and staff. Once you’ve got what you need, it’s NOW that Christmas has been and time to sow your seeds. You can sow gone and the festive treats have all some hardy seeds such Sweet Peas as been eaten, New Year is a great time early as mid-February. We also like to to chuck the chocs and get active grow Cosmos at the school, which we and there are lots of ways to do this start sowing later in March as it gets Create your without spending a penny. warmer; here is how we get our seeds Forget about those costly gym started: memberships, you can get fit and active with nothing more than a good pair of • Take a small pot and add some own Cosmos shoes or trainers. Here are some top compost so it is about 1cm from tips to get fit for free this New Year: the top of the pot By Rebekah Hewett • Open your seed packet and #1 – AT HOME WORK-OUTS sprinkle around 7 or 8 seeds on For those that prefer exercising top indoors, there are plenty of ways that this with a friend? You could share it lucky with some free kit. • Top up the pot with a thin layer of you can get active, even from the your results and have some healthy Why not try – If you have a clear out compost comfort of your own room. Simple competition. in the New Year, you could swap your • Put the pot on a dish in a well-lit exercises such as sit-ups, crunches, Why not try - Apps such as Couchto5k, unwanted items for some exercise area, like a windowsill press-ups and squats require little My Fitness Pal or if you don’t mind an equipment using sites like Swapz or • Pour on a little water to wet the you follow our top tips for caring for space or equipment and will help you advert or two then SweatCoin is great even Facebook Marketplace. soil, tip away any excess water your plant, it could last for many years: to work every part of your body. as well. that’s still in the dish after an hour. You could even practice a few sitting #5 – HIT THE PARK • Give the plant sunlight, a exercises if you would like to try #3 – WALK YOURSELF FIT A number of parks across RCT now Within a few weeks you should start windowsill is the perfect spot something more gentle to help improve Walking is one of the best forms of have outdoor fitness kits. The blue to see little green stems start to pop • Water well, then wait for the soil your mobility. This sort of work out is exercise we can do for free and with machines work by using your body up through the soil – these are your to dry out before doing it again. In great because it works different parts the beautiful Welsh Valleys on the weight to help you train, you also have seedlings. You may need to keep turning Winter, give enough water to keep of your body and, more importantly, doorstep there are some great places the added advantage of breathing in the pot around to stop the seedlings the soil just barely moist it doesn’t matter if you haven’t done to visit. some fresh air too. leaning over too much towards the • Feed your plant, nothing fancy much for a while. Why not try – Scenic walks such as The Why not try - Free outdoor gyms in light. here just an all-purpose general Why not try – YouTube. It is a goldmine Church Village bypass trail, Barry Sidings places such as Tonteg Park, Etc. Keep your eye out for the next edition houseplant feed is all you need to for great fitness videos for all ages or to the Rhondda Heritage Park or even of valleys. where I’ll be sharing the be using. search the internet for ‘NHS Home the wide-open spaces of Dare Valley u Please note: if you have next steps for your seedlings. Exercises’ for some great exercises for Country Park. particular health conditions, u Be sure to watch our all ages. please discuss this with STUCK FOR SPACE? gardening videos at Trivallis. #4 – GET FREE EQUIPMENT your GP before doing any of If you want some greenery but don’t co.uk/CanYouDigIt and share #2 – ONLINE FITNESS APPS People often give away their fitness these exercises. As with any have a garden, why not get a Jade plant? pictures with us if you try out If you have a smartphone, a fitness app gear because they no longer use it; it’s exercise, if at any point during Looking after a Jade plant is simple; any of these easy tips by using can be an excellent way to personalise not uncommon for an exercise bike your workout/walk you begin they’re a symbol of good luck too. You #ValleysMag on Twitter and your fitness journey and tailor a plan to to end up being a clothes horse. Take to feel faint, dizzy or have can pick one up for around £9 and, if Facebook. suit your needs. They are also great for advantage of this and check out freebie physical discomfort you should helping you monitor your progress and sites such as Freegle, Freecycle and stop immediately and consult keep you motivated. Why not try doing SnaffleUp regularly and you might strike a physician. Watch the video online Trivallis.co.uk/CanYouDigIt

14 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 15 What's Cooking? Sudoku Generator 30/10/2018, 15*52

SHOPPING LIST Nutritional info (average for plain porridge) Crack one of our puzzles to have a chance of winning £30 in Love2Shop vouchers! 175 kcal | 5g fat | 25g carbs | 3g fibre Ingredients CROSSWORD SUDOKU 50g porridge oats 1 4 1 5 6 2 350ml milk or water (you could mix both if you’d prefer) 2 8 5 3 2 9 1 For the toppings 3 6 2 7 4 4 5 5 9 7 PB&J 6 6 9 1 tbsp peanut butter 1 tbsp jam 7 8 9 10 8 6 9 4 Apple Pie 1 2 7 5 8 9 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 11 12 8 4 6 1 2 7 Pinch of nutmeg 13 Pinch of brown sugar 2 7 6 5 3 Sliced apples 14 • First select a number/operator and than apply it to a sudoku cell. Pecans 15 Fill in the blank squares by obeying this 1 tbsp Maple syrup (optional) Crossword Puzzle Maker: Finalone Puzzle rule: Each row, column and box must 30/10/2018, 15*49 16 Something Savoury end up containing all of the numbers from 2 tbsp grated cheese Watch the video online Trivallis.co.uk/WhatsCooking 17 18 1 to 9. 1/4 red pepper diced 19 20 2 tbsp onions finely chopped WORD SEARCH 21 1 fried egg P T F R O Z E N P Y W T Method: 22 M J N P S I R C U O D Q Add both your porridge oats and that’s ‘just right’ for you. WHO doesn’t start the New Year milk/water to a saucepan. Bring the If PB and J is your ‘jam’ then dollop a X A J A X P Y M N Y V N promising to be a little healthier? mixture to the boil over the hob tablespoon of jam and tablespoon of 23 W C B J M F B S D E T E Across the globe, people are ditching and leave to simmer for 4-5 minutes, peanut butter onto your oats and give I K L H R R D N V A T C mince pies and chocolate for salad stirring from time to time to stop it them a stir; you could sprinkle a few N E G O E L O E H A O F and smoothies; hoping to see their sticking to the bottom of the pan. fresh raspberries on there, too. T T S L I A R D N S R R waistlines get smaller and their wallets If you don’t want to use the hob, you Got a sweet tooth? Try some apple E T L G O G T R Y A W L a little fatter. can try this in a microwave. Mix the pie porridge by mixing 1/4 teaspoon ACROSS 3 What Eiffel was up to, being very tall R A H F R V E I C E Q L In this 'What's Cooking' feature, porridge oats, milk or water in a large of ground cinnamon and a pinch of 2 It is of material use to the clergy (5) (8) N T Z E U B E S N J C Z we’ll be sharing some healthy, low cost microwave proof bowl and microwave nutmeg and brown sugar into your 5 Not sweet (7) 4 Kindly reception (7) S Z E N I E M S W G N I recipes with you that are easy to make on ‘high’ for 5 minutes, stirring halfway porridge. Serve in a bowl topped with 6 Surpassingly good, brilliant (6) 8 Exceptionally big (7) L N T H Z N L K R B N G at home. through. Leave to stand for 2 minutes sliced apple, pecans and maple syrup (1 7 Facebook thumbs-up (4) 10 Stay clear from (5) https://www.sudokuweb.org/ Page 1 of 1 We’ve all heard the phrase ‘breakfast before eating. tablespoon optional). 9 Ordinary; mean (7) 12 Smash hit for Spandau Ballet (4) snow evergreen is the most important meal of the day’. How about something savoury? 11 A country's people (6) 13 View unfavourably (10) SNOWhat HEATING Getting some food into your system Toppings ideas: Try mixing 2 tablespoons of grated 14 Causing much enthusiasm (8) 15 Musty, rotten (6) EVERGREENice COSY frost first thing is a great way of kick starting Goldilocks had to try lots of porridge cheese into your oats and topping 20 Investor's profit (6) 16 Word after task or brute (5) HATgloves WINTER umbrella your day so we wanted to share some recipes before finding the perfect mix, them with 1/4 fried diced red pepper, 21 Yearly celebration (8) 17 Stopping place for trains (7) ICElights FUEL energy boosting porridge recipes with that’s why we’re sharing some different 2 tablespoons of finely chopped, fried 22 Where to meet your plane (4) 18 Thorny and proven sickly when FROSTfrozen HIBERNATE heating you. ideas for toppings to get a breakfast onions and 1 fried egg. 23 Well informed (13) ovens removed (7) GLOVEScosy SCARF winter DOWN 19 A country's banner (4) UMBRELLAfuel DORMANT 1 They're bound to sell (5) 21 One in the hand is worth two in the LIGHTShibernate JACKET What's Cooking? 2 Pattern of recurrence (5) bush (4) FROZENscarf CRISP https://www.puzzle-maker.com/crossword_Free.cgi Page 1 of 2 HUNGRY FOR MORE? To enter simply complete one of the puzzles and send a photo of your solution along with your name and address to Check out our website for more great recipies! [email protected] each correct solution will be entered Trivallis.co.uk/WhatsCooking into our prize draw with a chance to win £30 in Love2Shop vouchers.

16 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 17 Please keep escape routes clear 100% Customer ANY ITEMS LEFT IN THE CORRIDOR WILL BE REMOVED AND YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THEIR DISPOSAL Statutory Corner. COMPLIANCE ✓ Our Performance 3 @ A Glance Maerdy Dementia Friendly Community

MAERDY Dementia Friendly Café was whom work in Neighbourhood Services. 2 launched in Maerdy in December in Information Sessions X the Sion Chapel. The aim is to support DEMENTIA Friend information sessions We HELPED 89% people, their families and their carers to are run by the Champion. Each session live well with dementia. The cafe will be lasts around one hour. The group will 408 open in February 2019 and to start with, learn more about dementia and how X Tenants will be open the first Friday of every to help create more dementia friendly 1 SAVE 7,951 month. The group are really hoping to communities. MONEY RENTS work with the community to help shape Being a dementia friend is easy and the café and service going forward. anyone can sign up to being involved ✓ and coming to a session. A dementia X PAID u For more information please friend learns a little more about what it X 111 NEW on time contact: Julie Rice-Harvey is like to live with dementia and turns Ensure all fire safety Ensure all communal EMPLOYMENT 07780382449 or 01443 300686. that understanding into action. Action requirements (by law) areas & exits are clear can be anything from wearing a badge are visible and in place at all times OPPORTUNITIES RENT LOSS Trivallis Support to promote the organisation or telling In the event of an emergency all occupants must be able to escape quickly and TRIVALLIS supports the Dementia others about the Dementia Friends X CREATED safely. All residents have a responsibility to keep escape routes clear. Failure to due to EMPTY Friends movement and have staff who programme. Anyone of any age can be a comply with these instructions could cost lives. so far this year have volunteered to become Dementia dementia friend. HOMES Friend ‘Champions’. The aim of the role To date Trivallis Dementia Champions • Do not leave rubbish or obstacles outside your flat is to encourage others to learn a little have created over 80 new ‘Dementia Fire Safety• Do not wedge firein doorsCommunal open Areas bit about dementia. Dementia Friends Friends’. TO keep you• Doand not your smoke neighbours in communal safe areasinside (thisyour includeshome at alllandings, times. lifts, foyers stairwells, walkways, communal areas and storage areas) 2.13% Champions are trained volunteers who and following advice from South Wales Removing Items deliver information sessions in their u If you are interested in Fire & Rescue Service, Trivallis has a When we identify an item that needs community and inspire others to help becoming a Dementia Friend zero tolerance• Keep for items communal being stored areas free ofto obstruction be removed, at we all will times try to locate the • Dispose of all rubbish accordingly those living with dementia live well. please get in touch with the in communal areas. Communal areas owner and ask them to remove the item Dementia Friend Champions at Trivallis Customer Involvement Team include stairwells and entrances to our immediately. Items left obstructing these areas could: are Christopher Thomas, Claire Overd, on 03000 030 888 or email blocks of flats and sheltered schemes. If we know the owner but they aren’t at • Slow people down during emergency evacuations 467 Leeann Ball and Rhiannon Miller – all of [email protected] We must take action to protect you home, we will post a card through their • Catch fire and emit smoke which could be toxic and your neighbours from the risk of fire. door to let them know the item was • Prevent firefighters from moving around safely and efficiently You made a promiseduring toan keepemergency these areas removed. Rate your Estate Tenant Pulse safe and clear when signing your tenancy Items of value will be removed and 4,018 agreement, it is your responsibility to stored by Trivallis for a maximum of WE’RE looking for your opinion on how Give Feedback, store your belongings inside your home. 28 days. They must be picked up by A4 Fire Leaflet.indd 1 30/10/2018 08:34 TENANTS we’re doing with the regular upkeep of Your Neighbourhood Manager will the owner in this time. If items are not Paying by TENANTS your estate. To improve our performance, WIN Prizes! regularly be in your area, inspecting collected within the 28 days, we have no we want your thoughts on how we’ve blocks and sheltered schemes. choice but to permanently dispose of SUPPORTED TRIVALLIS works closely with TPAS, performed with: Any items that are a hazard must be them. to stay in their (Tenant Participation Advisory Service). • Cleaning communal areas moved immediately or Trivallis’ Estates You should call 03000 030 888 to TPAS has created a free online survey • Grass cutting and Communities teams will have no arrange pick up of any items that have network known as ‘Tenant Pulse’. You can HOMES • Fly tipping choice but to remove them. Items could been removed; you will be given a date give your opinion on key subjects and THIS QUARTER include, but are not limited to: and timeslot to do so. 249 help shape the world around you. For u Interested? We’d love you • Bikes We appreciate your co-operation in every survey you complete, you will be to hear from you, email: • Prams keeping our homes safe. entered into a prize draw and you could 86.90% [email protected] • Rubbish/recycling bags win £25 just for signing up! of queries If you need to get in touch with • Plant pots For more information and us with any questions or issues • Door mats recommendations from South RESOLVED on your estate, visit www. u To sign up go to: www.tpas. • Pictures Wales Fire and Rescue Service, by FIRST trivallis.co.uk/contact-us cymru/about/tenant-pulse All of these items must be stored safely visit trivallis.co.uk/FireSafety phone call

u To view the full Quarterly Performance Report visit www.trivallis.co.uk/our-reports We've INVESTED £3,188,669 so far THIS YEAR, in PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS and click 'Trivallis Quarterly Performance Report'

18 @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk @WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk 19 A good read?

We hope you have enjoyed reading your first edition ofvalleys. This is just the start, we would love to hear your views and opinions on the new magazine, by either sending us an email at [email protected] or completing an online survey available at www.trivallis.co.uk/ReadersPanel Your views are important to us and will guide us in making sure valleys. is what you want it to be. We look forward to hearing from you.

@WeAreTrivallis #ValleysMag www.trivallis.co.uk