SPRING 2013

Down to Earth

Welfare Benefits Creating a community Can you dig it are changing New homes in Gnosall mark the ‘Grow for it’ as this find out whether this will start of a new era for year’s annual garden affect you. pg 4-6 and Rural Homes. pg 12 competition gets ready to launch. pg 24

STAFFORD BOROUGH Also… Health and well-being, Apprentices, Housing developments This issue Welcome

Message from Chief Executive Officer STAFFORD BOROUGH Karen Armitage

Welfare Reform pg 4 Apprentices pg 8

Spring already and what a lot is going on. The brighter part of the months to come Welfare Reform is of course the biggest include SBC’s Green awards and our own challenge facing us all and it is important garden competition which round up the that you understand the changes and get investment we all make in creating beautiful whatever help you need to manage. gardens and green spaces, reducing energy bills and growing healthy food outdoors. Pre Tenancy pg 9 Community pg 12 Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH) has provided a lot of advice and works hard We are building new homes and will continue with other agencies such as the Citizens to do so by looking creatively with our Board Advice Bureau to make sure the most at how we can strategically limit resources help we can give is provided. further to ensure we have the homes people Money advisor Liz Pilley with Greenhall pupil Alfie Birch, aged three. in Stafford need. Don't forget to talk to Stafford Borough Council (SBC) Housing Benefit team if Enjoy the Spring, lookout for our healthy living Kitchen Refurbishments pg 15 you are affected by changes. They have promotions and Going for Green schemes as some funds they can use in exceptional well as helping us to understand what we can Nursery to benefit circumstances to help people remain in do with you to make our SARH offer something their homes where their circumstances that helps you. can be shown to need an extra bedroom as chosen charity for example. Greenhall Nursery, in Stafford, Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH) has marked the end provides early years care for of one fundraising year and launched another. Greenhall children with a range of physical Nursery is the chosen charity for 2013/14 and funds raised and associated learning disabilities. will help it maintain additional services for children with Initially set up by the former Spastics Message from physical disabilities and provide support for their families. Association (now Scope) in the 1960s, the Chair of the Board it was adopted by the local education authority in 1974. There’s a Starman pg 17 Kevin Upton It was chosen by SARH ambassador of the year Liz Pilley, whose own nephew was helped by a similar organisation in Manchester. It focuses on providing children aged two to five years with assistance in “I wanted to select a local charity and found out about Greenhall. They quietly get As Chair of Stafford And Rural Homes Spring sees new homes, allotments, gaining physical mobility and preparing on with providing an incredible service which is a lifeline not only to the children, (SARH) Board, I am proud to see the range healthy living promotions and much more. many for mainstream school. This comes but to parents who can find themselves in a dark and difficult place when they of improvement schemes in our existing The Board of SARH will stay focused on in the form of conductive education for first discover that their child has a disability,” she says. homes, new developments and services making sure the company delivers great conditions such as Cerebral Palsy and provided by SARH as well as opportunities services, provide homes for our customers We are planning a range of ‘in-house’ fundraising to raise money for the nursery one-to-one teaching and physiotherapy to provide work training and skills for our especially those who need our help in and want you to get on board too – by putting on individual and community to help pupils with communication, new trainees and apprentices. challenging times. It is the job of the Board events. We’d love to cover your activities in a future edition of Opening Doors… confidence and independence. to ensure as much as possible can be so don’t forget to tell us about them. Email: [email protected] The Board works hard to make sure that done with the resources available to us . In addition to this core service, the SARH staff stay focused on being a great Last year we raised a total of nursery, provides additional services landlord whilst focusing on the many £765.25p for Katharine House Hospice. to support parents of younger children changes and challenges facing this This came from a number of events not on the school roll and also siblings Plot to trot pg 19 young housing company. including a dress down day, afternoon of disabled children within the school. tea, Christmas tombola and raffle, This is vital work, helping them cope with raising £673.85. the particular requirements of conditions and putting in place lines of support.

This publication is also available in alternative formats such as Braille, 50% In addition, we donated 10p for every large print and audio. It can also be made available in other customer who completed and returned It is these “added value” services, not funded by County Council, languages. Contact Marketing and PR on 01785 216790 . SGS-COC-005062 a recent customer satisfaction survey – a further £91.40. which require charitable donations. Can you dig it? pg 24

02 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 Back row, from the left, Chris Kelly, Health Care Assistant at Katherine House Hospice and Jo Hough, Spring 2013 Opening Doors 03 Head of Human Resources for SARH. Front row, from the left, Kay Harland, a hospice volunteer, Patient, Pauline Whitehurst, Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH and Pat Ward. Welfare Benefits are Changing

One of the first changes to welfare It will not be covered by your housing disabled children. You will need to notify reform will be the introduction of spare benefit entitlement. The rules around Stafford Borough Council’s Housing room subsidy known as the ‘bedroom exemptions are complicated but the Benefit Department on 01785 619000 Will it affect you? tax’ which is payable from 1 April. If you Government has now made some if you fall into these categories. live in social housing, are working age, provision to exclude the homes of However, more than 600 homes in receive benefits and have an “extra” military personnel and foster parents. Stafford Borough will be affected. bedroom (as defined by Government Some discretionary funds have been criteria) – you will have to pay extra. made available for families with Ask yourself, will it be you?

My son is out fighting in Afghanistan, My husband snores and I often sleep this is his only permanent address. in the other bedroom to get some sleep. ! Will we have to pay more? Will we have to pay more? In March, the Government announced Yes, the Government regulations envisage that bedrooms of those serving in the couples requiring only one bedroom. If you armed forces will be exempt. You need wish to stay in your current home, you will YES to contact Housing Benefit to confirm need to pay additional rent. your arrangements. • I’m working age • I’m receiving or about My son’s at university but comes home I have two boys aged 16 and 17 who to claim benefits most weekends. Do I have to pay extra My daughter is registered disabled and have their own rooms. Will I have for his bedroom? cannot sleep in the same room as her to pay bedroom tax? sister because she rarely sleeps through Yes, currently the regulations state that the NO No, only children of the same sex up to the night. Will I have to pay bedroom tax? I have my kids to stay at weekends bedroom is ‘additional’ as the student is the age of 16 will be expected to share. No, the Government has acknowledged • I’m retired will I have to pay for my ‘extra’ bedroom? residing elsewhere for most of the year. If a child over the age of 21 is living at that disabled children do not have to share • I’m not claiming benefits Yes, if you are not the parent with residence, home and they are not in full-time with siblings. Contact Housing Benefit education, they will be expected you are not entitled to the additional room to confirm arrangements. under the Government rules to pay a contribution.

Julie Irene Barry Keira

Julie is unemployed and receives benefits. She lives Irene lives in a three-bedroom house with her husband Bob Barry lives with his partner Cheryl in a two-bedroom flat. Keira is an unemployed mum of two – a boy, aged five and in a three-bedroom home. Her daughter is at university and son Richard, aged 20, who are both disabled. She is a They both have children who live with previous partners. daughter, four. She lives in a three-bedroom house and and lives away for most of the year but still considers full-time carer and receives an allowance. Bob receives high Barry’s daughter is 17 and Cheryl has a 12-year-old son receives full housing benefit. She is hopeful of gaining her mum’s place as home. care and high mobility disability living allowance (DLA). and 10-year-old daughter. The children stay with them full-time employment in the coming months. Richard is in receipt of middle care and low mobility DLA. frequently. Cheryl works part-time on a minimum wage Under the benefit changes Julie is only entitled to a one- Due to his condition Bob doesn’t sleep well and Irene while Barry is receiving industrial injury benefit. The benefit changes will mean that she loses 14 per cent of her bedroom property. If she stays in her current house, she will ‘escapes’ to the spare room during the night to try and Together they receive full housing benefit. housing benefit entitlement as children of different sexes under have to pay an extra 25 per cent of the rent from her own get some sleep herself. the age of 10 are expected to share. If she is successful in getting money. Her housing benefit will no longer cover the full Because the children don’t live with them full-time, the changes a job, Keira may no longer have to claim housing benefit and should costs. She will need to find the money to stay and make Under the welfare changes the family is entitled to two- mean that they are only entitled to one-bedroom under the be able to pay her rent from her salary to stay in her home. regular payments or find a smaller home. bedrooms because the Government’s disability ‘exemptions’ Government criteria and would need to find 14 per cent of the are so far, only extended to children and not to adult partners. rent if they want to stay in their home. They will have to find 14 per cent from their benefits to pay for the extra room. This family may be able to request a discretionary housing payment. They would need to do this by writing to the council’s Housing Benefit Department to outline their exceptional circumstances.

04 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 Spring 2013 Opening Doors 05 STAFFORD BOROUGH See our video about the change to benefits Welfare Benefits www.sarh.co.uk/welfare F d safety award is recipe for success Project 600 The sweet taste of success was evident for 16 people who undertook a food safety More than 600 personal visits to those most likely to be affected Hold award through Stafford And Rural Homes’ by the ‘bedroom tax’ - were carried out in the lead-up to the changes. y on our to (SARH) Community Learning Programme. During March, neighbourhood officers met with customers to advise home how their personal circumstances would be affected. They were The Level 2 Award in Food Safety is essential to anyone looking able to talk over key issues, such as transfer opportunities to smaller for a career in catering or those cooking for community groups. properties and payment methods, in addition to handing over a pack of information on various other elements of welfare reform. Among those who passed were five customers from Independent Living Schemes who can now cook for fellow residents at social events and meetings. Two people run a coffee bar at a local church, With out your home : : PVDB O´UTF one produces food items to raise funds for charity and the others NEW! UVQ BCBO LBDD PVOU If yo  "Q u are QMZGP Hold on in a SBKP rr C ren ears  "D will use it to boost their CVs and improve their chances of gaining t plea or ar DFTT se c e hav ontac ing d t us ifficu with lty out in pa dela ying y by c your a job in catering. alling

to your hom e Bank on it Family Meal

If you’re in receipt of benefits but haven’t got a bank account yet, Our home is where we feel most safe and losing it is the Margaret Bosanquet and her husband Aldwell have lived at you’ll need one. Soon all benefits will be paid direct into your bank last thing that anybody wants to face. With that in mind, Tithe Barn Court for six years and play an active role in arranging and you’ll need to pay your rent from this. When you open an account, SARH launched the ‘Hold On To Your Home’ campaign to entertainment and social events. “It means that we now have the it’s a good idea to set up a direct debit to SARH at the same time. make people aware of the ‘last resort’ which comes when confidence to know what we should be doing and put in place This means you won’t have the hassle of remembering to pay every rent arrears escalate and get out of hand. Debt can spiral checks when we have meals and special events here. quickly. The problem can seem immense and many people month – it will automatically come out of your account and you won’t “It’s like a big family coming together. We regularly meet for try to ignore that it’s happening or make the problem have to stand in queues at the Post Office or payment points. breakfasts and hold a weekly Tuesday evening meal,” she says. worse by purchasing items or taking out loans with In the meantime, we’ve also signed up to the Allpay mobile phone app massive interest rates. Jean Tabernor is a former mayor of Stafford who now actively which allows you to pay using a smart phone. You can download the fundraises for her chosen charity, the Donna Louise Trust, free app from the App Store or Android Market. For more information “We’re not pretending there’s an easy fix,” says SARH which operates the Treetops children’s hospice at Trentham. things Caroline Scott and Avis Williams, of Tithe Barn Court, on payment methods call the Rents Team on 0800 111 4554 or email Money Advisor, Liz Pilley. “But there are some practical “After my mayoralty year, I set up the Colwich Friends of the Donna Stafford, who completed the Level 2 Food Safety Course [email protected] that can be put in place to keep your head above water so that over time the debt becomes reduced and money is managed Louise Trust and we have cake sales and make preserves to sell. more effectively. If you are having difficulty paying your rent I had undertaken a food safety course previously but you need The course was delivered by Basix Training, over two mornings or want money advice call 0800 111 4554 or email to re-qualify every three years so this was a fabulous opportunity at Silkmore Children’s Centre, and awarded by the Chartered [email protected] to update my knowledge.” Institute of Environmental Health. Important: Discretionary Housing Benefit SARH shortlisted for housing awards Four Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH) initiatives have The Government has given additional money to local authorities to pay discretionary housing benefit for customers affected by the ‘bedroom tax’ in exceptional circumstances. Anybody who thinks they may qualify, for example, people with disabled been shortlisted in major regional social housing awards. children, separated parents with access to children or students at university, must make a written claim to the housing The entries are finalists in the annual Tenant Participation benefit section at the local authority. Advisory Service (TPAS) awards for the central region. “It’s a fabulous achievement to be Please do this immediately as your claim can only be considered from the date it is received at the local authority. They include: “shortlisted four times considering what a large area the central region Excellence in the Community Excellence in Equality and Diversity covers and the high standard Meadow Road Community Allotment ESOL (English for Speakers of Other of the competition.” Project: an example of partner groups Languages) Group: weekly classes for working together to turn wasteland people for whom English is not their first Talk to us about the changes Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH. into a growing space for individuals language. They offer practical help and and community groups. explore cultural diversity. Want to talk to us about benefit changes? Why not attend one of our ‘Park Up, Pop In’ events. The SARH mobile office will be touring local communities on a regular basis to provide surgeries on welfare reform. While we’re in the area, we’ll also be visiting our Project Excellence in Working Together Excellence in Tenant Scrutiny 600 customers to check how they’re getting on with the affects of the bedroom tax and find out whether they need any additional Stafford and Rural Homes Customer Customer Inspectors Project: putting support.We’re also looking to link into a calendar of community events in Stafford and Stone town centres, village carnivals Board: driving continuous improvement service delivery under the microscope and fetes, to provide a presence where you can drop in and talk to us. For more information about where we’ll be and when, through scrutiny of services and and finding new ways to improve visit our website www.sarh.co.uk/welfare recommended solutions. customer service.

06 Openniningg D Doooorsr sS pSrpinrgi n2g01 23 013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 07 Gadgets showcased to aid independent living Keys to the door First-time customers will be given the chance to attend a new pre-tenancy course A facility fitted with equipment that helps people live independently in their own home beginning in May to help them take on the responsibilities of living in a Stafford has been launched to show health professionals what help can be given to patients and Rural Homes property. leaving hospital or in need of extra help. Issues such as neighbourly behaviour, maintaining your home, different types The room in Tithe Barn Court features a range of ‘gadgets’ in a living environment of tenancy, applying for a property and how and when to pay your rent will be to assist people with mobility, dexterity and memory problems. These range from covered in the interactive bite-sized sessions. monitored assistance products, such as emergency alarms, cords and pendants which are provided to all independent living customers, to tools which can assist Kathryn Bradbury, Homes and Neighbourhood Manager, Top job for Angela people around the home such as recordable memory joggers. says that the course is particularly relevant for younger people starting out in their first rented property. Board member Angela Loughran will The hi-tech home has been set up in a small living space . It is due to be launched become Mayor of Stafford next month. with an open day in May to which GPs, occupational therapists, social workers “It can be a daunting time starting out on your own as She has served as a ward councillor and hospital administrators were invited. Katie Morton, SARH Assisted Technology there are lots of responsibilities that you have to take on. for the Manor area for 13 years. Enabler, shows some of the products Alongside that, we expect our customers to behave “We hope the room will raise awareness of the range of help and support Telecare available to help people stay independent. in a certain way, by taking care of their home, The retired teacher has a particular interest offers to customers and will show the huge difference it can make to people’s lives,” respecting their neighbours and accepting in housing issues. She was on Stafford said Sarah Wyke, Head of Neighbourhoods and Independent Living for Stafford And For more information contact You First that they are part of a wider community. Borough Council’s Housing Committee Rural Homes. The new room is a permanent facility which can also be viewed Telecare Team on 0800 111 4554 or email: before the transfer of its properties to by appointment. [email protected] “The course will outline some simple do’s Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH) seven and dont’s and also outline the help we offer years ago and she has been a member in developing employment opportunities and of the SARH board for two years. providing money advice,” she says. Angela is looking forward to the Mayor Youngsters given ‘back to work’ boost ‘’It is all about making sure our customers have making ceremony on 11 May. Four of the right skills to make the most of their homes her five children will be attending, Out of work youngsters have been given the chance to gain All of the new starters are employed on six-month fixed term and maintain their tenancy.’’ having travelled from as far away experience and training to get them on to the employment ladder. contracts and work alongside ‘Repairs First’ trade staff. as Japan and Spain. Kevin Rust, employer accounts manager for the Shaw Trust, Seven unemployed people, aged between 19 and 22, have taken says that SARH’s vision to open up opportunities for their up places with Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH) through the younger jobseekers is “overwhelming and inspiring.” Government’s Youth Contract programme, which is operated by the Shaw Trust. Last year John Wilkes, from , was taken on by SARH New Winning Call through the Youth Contract and went on to secure a full time “Our partnership with the Shaw Trust is all about giving young contract with the organisation as a driver and labourer. The You First Telecare Service has won people the chance to gain valuable work experience which will a major contract to provide around-the- see them in a much stronger position to secure a job and “My initial six months with SARH was invaluable because the members clock telephone support to over 80,000 build a career for themselves,” says SARH Human Resources experience of getting out there with the trade staff and working residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk. manager Steve Tolley. on customers’ homes confirmed to me that I wanted to build a career for myself as a joiner,” says John. The Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH) Five recruits, Daniel Revie, Matthew McDowall, Hayden get on service will also provide 24-hour alarm Coomer, Luke Barber and Christopher Harnett are from Stafford. “Providing opportunities to help local people into sustained monitoring support to over 2,500 elderly Jacob Nicholls, from Wolverhampton and John Roberts, employment is something that SARH is extremely passionate and vulnerable customers within the two from , joined the scheme. about and we are delighted to be working with our partners board local authority areas. on this range of exciting projects,” says SARH Chief Executive “This is great news for SARH and Karen Armitage. for our customers. It is an excellent The Customer Board now has two new The Customer Board meets every six endorsement of our You First services members - Sue Goodhall and David weeks, with meetings held on Monday that other organisations now want to Hughes – making it nine-strong. evenings, starting at 5pm. use them as well”, says SARH Chief Executive Karen Armitage. Sue, who is from , works for the If you would like to find out more why not come along to a meeting as an observer. North Staffordshire NHS Trust. She joined “We look forward to working with Babergh because she is keen to influence what More information including agendas for and Mid Suffolk District Councils and SARH does. meetings can be found on the website providing their customers with a high www.sarh/customerboard . If there is quality service that enables them to feel David, a retired army cadet captain, lives in something you would like to raise with safe and secure in their own home.” . He has been an involved customer the Customer Board you can email since before the stock transfer from Stafford members at [email protected] k SARH’s telecare and home safety Borough Council, and wants to contribute equipment already connects more than his experience and knowledge to help the 7,000 people in Stafford and South Staffs work of the Board. to its 24-hour customer call centre.

08 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 079 Fit for purpose Getting fit and healthy has never been so easy. There’s tons of available advice on nutrition and spring and summer brings an incentive to get out in the open air and exercise.

There are lots of things that you can put into your fitness regime which you can do for very little money and some, such as seasonal gardening, are absolutely free! We had a lot of success when we hit the road with our Health Check Tour last year – visiting more than 35 areas across Stafford, carrying out in excess of 200 health checks, advising on diet, exercise and living independently with assistive technology. £2m project This year we’ll be looking to expand our tour even further and will be visiting South Staffordshire to spread the word about healthy living and the Stafford And putting roofs Rural Homes (SARH) Telecare Service. Look out for our mobile office in a place near you soon. In the meantime, here’s some ‘Top Tips’ to keep you going: over heads Top Tips for Healthy Eating: Top Tips for being Safe A £2million regeneration • Try and have a balanced diet – a mixture and Independent at home: of protein, carbohydrate and roughage. • Always keep floors/stairs clear – put project in Penkside will • Get your ‘five a day’ fruit and vegetables. toys away; quickly clean up spills, etc. see more than 400 homes • Eat more fish. • Never leave open flames (gas /fire/ re-roofed. candles/barbecues) unattended. • Cut down on saturated fat and sugar. • Make sure you have a working The properties are being upgraded through • Eat less salt. smoke alarm and test it regularly. contractor DLP Services to enhance the • Drink plenty of water. appearance of the area as well as make • Get to know your neighbours homes more weather resistant. • Don’t skip breakfast. and explore your community. Rural Homes Get Underway “This project forms part of a wider approach • Make sure to report any problems Top Tips for Being Active: that we are taking to modernise the whole as soon as possible. • Be active for at least 30 minutes a day Community heads previewed a showcase housing neighbourhood in Penkside, ensuring our homes are well maintained and the • Join one of the many daily walks Do you need extra support development in Gnosall during National Shared appearance of the area is improved,” says with Stafford Borough Council or reassurance? Ownership Week last month. Lowfield Lane, in Gnosall, Paul Hare, Head of Asset Management www.staffordbc.gov.uk Telecare is a 24-hour-a-day monitoring will have 30 new homes – 13 of which are earmarked at Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH). /walkwise-calendar system for you, which enables you to for shared ownership. • Don’t sit at home - we have daily maintain your independence at home The 50th customers to receive a new roof and to provide support and reassurance. through the project, Dorothy and Gerald activities on our Independent Living don’t own. The bigger the share a person Telecare consists of equipment and Parish and Borough Councillors and Ward, of Plant Crescent, were presented Schemes, such as bingo, coffee buys, the less rent they have to pay. services that support your safety and local community representatives joined with a special bouquet of flowers to mark mornings and movie afternoons, Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH), that everyone can enjoy – you can independence in your own home. In most cases, the customer can buy the milestone. The equipment can sense risks developers Thomas Vale and project even walk to the venue and additional shares of up to the 80 percent “The street is looking much smarter and such as smoke, floods and gas, managers Housing Plus, for the event you don’t have to live on a – this is known as ‘staircasing’. we love the effect the new roof has had can remind you to take pills and which included a presentation and a scheme to join in. on our home,” said Gerald. even call for help if you fall. display of plans and artist impressions. • Get involved in learning with the The development is also a rural exception In addition to the re-roofing work, DLP Community Learning Programme site meaning homes will be allocated Services has engaged with youngsters at which hosts a range of courses that to people with local connections. the nearby Silkmore Primary School and you can get involved in such as ‘Grow also supported a local community allotment “At a time when first-time buyers and your own vegetables’, ‘The natural way Shared ownership provides an opportunity project led by SARH and Stafford private buyers face a serious challenge to look after yourself’ and ‘Bootcamp’ for people who want to get a foot on the “ Borough Council on Meadow Road. to afford a new home, shared in May. property ladder but can’t afford to buy ownership can help boost local “DLP Services is delighted to be involved a home outright on the open market. Full details of the SARH Health Check Tour and scheduled communities and economies by with the refurbishment of the properties in visits are available on the website www.sarh.co.uk Under the scheme SARH can sell 40 encouraging aspiration, offering Penkside. Whilst working in the community , per cent to 80 per cent of a new build stability and helping people to take we have been able to support a number For more information on the health check tour leasehold property and the customer will up employment opportunities,” of local initiatives,” says Simon Crewe, or Telecare Services, contact the You First Team on then pay a subsidised rent on the part they Director for DLP Services. 0800 111 4334 or email [email protected] Karen Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH.

10 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 11 The creation of Monks Walk in Gnosall marks the start of an exciting new era for Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH) – developing new affordable homes for local Creating a community people. The six, two- Francis Edmunds Carole Hadgett Cynthia and Stephen Rigby Jayne Turner bedroom bungalows are 105 Monks Walk 107 Monks Walk Tom Chillington 113 Monks Walk 115 Monks Walk part of a ground breaking Francis, or ‘Frankie’ as she likes to be Carole moved to her new home at Monks 109 Monks Walk Stephen is from Wolverhampton but Jayne has moved back to Gnosall with £3million development known, is a mum of two boys, who have Walk from a flat at Chapel Court, Gnosall, Tom and Cynthia were the first customers to has lived in Gnosall for 12 years. He lives her two-year-old son James to be nearer on two sites in the village both been diagnosed with autism. She also owned by another social landlord. move into the new homes on Monks Walk. with his brother Michael, who is also his to her father. has two girls and has lived in Gnosall all her full-time carer, as he is visually impaired of Gnosall. Carole and her friend Tony, who also lived Both have lived in the local area all their As a working single mum she needs help life. Her mother also lives nearby in and has epilepsy. at Chapel Court, decided to live together to lives, initially in the neighbouring village from her family to look after James whilst she a SARH property at Impstones. The homes – complete with solar panels make their living costs more cost effective. of Haughton before moving to their home Both had previously been living together in is at work. Support is even more important and sun pipes - were built on a demolished In 2012 a major house fire at her previous of 34 years at Impstones, in Gnosall. for Jayne as James is currently being “The cost of living in my old home was a one-bedroom flat, also on Monks Walk, garage site jointly owned by SARH and home, which is also on Monks Walk, saw assessed for autism and having her family becoming too expensive so I needed The couple loved their old home but with Michael sleeping in the lounge. Stafford Borough Council which had Frankie rescue her two sons in the middle nearby is a big help and comfort to her. to look at a m ore affordable option,” decided to apply for a new one as ill health become an eyesore. of the night. In the incident she sustained “The new bungalow is lovely and said Carole. was making getting up and down stairs peaceful and the outlook is beautiful, “James and I had previously been living several severe injuries as she escaped by increasingly difficult. It was earmarked as a rural exception jumping from a second floor window. The move also enabled Carole to live I can’t thank SARH enough for all their with some friends but this new home development site after Gnosall Parish This means she can no longer get up closer to her daughter, who also lives “Everything in our new home is much help and support in helping us to settle is a new start for us,” says Jayne. Council highlighted a need for more and down stairs. on Monks Walk. more convenient for us – it has made in,” says Stephen. “It not only means affordable housing in the village. A rural a real difference to our quality of life,” Michael has his own bedroom but that Despite this traumatic event, Frankie was “As well as having a lovely bright home exception site is rural land that would says Cynthia. we now have a proper lounge again.” not usually gain planning permission for determined to come back to Monks Walk. it’s nice to have my daughter living housing but which can be released if it SARH’s new bungalows offered her the nearby. The neighbouring countryside It is just around the corner from where meets strict allocation requirements chance to live in a home that was perfectly is gorgeous and having shops just they used to live so they got to see the and there is a proven local need suited to the needs of her and her two sons. around the corner is so convenient” development evolve from disused garages Watch our says Carole. for affordable housing. “Our new home is the best possible which were a local eyesore to six new, customer videos on: ending to a very difficult period of time for attractive modern homes. It also meant www.sarh.co.uk A survey of the village was commissioned they knew some of their new neighbours. me and my family. The most important /newdevelopments to identify potential sites before public thing is that my boys now feel safe and consultation was held to get feedback secure, We get on really well with the “We saw the project from day one and from the local community. neighbours and we couldn’t be happier.” even got to know the workmen building says Frankie. the homes. “Rural exception sites bring the “The surroundings are lovely and being unique challenge of having to plan able to look out over the open fields every the development so it is completely in morning is wonderful. As the homes went keeping with the surrounding rural village, up we joked about having the corner plot but we have managed to deliver high because of the view, we never thought quality, affordable homes in the local we’d actually end up living there,” area,” explains SARH Chief Executive says Tom. Karen Armitage.

A development of 30 more new homes, ranging from two to four bedrooms, on Lowfield Lane, in the village began in March – this will provide 13 shared ownership homes in addition to rental homes.

The project has also been supported with a £770,696 development grant from the Homes and Communities Agency. Construction is being undertaken by Thomas Vales and the building of the new homes will be managed by Housing Plus.

12 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 13 Before – this kitchen is about to get a make-over treatment

From eyesore to a site for sore eyes Work has begun on a £1.3million project to build 14 new homes in Stone on a site previously occupied by a block of run-down garages. Sharon Bottrell, of Hopton Court, is delighted with her new kitchen. Groundwork is being undertaken for £1.6m facelift for Penkside flats two one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments on Elm Road by contractors A £1.6 million project to give 44 flats in Stafford a dramatic facelift is now underway. Jessups and Housing Plus who manage What’s cookin’? The three blocks of flats on Sidney Avenue, in Penkside, will get new roofing and new build for Stafford And Rural Homes (SARH). A huge programme of works is being undertaken by Stafford And Rural Homes’ (SARH), fascias – including a state of the art glassed entrance lobby and Juliet balconies. new trading company – providing customers with greater choice and improved service. “Our aim is to deliver new affordable Housing Worx – SARH’s subsidiary trading business – has taken on the contract for the The rear communal gardens will also get a Gas central heating will also be installed inside Nina Owen who has lived in Sidney Avenue housing for local people in need of replacement of kitchens, bathrooms and doors across many of our 5,700 properties. makeover with landscaping and a covered the blocks as well as new flooring, lighting, for 25 years says: “I’m looking forward housing in the . walkway. In addition to enhancing the internal doors and door entry system. to seeing a lovely communal landing all Working with Stafford Borough Council The programme began in October last year. At the end of March, we had replaced appearance of the building, customers smartened up, improved security, a new we have identified a need for more social 120 kitchens, 80 bathrooms and 3113 doors in 416 homes. A further 200 kitchens will benefit by saving energy. “We are committed to providing high quality, front door to my flat and the decorative housing in Stone and we are delighted and 200 bathrooms will be replaced by Housing Worx in the new financial year energy efficient and secure homes for our finish that will make the flats look lovely”. that our plans to develop these new starting this month (April). “The main aim of the project is to help customers and this project is part of a homes have been approved,” says Karen Housing Worx involvement will benefit customers by having one point of contact customers save money on their heating wider investment in improving our homes SARH’s customer liason officer is Sandra Armitage, Chief Executive of SARH. bills, reduce carbon emissions and provide a across the Borough of Stafford in 2013,” Shipperley who will monitor the work to for appointments and queries – through SARH’s customer service centre. modern looking and longer lasting exterior says Paul. ensure it is delivered on time, in budget Additional strips of land have been Benchmarks to their homes so less regular maintenance and with high standards of customer care. acquired from Stafford Borough Council A communal lounge facility connected and Staffordshire Housing Association The range of fittings is standardised to meet quality benchmarks and to assist with work will be needed,” says Paul Hare, Head replacement or repairs if needed later in the life of the property. Many of the materials, of Asset Management for Stafford And to the flats will also be refurbished for She can be contacted on 0800 111 4554 in order to extend the project. residents and local groups to use. or email [email protected] such as wall tiles and floor coverings, have been selected from British manufacturers to Rural Homes (SARH). “There’s been a great deal of team work ensure that there are continuous supplies, which again helps with future maintenance. between the consultants, local authorities The flats will be fitted with more energy The work, which is being undertaken and ourselves to move this project forward Planned programmes have traditionally been undertaken by external contractors, but efficient windows and doors. Additional by Bullock Construction, is expected and take advantage of the £255,000 grant by establishing Housing Worx, its dedicated team can manage the work programme parking will also help to improve the area to be completed by this November. from the Homes and Communities Agency. and oversee any requirement for follow-up visits. It will save SARH money on previous around the flats. arrangements, with surplus cash generated by the trading company being invested “It will see a site that was previously an back into SARH to fund social housing. eyesore for local residents developed into attractive affordable homes which are also Grant Shipley, SARH’s Director of Finance and Business Services, said that it was an energy efficient and have been designed ideal solution for the company and its customers. to complement the local surroundings,” Real Benefits says Alison Hayward, Development Manager for SARH. “There are real benefits that we can give customers in terms of quality of workmanship, delivery and follow-up service. In addition, there are significant cost savings to be There will also be contact with local made that can be invested in our core business of providing social housing and residents throughout the build period improving communities.” to minimise any disruption whilst work is going on. One happy customer is Sharon Bottrell, of Hopton Court, whose home was among the first to have had the Housing Worx treatment. Anyone who would like more information should call Alison “I moved in just before Christmas and the kitchen had just been refurbished. I’m on 0800 111 4554 or email: really happy here. The kitchen is the heart to any home and I love this one. It’s crisp [email protected] and contemporary and I’ve added a few finishing touches to really make it my own.”

14 Opening Doors Spring 2013 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 15 Estate Walkabouts Get those walking shoes on! A new series of estate walkabouts has been arranged There’s a Starman... to put communities under the spotlight. Residents and partners including police and Stafford Borough Council will join together to identify problems or earmark opportunities He’s Stafford And Rural Homes Customer Learning Programme. In his Steve also has a facebook page for improvements. Each walkabout produces an action list and agreements on which answer to Professor Brian Cox! spare time, Steve can be found helping out ‘Universal Wonders’ about which organisation will deal with them. This is available to everyone who attends along with Astronomy enthusiast Steve Latham Walton Priory Middle School, in Stone, stars and planets can be seen at local resident groups. These walkabouts are scheduled for the next few months: is reaching for the stars in the quest with its observatory. It was opened earlier any given time. for all things stellar. this year but one of the teachers who helped buy the high-powered telescope You can book on to the beginners Our Customer Service Centre Team has since left the school. Says Steve: “It session which will cover, the life of a Estate Walkabouts April – June 2013 Leader is running ‘A Down to Earth Guide seemed like a wonderful opportunity to star and an introduction to the solar to Astronomy for Beginners’ session in help out the school and get young people system, by phoning the Community Stafford, this week (26 April) for the Involvement Team on 0800 111 4554 Area Meeting Place Date and Time enthused about stargazing.” Reflective or email [email protected] Greyfriars Greyfriars Car Park Thursday 25 April Artwork at 10am Moss Pit Heenan Grove side of the A449 Thursday 9 May Outside Heenan Grove at 10am A stunning piece of Highfields 3 Signpost Centre, West Way Thursday 16 May, artwork has been produced at 10am by customers at Jubilee Court with the help of Gnosall Impstones Sheltered Thursday 23 May, a Staffordshire College at 10am contemporary arts student. Highfields 4 Highfields Social Club Thursday 13 June, Barnes Road at 10am The glass panel – called Looking Through Our Window– reflects the nature of the extra Pennycrofts Pennycrofts Car Park Thursday 20 June 2013, care scheme which was rebuilt in 2010. at 10am It features a phoenix rising from the ashes, the four seasons, the affection of hearts The full list of dates is on our website and a cupcake depicting their love www.sarh.co.uk/in-the-community/estate-walkabouts of baking and entertaining.

The project was initiated by Naomi Jacques who wanted to do a collaborative piece for her coursework. Her mum, Carol, works at Learning the scheme and she approached Jubilee Court to see if customers would be interested in taking part. boost for SARH There were a number of sessions to plan and produce the panel, which measures 42cms by 32cms. Transfers and other communities materials – including wire and ‘frit’ glass shavings that blend into a pool of colour - Sixty-two sessions of free learning - from numeracy and were used for content. It was then taken literacy to a summer bootcamp - have been put together to Stafford College to be fired in a kiln. to offer a diverse community learning programme which Eight customers, all with varying conditions offers something for everyone. including blindness, dementia and slight learning difficulties, took part and were Over the next few weeks there are sessions The full Community Learning Programme “thrilled to bits” according to Elaine for accredited first aid, growing your own can be found on the SARH website under Tomlinson, Extra Care Manager. vegetables, cooking for one and natural the ‘Customer Involvement’ section. techniques for looking after yourself. After being shown in an exhibition, To request a hard copy, book on to a the artwork will find a permanent They’re a fun and friendly way to learn course or for more information contact home in the foyer of Jubilee Court. a new skill and provide a great opportunity the Community Involvement Team on to meet new people and feel confident 0800 111 4554 or email [email protected] about being back in a classroom.

16 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 17 S PRING 2013 “Green offers” are blooming Sampling the Down to W el E fare a Ben r efit t are s h ch anging Cre find out ating success whethe N a co affe r this ew mm ct you will homes unit . pg 4-6 sta in Gnos y C good life rt of all m an a new e ark the you d STA r FF a O i R a D g BO ROU n f GH o d Rural r Staffo ‘Grow it Homes rd for it’ as pg 12 year’ this s annua com l garden Also… petition Hea rea gets lth an dy to la d wel p unch. l-being, g 24 Appren tices, H ousing develo Green fingered children and pments From the fork to the plate…Rising Brook volunteers have added colour Cover Baptist Church is hoping that young to local communities this Story people will learn to love growing their summer by planting over own food and turn it into a culinary treat. 1,000 flower bulbs. Youth worker Dave Hughes says: As part of Stafford and Rural Homes “We want young people to enjoy and (SARH) ‘Green Offers’ our Community respect their neighbourhoods, mix with Involvement and Neighbourhood others from the community and enjoy Services teams visited a number the experience of growing fruit and of primary schools and children’s vegetables which they can use to centres and helped youngsters make great meals. plant daffodil and gladioli in their “We have people from the church who community gardens. can lend their experience to others and The bulb planting took place at guide them in growing produce and Stafford Children’s Centre on we also have trained chefs who can Faraday Road and Springcroft demonstrate how that food can be Primary School in Blythe Bridge. used. Working on the allotment will be Volunteers at SARH’s Community great exercise and generate pride in Resource Centre also took part what can be achieved.” in planting at Greyfriars, Stafford.

“SARH has promised to put greener living at the top of its For mother and son Nicola and Liam agenda through the Green Offer Read having an allotment is a chance to pledge to customers made at last get out of their flat and back to the land. year’s Annual General Meeting. They were keen veg growers in the past This project is a great way of Plot to trot but since moving to a flat just over a year engaging local children and ago have had no chance to enjoy the hobby . getting them thinking about the The green shoots of hard graft are starting to emerge environment,” says Chris Plant, at the Meadow Road Community Allotment where “My son and I loved tending our Community Involvement garden and Liam, who’s aged seven, Manager at SARH. nine months of preparation has resulted in a fabulous particularly enjoyed growing carrots back-to-nature initiative. and purple sprouting broccoli. “Our hope is that the bulbs planted will also have a real impact The project, a joint initiative between Stafford Families and groups meet with their “It’s a great way of keeping fit and in our communities throughout the and Rural Homes (SARH), Stafford Borough allotment mentor once a month for healthy and ensures that we get plenty spring and into summer as they Council (SBC) and the community, has seen guidance and advice on how to tend of fresh air and exercise,” says Nicola. grow into colourful flowers.” an overgrown, fly-tipped and anti-social the plot throughout the season. Grounds maintenance firm behaviour hotspot turned into an oasis Nicola Read, who lives close to Meadow Greenfingers and Wolseley of nature. Road, is establishing her allotment with Bridge Garden Centre, part of Growing fruit and veg is a family affair With help from the local community her son, Liam. The Garden Centre Group, for Maria Campbell whose relatives and a number of partner organisations, donated the bulbs for the project. live in three homes on Meadow Road. the 63 metre by 19 metre site was cleared, “It’s a very good way of keeping fit and healthy and it ensures we get plenty of The fourth generation of the family aged If you would like to find out rotovated and secured with a six-foot fence. fresh air and exercise.” says Nicola. “It’s from 9 to 19 will be helping their parents more or have an idea for a Seven families and three community vital that our children learn about growing and grandparents tend the plot. community planting project groups have been allocated a plot and it’s so rewarding when things grow contact the Community “We all help with growing veg and including Rising Brook Baptist Church, out of all your hard work.” Involvement Team fruit in our own garden and help great- Penkside Community Champions and Ad on 0800 111 4554 or grandad with his. Having an allotment Solutions, which is a charity for people For more information about the Meadow email [email protected] of our own, near home, will give us recovering from addictions. Road Community Allotment Project contact the Community Involvement Team another reason to come together on 0800 111 4554 or email [email protected] and help each other,” she says. Homes and Neighbourhoods Assistant Laura MacPhee with Springcroft pupil Cloie Truelove, aged five.

18 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 19 SARH plugs into a brighter future Green awards We’ve plugged into a brighter future by Most of the electricity generated by scheme launched installing solar panels at our Beaconside the energy source will be drawn into a head offices. converter and used in the day-to-day Stafford Borough Council has launched running of SARH’s offices. The remainder, its 2013 Green Awards. The scheme The 230 high-specification photovoltaic including weekends when only selected recognises the work of local groups which (PV) panels were fitted to the roof of The parts of the building are in use, will be demonstrate an active commitment to Rurals, in Parker Court, and will generate exported to the National Grid and offset environmental and sustainable practice. over 47,000 kwh of electricity a year – against bills. reducing our £36,000 per year energy In last year’s awards, Stafford And Rural bill by 12 per cent a year. As part of SARH’s Going for Green Homes won three categories and received programme, 268 bungalows were fitted two commendations. The project is part of our commitment to with PV panels last year at a cost of £900,000. environmental improvements which was The selected properties had to be suitably This year’s competition is launched on launched as part of our Going for Green sited to catch the sun. Customers living in Monday 15 April so look out for leaflets initiative last year. those homes have saved an average of and entry forms in your local library, on around £120 per year as a result – a total of www.staffordbc.gov.uk and local media. Chris Poulton, Stafford And Rural Homes’ more than £32,000 worth of energy savings! Any group in the borough can (SARH) Director of Asset Management, enter its four categories: said that the panels were ‘an investment in the future’. “I‘m very pleased that SARH has fitted Business solar panels to my home. They Youth and Education “It was important for us to underline our compliment the new air source heating Community and Wellbeing ecological commitment to customers by Public sector What a winner! system and loft insulation I’ve just getting our own house in order. The long- received. Having a combination of Special prizes will also be awarded term energy-saving capability of the panels energy-saving devices within the home to organisations that have excelled Stafford and Rural Homes teamed up with Stoke City Community Trust to offer will see them pay for themselves completely is becoming so important to save on fuel in specific fields. three football coaching sessions for children aged between five and 12-years-old. within 13 years and we’ll start to see cash as prices are on the increase.” saving on our bills within the first year,” Lynne Lewis of Cherry Lane, Gayton. A presentation ceremony will be held he says. They included games and activities to give youngsters the chance to have fun in October hosted by the Worshipful and learn or develop their skills. They were even joined by Stoke City FC mascot Mayor of Stafford Borough. Pottermus as they were put through their paces. Full of promise Making good on our promises and The Homes and Communities Agency Above all, the new local offers should committing to new ones! That’s what we which is the Regulator for all housing reflect what customers want and what are doing at Stafford And Rural Homes associations requires all social providers matters most to them, they highlighted. (SARH) to help make your communities to put in place local offers. And this is where we need your help – by even better places to live and work. telling us what you’d like included. Our current offers can be seen on We put in place 30 ‘local offers’ in July www.sarh.co.uk/performance/ Some suggestions so far are: 2011 after consulting with many of our tsa-standards/local-offers but after customers and now’s the time to take almost two years it’s time to review • website improvements. stock and make some new ones! these and agree some new ones. Many of our existing offers have • more ‘right first time’ repairs. already been met, for example, we’ve: A group of customers recently spent an afternoon at a workshop to kickstart this • pre-tenancy workshops for • established a customer board. stage. Their view was: new customers. • allowed customer inspectors to • there should be fewer local offers Contact the Governance team scrutinise key areas of service. The future’s bright - (L to R) Carl Barber, SARH – to make it easier for customers by phoning 0800 111 4554 or email to monitor the performance. technical manager, Leigh Naylor – Engineering • put in place key targets for carrying [email protected] Director, Loryan Renewable Engineering Limited, out repairs, answering your calls • they should focus on added value Kevin Lawton SARH Quantity Surveyor and dealing with complaints. – not just core services SARH and Gordon MacDonald, Loryan Sales Director is committed to delivering.

20 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 21 Our performance Performance table key At SARH we set performance targets for all key areas of the business and monitor our performance. We’re pleased We’re Unhappy We’ve hit We didn’t reach If performance does not meet the target we agree actions to make sure we improve. The information our target our target this time below shows how we performed in the quarter ending December 2012 (quarter 3). Quarter 2 2012/13 Quarter 3 2012/13 Target Trend Performance Calls Dealt With % of calls answered 81.8% 85.8% 90% Customer within 20 seconds (18,312calls) (18,045calls) Satisfaction Repair Appointments Did we understand the nature % of emergency repairs 100% 100% 99% of your enquiry quickly? completed within 24 hours (817 jobs) (2892 jobs) No 9.01% Dwellings Vacant Yes Average days to re-let properties 16 days 14 days Equal to or less than 90.99% 16 days Were we organised, professional Rent Arrears and knowledgeable? Percentage of rent collected 2.71% 2.33% Equal to or less than No 2.25% Year End Target 7.02% is 1.99% Yes Repairs Completed Right First Time 92.98% Percentage of repairs completed 90.8% 91.6% Equal to or more than Were we able to give a response right first time (11,588 jobs) (18,052 jobs) 90% at first point of call? No Double diamond Gas Safety Checks 12.98% anniversary Percentage of properties 100% 100% 100% Yes Residents fun-raising red nose day 87.02% with a valid CP12 certificate (1657 checks) (1413 checks) Stafford and Rural Homes residents went funny for money with a fundraising event celebrations for Comic Relief. Two Stafford And Rural Homes couples have recently celebrated their diamond Independent Living Schemes from Oxleathers Court and Shakespeare Road, in Stafford wedding anniversaries. Bill and Eileen Too bank aunched and Impstones, Gnosall came together for a day of laughs on Red Nose Day in March Board makes it’s mark Walker, of Masons Lawn, Impstones, Householders will no longer have to ‘fork and raised £217. Gnosall and Norman and Brenda The SARH Customer Board has now been in place for out’ the cost of new garden tools with the Shrehorn, of Dobree Close, Colwich Oxleathers scheme co-ordinator Paul Buckley had his legs waxed for charity, there was launch of a toolbank for Stafford And Rural both marked up 60 glorious years. just over a year and already making its mark by driving a guess the weight of the red nose cake competition, a fish and chip lunch, raffle and Homes (SARH) customers. continuous improvement in service delivery. many of the residents wore something red – including their red button alert pendants! Bill, aged 83 and Eileen, 78, were treated It’ll work just like a library – for a minimal to a surprise party, received a blessing at Says Paul: “It seemed like a great opportunity to bring together residents from different Its work has been recognised by the respond to around 90% of calls at first joining fee (which will help with the cost of St Lawrence Church and followed it with schemes for a social event and raise cash for a good cause at the same time.” Tenant Participation Advisory Services point of contact. maintaining the tools) – you can book them a family lunch. (TPAS) and shortlisted for a regional out and get the right tools for the job as and Residents at the other 19 independent living schemes also raised money for charity However, there were some areas where One of their sons, Gordon, flew from his US award (page 7). when you need them… and drop the Customer Board found that the with a dress up in red event, auctions and cake sales raising approximately £500. home in Louisiana to join in the celebrations them off a couple of days later. One of the ways that the Board helps to opportunities for improvement, such as and one of their granddaughters travelled drive improvement is through scrutiny. ensuring customers are called back when from Scotland. They have three children – The facility will be piloted in the Highfields their enquiry cannot be dealt with at first Gordon, Jane and Peter, five grandchildren area of Stafford in the next few months. and seven great-grandchildren. It has now completed three scrutiny projects: point of call; and providing briefings for Local resident walks the talk CSC staff about all mail outs to customers • communication relating to complaints. Tools and equipment will include lawnmowers, Highfields customer Rod Knott put his Says Rod: My wife, Ruth and I have been The couple has played an active role in their so that they can answer any queries raised hedge trimmers, strimmers, digging forks, best foot forward to help a fellow Salvation members of the Salvation Army for a community – running the Wednesday Club • Customer Services Centre processes. by customers when they receive such letters. rakes, shears, spades, trowels, wheelbarrows, Army member undertake a local leg of number of years and knew about Andy’s coffee morning and a weekly bingo session • out-of-hours repairs and the for more than ten years. Their neighbours kneeling pads and much more. Anyone a remarkable journey across the UK. walk. He wanted people over 65 to join arrangements for ensuring any follow held a celebration for them in the communal borrowing equipment will be given suitable him on the route to show that older up work required is completed. lounge and presented them with a cake. safety equipment to use such as gloves, He joined Andy Peddle to walk six miles people can volunteer and get involved. goggles and power down extension cables. from Stafford to Hednesford earlier this In each case the Customer Board Norman and Brenda also had a special day year. Andy had asked people to join him on “It turned out that we had family connections commented on positive aspects of the way We’re looking for community-minded people with a family party at Milfiled Cricket Club Meeting ‘mini walks’ as he treks around the country in High Wycombe and our relatives had and a celebration party with friends and the service is provided as well as identifying to help us run and develop this scheme. visiting every Salvation Army centre in both been involved in the local Salvation neighbours in Colwich. Pride of place was some improvements. If you think you can help, get in touch with Our annual general meeting takes Britain to raise money for homelessness Army band. I’m glad to say that I didn’t a special cake, which was baked by their place on 19 September at 5pm. the Community Involvement Team on The scrutiny of the Customer Services and anti human trafficking programmes. hold him up on his walk to Hednesford.” grandson Simon, who had images of the If you’d like to attend please 0800 111 4554 or email [email protected] Centre (CSC) identified that calls are dealt happy couple printed on the icing. call our Governance team He began the feat in May last year and will You can read more about Andy’s journey with in a professional and polite way and The facility should be in place in the early on 0800 111 4554 or email have clocked up 7,900 miles and visited on www.justgiving.com/user/32158654 Norman, aged 87 and Brenda, 79, the CSC advisers have a good knowledge summer. Further information will be [email protected] 949 centres by the time he completes have two children, five grandchildren of the business which enables them to published on our website www.sarh.co.uk the course in October 2013. and eight great grandchildren.

22 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk Spring 2013 Opening Doors 23 Can you dig it?

Green-fingered customers are being urged “The garden competition is our chance to to ‘grow for it’ as this year’s annual garden thank you for the great care and effort you competition gets ready to launch. It’s the take creating wonderful gardens and helping ideal way of putting colour into summer to make local communities a brighter and with a range of categories to suit any more attractive place to live,” says Karen outdoor space – large or small. Armitage, Chief Executive of Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH). The competition’s now in its third year and has previously generated entries Herbert Murfin, of The Uplands, in Great from individuals and community groups Haywood, was last year’s winner of best from across the borough. There’s six front garden. “The presentation ceremony main categories: was a lovely event and we had a brilliant afternoon,” he recalls. • best front garden • best back garden Entry forms are available on the • best communal garden ‘In the Community’ section of the SARH • best hanging basket, container website www.sarh.co.uk or by phoning or window box Sandra Shipperley on 01785 216654 . • best vegetable/allotment garden • best communal border The closing date for entries is 28 June, with judging in There’s also a new prize for 2013 – young July. Presentations will ! gardener of the year – which is open to take place in August. T I anyone under the age of 18 who submits R

an entry to any of the categories listed O Would y F above. Winners will receive a trophy and ou like to be a a B&Q gift voucher. Runners-up will also custom W jud er ge? Con O receive a gift voucher and all participants tact us for m R ore det will be sent a pack of flower bulbs. ails G

The light nights are here and those balmy summer months will soon be upon us. It’s a great time of year to enjoy your garden so to get you fired up and ready to go, we have some great tips to help you keep your Enjoy your garden this summer! garden in great condition.

1. Gardening doesn’t have to be a chore 5. Compost corner – if you don’t have one 8. Consider having one area of your – take it in bite-sized chunks. An hour they’re easy to start. You can use recycled garden as a wild flower corner – here and there will make a real difference pallets or buy a compost bin from Stafford buy a wildflower mix seed packet, and it’s really good exercise too. Borough Council’s recycling partner scatter and leave. This area can be www.staffs.getcomposting.com left throughout the season to display 2. Mow your lawn regularly – this will help Most weeds and grass cuttings can be its colour with no work and it’s great keep it in good condition and make it added and you can use kitchen waste – for birds and insects. easier to cut than letting it get too long. eggshells and uncooked fruit and veg Try and mow your lawn at least once 9. Check your garden security – keep cuttings. Just remember no meat or a fortnight, if not every week, in the tools locked and out of sight after use dairy products as they attract vermin! growing season. and at the start of the season check 6. Consider putting bark chippings on your that your garden lighting still works. 3. Keep hedges tidy – trim them once a flower borders – they smell nice, supress Replace bulbs if necessary. month to stop them getting out of shape the weed and keep moisture in the earth and getting in the way of passers-by. 10. And finally, sit back and relax, during the dry season. enjoy your ‘outdoor room’ and 4. If you have bedding plants, make a 7. Encourage your children to help in the have an enjoyable summer! habit of pulling the weeds out each t ime garden; ensure they clear their toys away you walk past and drop them in your and encourage them to grow their own recycling bin. This will help you maintain vegetables or sunflowers in pots. your flower beds without having to spend hours in the garden working!

24 Opening Doors Spring 2013 0800 111 4554 www.sarh.co.uk