Memories of War

You’ve survived , weathered the destruction of The memories will then be typed up and stored in the fishing industry, now a new generation are urging the Centre’s archives for future generations to read. older people to preserve their memories before they Pet Respect already visits care homes with their Visiting are lost forever. Therapy Dog Programme and they have found that FIRST Pet Respect, an animal education charity, is planning a talking about the War Years is one of the resident’s PeopleIssue No. 25 The magazine for the residents of Pickering and Ferens Homes new project called Memories Of War, which will see favorite subjects. Although many struggle with short volunteers from its youth club visit residents in their term memory their recollection from War time is a lot homes to talk about any memories they have about more apparent and detailed. The volunteers also bring wartime Britain. along War memorabilia, laminates and 1940’s Music to Dictaphones will be used to collect all the memories help stimulate memories and discussions. shared, which will then be passed on to the Hull If you are interested in taking part in the project or Family History Centre. would like to find out more information, please visit WIN! www.petrespect.org.uk or call 01482 507756. Festive Food Hampers

Complaints, Compliments and Suggestions Scheme

Customers generally accept that on occasions things by letter or fax, by e-mail, by visiting our website or via can go wrong, but expect that something will be done our Facebook or Twitter feeds. to put things right. Once we receive your feedback we will acknowledge Pickering and Ferens Homes is an organisation that your issue and deal swiftly with your feedback. values complaints, compliments and suggestions and You can find out more about the Complaints, uses them to improve the services it provides. Compliments and Suggestions Scheme by calling the Feedback can be given by current and former association on 01482 223783 or going on line at residents or anyone affected by the operations of the www.pfh.org.uk association, this can be done in person, by telephone,

Festive food hampers

Christmas hampers make the perfect festive treat so don’t miss the chance to win one of three fabulous food hamper that have been kindly donated by Trinity Church. If you win, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is whether to give it as a gift or keep it all for Love conquers all yourself. To be in with a chance of winning one of these prizes, simply send your name and address to us and we will pull the winner’s names out of a hat. Entries should be sent to: Pickering and Ferens Also inside this issue... Homes, The Maltings, Silvester House, Silvester Street, Hull, HU1 3HA. Closing date: January 5th, 2014. Annual Residents’ Show Welcome to our new Trustee Keeping fit this festive season another roaring success The Dress Maker Memories of War Farewell to our retiring We can provide this information on audio tape, large print or Braille and in Winter Wrapped Up One click at a time minority languages. For more information please contact Pickering and Ferens trustees People FIRST Homes on (01482) 223783. www.pfh.org.uk Catch up with the Chief Executive Contents that will ensure there is something Page on offer for everyone, no matter how much or little residents want 2 Catch up with the to get involved with Pickering LOVE Chief Executive and Ferens Homes. We recognise that some residents prefer to CONQUERS 3 Love conquers all be involved with informal, social activities that we arrange, whilst 4-5 Annual Residents’ others are keen to get involved in ALL Show another roaring meetings and panels that require success a higher level of commitment – Welcome to the Christmas 2015 either way, we want to give you all edition of People First. 6 Farewell to our the opportunities to help shape Pictured from left to right: Katie Cook, Herbert Cook retiring trustees We have had another fantastic our organisation’s future. (husband) and Hannah (Mrs Cook’s sister) year here at Pickering and Ferens I am delighted to inform residents 6 Welcome to our new Homes. I am always really proud Trustee, Cheryl that all five sheltered schemes of what we achieve together in Fraternising with the enemy The Germans had always been “My husband was a very well- Walker now have free WIFI, following the space of 12 months. on from KC carrying out the was meant to be forbidden, forewarned not to fraternise known man. He would talk to with the enemy, so Mrs Cook’s absolutely anybody and whenever 7 The Dress Maker The success of our organisation installation recently. You can read but even in the midst of the all about this exciting news in this new relationship meant that she we went on holiday, no matter comes through a truly Second World War love still 8-9 Winter Wrapped Up collaborative approach in terms of issue of People First and look out became quite unpopular in her where it was, he would always our staff team working positively for information about a series of conquered all. local area. bump into someone from Hessle 10 Grass looks set to get with residents. No more so was Get Online courses taking place Herbert was eventually moved Road. greener this evident than at The Residents’ at those schemes next year, giving It was a warm summer’s eve in a to and arranged for “When people asked how we met Show, our annual conference for residents the chance to learn British occupied Germany, but a Mrs Cook to move there with we’d make jokes about fraternising 10 One click at a time residents which took place at The from KC’s digital experts. strict curfew meant that 93-year- him. In June 1947 he moved back with the enemy. I was used to our old Katie Cook, then 25, could only Guildhall recently. It was great On behalf of all at Pickering and to England and arranged for his friends and neighbours giving me 11 Keeping fit this festive enjoy it from her open bedroom to see residents getting involved Ferens Homes, I would like to new found love to visit him in banter about my German roots season window, where she would often sit with such a variety of activities wish everyone a Merry Christmas December. but that’s all just distant memories that they not only enjoyed, but with friends and watch the British now.” 12 Memories of War and a Happy New Year. “It was the worst Christmas I’ve also gave us valuable feedback in soldiers march by. ever had. Leaving my mum and Mrs Cook has been a Pickering terms of residents’ priorities. Best wishes, 12 Complaints, The local sweetshop where she sister behind was dreadful but I and Ferens Homes resident Compliments and This year has seen us make worked had been bombed and knew I just had to be with him. I now for eight years but says the Suggestions Scheme huge strides in terms of resident things were looking pretty bleak, was unbelievably homesick and I transition to Broadway Drive involvement work, with emphasis so when the soldiers invited Mrs was scared people wouldn’t accept wasn’t easy after spending 58 years 12 Festive Food Hampers placed on developing a strategy Cook and her friends to the me for being German, but his at the family home in Bilton. cinema it couldn’t have come at a family were very welcoming. better time. “I loved my house in Bilton and Christmas opening hours “I had to regularly check in with I really didn’t want to move, I “We couldn’t speak a word of the police and I only had six weeks refused to even come and look at Silvester House English and their German wasn’t to either get married or clear off at it. When my husband returned too sharp either, but we hadn’t December 24th - 9am - 12 noon January 1st - Closed again.” from the viewing he said well if been anywhere like the pictures in you’re not moving, I am. 25th - Closed 4th - Open as normal ages so we jumped at the chance,” The pair quickly arranged a 28th - Closed she explains. wedding for 10th January 1948 at “When I saw this house for the 31st - 9am - 12 noon St Nicholas Church, Hessle Road first time I had to admit I was The date she was supposed to be and went on to have a daughter, impressed and now I’m very happy going with cancelled last minute, who has since given them three and settled here.” instead his friend Herbert filled grandchildren and four great You can find Mr and Mrs Cook’s Keeping residents up-to-date with our performance in who was serving as Lance grandchildren. (As at 30th October 2015) Corporal in Oberhausen, Germany, love story on beer mats in Rent written off as Current Before the war Herbert had pubs around the Hessle Road a percentage due resident arrears the man that Mrs Cook would one ? 93.9% day call her husband. worked on the fish docks on area, which were produced in of all reactive Hessle Road and returned to work September to promote a Hull ? repairs completed “It was love at first sight. Aside for FACT 0.17% 0.3% within target time there after the war until retirement. Truck play, Dancing Through The ?? the language barrier he was the Shadows, a wartime love story that CORNER Only An average re-let most handsome man I’d ever seen. captured the ‘wit and grit’ of the time for properties of 100.8% Was it fate? I don’t know, but it was Hull Blitz. 0.3% of rent was certainly something.” of properties are vacant 2 21.57 days collected out of 3 and available to let all rent owed Annual Residents’ Show

another roaring success Picture from left to right: Mr Davey, Martin Green (CEO of the UK City of Culture), Claire Warren (CEO of Pickering and Ferens Homes) and Mrs Thorley

Pickering and Ferens Homes don’t do things by And everyone can contribute Pickering and Ferens Homes’ chief tackling loneliness and isolation in halves, unless you’re talking about the city’s finest something to a great year. It executive, Claire Warren, said: “The later life, whilst also giving residents real ale, which went down an absolute treat doesn’t have to be anything big – it Residents’ Show has continued to added insight into areas such as could be sharing old photographs be hugely popular among residents how we prioritise our budgets. during this year’s momentous annual Resident’s and memories with your and, now it is in its third year, we Show. “We were absolutely delighted neighbours or organizing a street believe this year was the biggest that Martin Green agreed to give It was a day to remember after resident’s were given a party – anything that unites people and best yet. our residents an insight into the UK glimpse into what 2017 will hold for Hull when the UK in celebrating this wonderful city as “We created The Residents’ Show City of Culture preparations – not City of Culture chief executive, Martin Green, spoke at it turns to face the world in 2017.” concept to provide residents only was it fantastic to see how the event, which saw 150 descend on the Guildhall for an The Residents’ Show is in its third with the opportunity to speak 2017 will benefit our city, but it action-packed day. year and was launched by Pickering to organisations about services also gave our residents inspiration There was everything from real ale tasting with the Hull and Ferens Homes in order to that will benefit them. The show in terms of how they can get branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which place emphasis on the importance complements our priorities around involved in the celebrations during is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary, through to of residents’ health and well-being, 2017. Many of our residents have Laughter Yoga, poetry workshops with Wyke College as well as tackling loneliness and spent their entire lives in Hull, they students and even an IT and Biscuits session by KC in isolation by featuring activities such have lived and breathed the city’s the Community to give residents an insight into digital as Speed Socialising to encourage fortunes so they understandably technology. residents to meet new friends. want to be part of this exciting year.” Having overseen the London 2012 Olympics and Pickering and Ferens Homes linked Paralympics ceremonies and torch relays, as well as acting up with Gillshill Primary School’s Wyke College’s principal, Jay as the executive producer of the Tour de France opening choir for a second year, which saw Trivedy, was proud that students ceremony in Leeds, residents were left in no doubt that dozens of children singing at the from the college attended to Martin Green and his team will ensure that 2017 in Hull high profile event at The Guildhall. read poetry aloud to residents of will be a year they will remember forever. Hull-based organisations such as Pickering and Ferens Homes. He added: “I am delighted that our Mr Green said: “We are on track to deliver an outstanding, Age UK and Environmental & Management Solutions (EMS), as students were able to connect transformative year of culture in Hull, and everyone’s “Every single person with the community and share invited. well as national organisations like Housing Proactive, also took part is an ambassador for their love of poetry at this event.” “Early next year, we will begin recruiting the 4,000 in the day in order to offer a one the city as it turns its Pickering and Ferens Homes volunteers we need to join our official cast and crew but stop shop advice service for later face to the world to welcome all ideas on activities I hope that everyone in the city, young or old, will want to life issues, with EMS arming them say ‘come on in’. and workshops that we could get involved. with vital information regarding incorporate into next year’s event “Every single person is an ambassador for the city how to reduce heating and energy to continue to improve it year on as it turns its face to the world to say ‘come on in’. bills over the winter. year. 4 5 Farewell to our retiring trustees The We would like to say a big thank you and wish a fond farewell to two of our Trustees. Danny Brown and Bob Sandham have both given so much to Pickering and Ferens Homes during their time on the board, including, Dress expertise, creativity and a passion for what they do. Here’s what they had to say about their time with us... Maker

and even today she still makes everything herself, from the clothes she wears to her settee covers and Bob Sandham Danny Brown floor length curtains. ”Is there anything more important than a safe roof over “I’ve found my time as a trustee very worthwhile “Material shops are few and far your head? Health, wellbeing and emotional security indeed. Working in social services I know just how between now you’ve got the likes all depend on it. Housing associations need board important issues surround housing are to older people, of Primark offering disposable fashion at such cheap prices. Some members who share their long term aims and can so I’m glad I was able to help make a difference and just “My mother never knew where Kate Winslet move over, of the clothes in my wardrobe I’ve contribute through experience and professional skills to be part of it all. I got the fashion flair from. I was Pickering and Ferens Homes had for fifty years or more and their ongoing success. I was happy to play my part for the quiet one out of my seven “Lots of great things happened while I was a trustee, has got its very own dress they still look as good today as the ten years I was on the Board. sisters. They all went on to work in I saw the opening of some marvellous new housing maker and she goes by the they did back then. Even at my age factories or in the army but I knew “Residents, and would be residents will become more developments, which was a really great achievement people still come up to me and ask name of Martha Barker. She there was only one place for me. I demanding with time and Pickering and Ferens Homes and the quality is something else. The implementation of where I got my dress from. stock must continue to be of top quality. The Boards regular pop-ins have been greatly received by residents might not be up for best lead wanted to be a dress maker.” actress but the glamour and “Dress making never really felt like aim now should be to ensure that all the properties are and it’s nice that they’re able to have an input too. The moment she left school, a job to me, but I suppose there occupied all the time. Secondly, I’d like to see them build sophistication she oozes at Martha landed a job at Thornton “It’s an exciting time for the new trustees and they are was one set back, it could get new developments to expand the stock and so help to 81-years-old is enough to Varley, now better known as lucky to be joining such a well-established organisation, awfully lonely being locked away meet the large demand for social housing. emulate any A-lister. Debenhams, before going on to who upholds a fantastic reputation for providing an in a room making clothes every spend the rest of her career on “Pickering and Ferens Homes’ strength is the quality of outstanding service to older people. I hope they all Championing the style staple day. At the time I didn’t really think the third floor of Thomas and Lunn the current portfolio of properties, the strong balance enjoy their time as a trustee as much as I did and I wish of the season, Martha’s co-ord about it because I loved it so much making dresses for London’s rich sheet, the emphasis on Hull and East Riding and the them the best of luck.” creation that she’s chosen to wear but looking back I can see that and famous. professionalism of the staff. Each board should strive to for today’s interview could have now. I still wish I was 18 so that I pass on something better than was inherited. been purchased from any high “I didn’t really have any could do it all again though.” fashion designer. expectations of life as a dress Martha recently gave away bags full maker– but it certainly wasn’t Brought up on Hessle Road, of her past collections to charity, glamourous like the gowns. It didn’t Martha has been a Hull girl all her but if you hurry, you might still be Welcome to our new Trustee, Cheryl Walker matter to me though, I just loved life and while she may be retired able to get your hands on some doing it and I would do it all again Manor of , a registered work or leisure and I find getting on paper, behind the scenes of her creations from the Dove in a flash. charity with a property portfolio along with teammates or your Martha has never stopped sewing. House Hospice vintage store of commercial and residential professional peers makes the She will happily spend days tucked “Mrs G [Martha’s boss] would down Newland Avenue. premises. experience more enjoyable and away in the spare room of her travel to London and bring the Cheryl said: “I’m looking forward productive so I am looking forward Arden Court property, which she dress orders back. I still remember to the opportunity to use my to getting to know the Pickering has converted into her very own the first ever evening gown I made experience with property lets, and Ferens Homes’ family. work room. - black and white and ever so the charity commission, new build “I feel privileged to be a part of the She said: “I’ve been making my glamourous, I fell in love with it. We’re thrilled to welcome a new properties and major refurbishment organisations future and to play a own dresses since primary school, “I also made dresses for the local Trustee to our Board. Cheryl projects to contribute to an part in building on the already high although my teachers never skippers’ wives – they always had Walker joins us with more than experienced and evolving standard of services provided and believed that I’d made the outfit to be one off pieces, a clone of a 17 years’ experience working in organisation as a member of the the improvements made in the myself. In those years, everyone Marks and Spencer’s classic just financial and administration roles Board of Trustees,” she explains. lives of those who have benefitted was very poor so I’d try and get would not do.” from the homes afforded by the within local authorities. Since 2008 “I like to be fully involved in my hands on any small scraps of Martha’s signature style was and organisation over the years.” she has worked for The Lords whatever I do, whether it be material and turn it into something still is an A-line dropped waist Feoffees and Assistants of the I could wear. 6 7 Winter Wrapped Up

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to hibernate in winter. Equipping residents with the knowledge and support to deal with the cold weather continues to be an important focus for Pickering and Ferens Homes. Winter isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and can actually become quite a worry for older people who’s bodies respond differently to the cold leaving them more vulnerable. But with a little preparation, and by following some simple suggestions, you can help yourself to stay healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible this winter.

ENERGY BILLS

EAT WELL Although energy bills are rising, there are ways you can combat Hot meals and drinks help to keep you warm, so eat at the cost. By changing a few small least one hot meal each day and have hot drinks during things to bring down your usage, the day. Include a good range of foods in your diet and you can save money. aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, Furthermore, you may be entitled so that you’re getting plenty of nutrients and vitamins. to financial help towards your bills Remember that frozen vegetables are as good as fresh. that you weren’t aware of which will It’s important to eat enough, especially in winter. If bring down the cost of heating your SALTING & GRITTING you’re worried about a poor appetite, speak to your home even more. GP. Having a hot drink before bed and keeping one in a Grit bins are provided across The friendly team at Environmental flask by your bedside are good ideas too. our schemes during icy weather. & Management Solutions (EMS) Residents are welcome to use TEMPERATURE has visited many of our residents the salt and grit provided for their to install energy meters and help own private paths. them look at ways of reducing their Be aware that the ideal temperature energy bills, as well as helping them When the weather is wintry tax-free payment of between £100 at 0°C (32°F) or below for seven for your bedroom is 18°C and to switch energy supplier. and footpaths become icy, we 21°C for your living room. assess the situation and review and £300 paid to you between days in a row. You may be entitled (01482) 709810 Call them on to the weather conditions together November and December. to a Warm Home Discount on You can check this easily, either by see how they could help you. Previous recipients should get the your electricity bill if you receive glancing at your thermostat or using with the future forecast. payment automatically, but if this is Pension Credit or if you’re on a a thermometer. Where possible and when the first year that you are eligible, low income. It’s a one-off discount Warming your bed for the appropriate, we salt and grit the WINTER FUEL PAYMENT contact the Winter Fuel Payment usually made between October night-time is easy too, just pop a hot main communal footpaths which helpline to ensure that you don’t and March. Check with your water bottle or an electric blanket are in the ownership of Pickering miss out (Tel: 0345 915 1515). energy supplier or ask an advice and Ferens Homes. Most people born before 6 in your bed – make sure you only If you receive Pension Credit, agency such as Age UK. Find out use one or the other as using both January 1953 are entitled to the Please do not sweep away the or certain other benefits, you’re more at together can be dangerous. salt and grit if the weather Winter Fuel Payment in 2015–16 automatically paid a Cold Weather www.gov.uk/the-warm-home- In addition, wear several thin layers becomes warmer. to help with heating costs. This is a Payment when the temperature is discount-scheme. of clothing on chilly days to keep The weather can deteriorate at warm as this is more effective at anytime and salt and grit already trapping heat than wearing just one provided can help to stop footpaths thick layer. becoming dangerous.

8 9 Grass looks set to get greener

As always, the Resident Led findings will Scrutiny Panel have been hard also influence at work to ensure Pickering and what the Ferens Homes continue to provide organisation excellent quality homes and want to get services to its residents. out of the new grounds A review of the current grounds maintenance maintenance service has been the contract. group’s key focus of recent months, A ‘health-check’ which will be incredibly useful in started to move forward on some of the panel has also been carried the retendering of the Grounds of the recommendations. Maintenance contract, a process out recently by TPAS (Tenant which the panel are currently Participation Advisory Service), a “It is really pleasing to know that involved in. development that Katie Burton, TPAS think that the panel is resident services manager, has working effectively and is taken At the time of going to print, been involved in. seriously by not just the Panel, Pickering and Ferens Homes were but the whole staff team and the “The health check was a very meeting with Procurement for Board too.” “It can be quite hard living on your own sometimes, Housing, who are assisting with the positive process and everyone there’s lots of us that get lonely and we always said we’d The Panel are keen to recruit new tendering process. The Panel will found it extremely beneficial,” love it if more people joined the group. Exercise classes members. If you are interested, be involved in scoring contractors Katie explains. “The learning points Keeping fit are really enjoyable and a fun way of getting out the please call the office on 01482 who have expressed an interest have been taken on board by house to socialise - I’d do it every day if I could.” in tendering and the report all involved and we have already 223783. The keep fit classes held at Malin Lodge were made this festive possible by organisers at Active Gold, a scheme which aims to get adults aged 45 and over more active. Claire Champlin, project officer, said: “A lot of elderly One click at a time season people are frightened of slipping and tripping this time of year, which often results in them staying cooped up indoors for days on end. It’s easy to stiffen up if you’ve been sat down for a long time so it’s important to keep Gone are the days where Facebook was an over 50s Getting out and about in the wintery months can often moving. free zone and society is slowly waking up to the fact be tricky. Before you know it two days have gone by that the internet is a place which can benefit everyone and you’ve barely left your favourite chair, which is “The key is to do exercise little and often. Whether it’s why we are encouraging residents to make exercise in and that the elderly are using it more than ever. getting up to stick the kettle on, walking up and down the home a winter priority this year to make sure you the stairs once or twice a day or just putting a bit of Pickering and Ferens Homes have a growing number stay fit and healthy as the weather gets colder. music on and tapping your feet. of senior surfers who are now benefitting from free Digital Superheroes at Humber View WiFi, which has been kindly sponsored by KC across all Developing and maintaining stamina, strength, flexibility “Lack of exercise also effects a person’s metal health the Internet into one big Haynes manual for almost and balance are particularly important as you get older, and wellbeing. Joining a keep fit class can be a great way five of our sheltered housing schemes in the communal everything we own.” areas. and can help you carry out everyday tasks more easily, to tackle loneliness and isolation. Even if you don’t join In the New Year, KC will be attending each of the as well as enjoy activities more. in, just showing your face and socialising can make the John Langham, from KC, recently visited our Digital sheltered housing schemes to deliver a drop in One lady who can vouch for this is 85-year-old Betty world of difference.” Superheroes at Humber View, where there are around workshop, where residents will be invited to bring in six residents currently using the WiFi via their own iPads. Ashton. She joined a keep fit class at Malin Lodge after Keep your eyes peeled for Betty starring in a video their own devices and receive setup advice and training becoming a resident there almost two years ago and produced by the Older People’s Partnership Group John said: “I am delighted that we have been able to get from digital experts. says that she has since noticed a tremendous amount of (Hull), an umbrella partnership of organisations Pickering and Ferens Homes residents up and running These Get Online courses will allow Pickering and difference in her fitness, including improved balance. including, Goodwin Trust, Hull Clinical Commissioning online. For the elderly, opportunities for going out can Ferens Homes to gauge interest and appetite for She said: “It used to be if I was asked to lift my right Group (CCG), , Age UK and many become more restricted, making the benefits to be had learning and further structured courses will then be other organisations, which aims to convey to service from surfing much greater. leg my left arm would come up [laughs]. The exercises scheduled and delivered by KC. are not hard and the feeling you get after the class is providers what older people really want. “You can find out about personal finance issues such Look out for further details about the drop in sessions fantastic. I personally think it makes you look and feel a For more information about keep fit classes near you, as pensions, have greater knowledge about consumer in the next addition of People First. lot younger. visit www.activehull.co.uk or call 01482 331643. rights and even finding simple how to articles that make 10 11