THE October 2020 | Issue 86 BANNER

3 Pot plant winner This year we are delighted to announce a completely new winner of our competition

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Animal rescue Memory lane Lockdown wedding Being representative Recipe corner A group of generous No Big Meeting this One of our residents Find out what’s involved These breakfast DAMHA residents year so enjoy our was not about to let if you are interested in cookies are lovely and raised money to help an pictures from Miners’ Covid-19 ruin her becoming a Residents’ taste amazing with a animal sanctuary. Galas of yesteryear. daughter’s wedding. Rep at DAMHA. drizzle of maple syrup. 2 THE BANNER October 2020 | Issue 86 3

By the bucketful! This year’s pot plant/gardening competition was the most keenly contested in its long history, so it was going to take something extra special to win it. The Government lock-down meant even more people focused on their gardens and Flu and you we had so many entries, it resulted in us Fevers, chills, extreme fatigue The NHS encourages over 65’s as drawing up a short-list of ten. First and aching muscles, as well as well as those with other medical And, for the first time, this year’s Prize the more cold-like symptoms of conditions to have the annual jab competition was judged via an online poll, as they are particularly at risk from with over 20 DAMHA residents, staff and sore throats and runny noses, TV licence changes flu which can lead to more serious board members taking part. are the unpleasant yet familiar illnesses, including bronchitis or The overwhelming, number one choice pneumonia. You are probably aware of the changes to symptoms of the flu and can was the garden belonging to Bill Scott in the free TV Licence for over-75s taking really make you feel unwell. This is now more important than ever East Rainton. The 82-year-old’s display place this year. Unfortunately, colds and flu are with Coronavirus still a global threat. of flowers in his front garden wowed As a registered Almshouse, all DAMHA properties highly infectious illnesses and are Further information is available by the judges. qualify for a Concessionary TV Licence. This means: spread rapidly from those who are contacting your GP or by visiting Mr Scott, who receives a £50 cash prize already carrying the virus, causing https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ • Anyone aged 75 or over in one of our properties for winning, says his garden is a real many people to become ill at the vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/ will still be covered by a free TV Licence. The labour of love. same time. 10-15% of the population same is true for any resident who reaches 75. develop flu each year. As a resident you do not need to do anything to ensure you still have a free licence. 100,000 flu particles can be projected I live on my own, into the air with just one sneeze and • Anyone aged under 75 who meet the criteria so gardening keeps travelling at 80 miles per hour, can will continue to pay £7.50 each year, as before. reach distances of up to 30 feet away. me occupied

He says: “I live on my own, so gardening keeps me occupied and at the height of Second Out of hours spring and summer I spend four hours a Prize Unoccupied properties day outside, planting, watering, and doing general maintenance to ensure it looks changes For insurance purposes, we supply needs to be turned off and the as nice and possible. system drained. If a loss is suffered must be informed if your “I don’t have an outside water tap, so DAMHA has entered into a contract with as a result of escape of water and property is to be unoccupied for I need to carry water from the back of Zenith Mechanical to carry out all of our the heating has not been left on or the house to the front garden and at one out-of-hours repairs as and when they arise. a period of 60 consecutive days turned off and the system drained all Third point this amounted to 50 cans of water Prize and this is particularly important insurances will be void. If you need to report an emergency repair, please each day. over the winter months. Please also note that a property must ring 01207 423333 and your request will be dealt “The lovely weather we had in April, May be inspected weekly by a responsible Paul Mullis, DAMHA Chief Executive said: Second prize went to Ralph Barkham, with accordingly. You should have already received In this case, your heating must and June really helped the garden and adult once the home has been left “It’s pleasing to see so many people taking of , and third prize went a letter providing you with all details, but please be left on to operate 24 hours a even now, with all the rain we had in unoccupied for periods exceeding pride in their gardens and we would like to to Patricia Kavanagh, of . don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Service day and the thermostat needs to August, it is still blooming, so I couldn’t 48 hours. congratulate Mr Scott and thank everyone Team on Freephone 0800 0432642 or 0191 3881111 be set at no less than 15 degrees be happier.” if you have any queries. centigrade. Alternatively, the water who entered – you are a real credit to DAMHA and your local communities.” 4 THE BANNER October 2020 | Issue 86 5

90th birthdays In this edition of The Mr Ronald Penfold, of Ryton, Banner we celebrate the and Mrs Audrey Hodgson, of 90th birthdays of 18 of our , shared birthdays on 2nd May. residents. The three June celebrations Betty Elder The first birthday of 2020 started with Mr Frederick They couldn’t believe that belonged to Mrs Betty Elder, Simpson, of Framwellgate people living in of Hamsterley, on 1st January. Moor, on the 16th; followed by Mrs Beatrice McMenemy, of had taken the time to February brought the next Leam Lane, on the 18th and think about them three birthdays – Mrs Jean Mrs June Allen, of Herrington Green, of Windy Nook, on the Burn, on the 19th. 9th; Mr Joseph Mitchell, of July brought a further three Birtley, followed on the 13th birthdays – Mrs Loraine and Mrs Isabella Agnew, of Moody, of Kelloe, on the Consett, on the 24th. 2nd; followed by Mr James There was one birthday in Newstead, of Annfield Plain, March, on the 7th, and that on the 25th and Mrs Nancy Lorraine Moody Nancy Tait was Mrs Hannah Richardson, Tait, of , on of Leam Lane. the 29th. June Allen The final birthdays of this No beating April arrived with our next three birthdays – Mr George edition belong to Mrs Joan Cook, of Gilesgate, on the Pounder, of Framwellgate 18th; closely followed on the Moor, on 8th August and Mr around the bush 19th by Mrs Mary Jordan, Ronald Adey, of Hetton le Hole, also of Gilesgate. The final on the 30th. April birthday belonged to Congratulations to one and all! Animals caught in the Australian bushfires at the turn when another member of the “Healesville had taken in Ronald Penfold Mr John Henry, of , of the year have been nursed back to health thanks to a group, Pat Howard, suggested many animals which had on the 24th. kind-hearted gesture from a group mainly made up of they have a collection for the been rescued from the bush sanctuary. and they have a viewing area DAMHA residents. Fred Simpson Shirley was even more where you can see the work Earlier this year, Shirley and The night before she flew, amazed when, from a group going on in their animal Ron Read, from Dean Bank, Shirley (pictured above) of around 18 people, £375 was hospital. Whilst I was there, Ferryhill, were preparing to attended a meeting of the donated in just one evening. I saw a koala and a bird being head to Australia for a holiday Dean Bank Reading Group. Ron and Shirley then gave the operated on and they both and to visit their family. Upset This is a group which meets money to the Sanctuary when made a full recovery, which by pictures of the bush fires in the reading room belonging they visited. was wonderful. which affected many parts of to DAMHA. Shirley and Ron, Shirley says: “They couldn’t “The fact that a small group the country in January, the along with most of the group, of people in Ferryhill were able couple decided to visit the live in DAMHA homes. believe that people living in England had taken the time to help wild animals on the Healesville Animal Sanctuary, When she mentioned the other side of the world made near Melbourne, when they to think about them and they bush fires and her impending were so happy. it even better.” Ronald Adey Audrey Hodgson were in Australia. visit, Shirley was amazed 6 THE BANNER October 2020 | Issue 86 7

Normally, in this edition of The Banner, we would A trip down have a spread of images A marriage made celebrating this year’s miners’ gala. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the 149th Big Meeting was, in lockdown… understandably, cancelled. memory lane Organisers are already Proud mum and DAMHA resident Sybil Mills was super promising that the 150th 1920’s 1955 anniversary gala in 2021 excited about marriage of her daughter Alison to her will be the biggest and best fiancée Robert Sheard. yet, but in the meantime, we And then disaster struck, thought it would be nice to in the shape of Covid-19! have a trip down memory lane and share some pictures The subsequent Government from Galas of yesterday. If lock-down threw everything up you have any pictures from in the air and as the months any other decades, we would dragged on, it became clear love to see them. that the large wedding Alison and Robert had planned with 70 guests was unfortunately 2015 not going to happen. Then, they were given a glimmer of hope when it was announced that wedding receptions of up to 30 people However less than 24 hours socially distanced wedding would be allowed from 1st before restrictions were reception. The couple (pictured above) supposed to be lifted, the had chosen 1st August 2020 August. This was also the day Whilst travel restrictions that Sybil would no longer Government did a U-turn and meant Stephanie could not 2011 as the date for their wedding said wedding receptions of which was to be held at St have to shield, so it seemed travel from Singapore, she like everything was falling into 30 people would no longer be still got dressed up in her Paul’s Church in Waterhouses, allowed. 1970’s with the reception taking place place again, even if it would be bridesmaid dress for the at Waterhouses Community a smaller occasion. This led to a quick change occasion and had a celebration Centre and catering provided of plan. Alison left from with friends in her home. by Ramside Hall. her mum’s DAMHA home Luckily, as Christoper is a key in Esh Winning and the worker, he was still able to 1950’s Among those planning to wedding service went travel from Portugal to give attend the wedding were ahead in the church with his mum away. Alison’s son from her first 30 guests respecting social 1940’s marriage, Christopher Sybil said: “Alison looked distancing and everyone then beautiful and whilst it would (pictured above right with went outside for canapes, Sybil and Alison), and her have been even more perfect champagne, speeches and if Stephanie and other guests daughter Stephanie (pictured to cut the cake. Fourteen right), who were flying in from could have been present, immediate family members despite everything, it was their homes in Portugal and then went to the garden of 1930’s still a very special day.” Singapore respectively. Alison’s sister, Julie, for a 8 THE BANNER October 2020 | Issue 86 9

Here’s what some of our current Being Representative Resident Representatives say: I am now into my second three- I look after 16 homes and help the year term as a Rep and look after other residents as much as I can. A Resident Representative is someone who speaks around 30 homes. I have always One example is making telephone on behalf of the other residents and acts as a link Below is a list of all the schemes currently without a Representative: enjoyed helping people and it only calls on behalf of a resident who between them and DAMHA. They do this by: takes a few hours of my time each is hard of hearing. It’s something Chester le Street • Kelloe • Stargate Lane • Attending 3 Resident Representatives Forums week, so it’s something I really I enjoy doing. per year and asking their neighbours what they • Dovecote Drive • Eshwood View • Greenside enjoy doing. think about the issues raised. • Congburn View • Russell Close • Adair Terrace Catherine Moore, Resident Representative, Framwellgate Moor, • Reporting back to us on what people think. • Tanhills, • Burns Close • Brandon gardens David James, Resident We look after 19 homes and there’s a Representative, Marsden Road, Durham • Gair Court, • Grange Way real sense of community spirit where we • Raising with the Association issues of importance • Kibblesworth South Shields to people in their area. • Fellway • Meadow Edge • Stella live, so it’s nice to be able to help others. A Resident Representative is also expected to • South Pelaw Easington Jack Roach and Wendy Dunn, assist with local housing management issues • Glenview Close Peacehaven, Ferryhill • Flemming Field • Galbraith Terrace such as: • New Lambton I look after 12 homes at Lumley. • Redwood • Metal Bridge I used to work as a Samaritan so • Holding keys for empty properties, when • Pelton Lane Ends necessary, to allow contractors and prospective • Elmtree Court • helping people is something which residents access as required. Derwentside • Derek Armstrong comes naturally to me. After I attend Sunderland meetings, I type up notes to give to • Notifying staff when a resident passes away, • Axford Terrace Court or is taken into hospital/residential care. • Coquet Close • Success Road, the other residents and always make • Ullswater Court, Philadelphia myself available. It really doesn’t take • Advising residents and other local people • Stockton Road • Clark Terrace up much of your time. how to contact the Association if they require • Edison Close, • Fines Park • North Road Philadelphia information e.g. how to apply for accommodation. Susan Lewis, Resident Representative, • Gresford Court • Orchid Court • North Hyltwon Road Lumley, Durham • Reporting repairs to the office, only where • Coast Road residents are unable or unwilling to do so • Waterfront Gardens • Blue House Lane themselves. • Murton • Chester Road, Durham • Gardner Court Shiney Row • Distributing circular letters to residents • on behalf of the Association. • Redesdale Court • Hopper Court, • Mackintosh Court Houghton • Encouraging/facilitating social activities by • School Court • Meadowfield accessing the Association’s Social Welfare Fund • Leech Court Wear Valley for subsidy towards the cost of transport etc. • Brandon • St Mary’s Court • Waterside Court • Church Square In recognition of this role, Resident Representatives • Shotton Road, • York Court receive an annual Honorarium payment. The • Robert Moor Horden • St Cuthberts Way amount of this payment depends upon the number • Whitwell Court • Edward Cain Court of properties at the scheme. • Holberry Terrace • Westlea • Gray Court • Ascot Way • Coronation Homes, Gateshead • Maude Terrace If you would like to become a Residents’ Esh Winning Representative, please call Helen Sinden • Magnolia Court • Marley Hill at head office on 0800 043 2642 • Blair Court • Basildon Court 10 THE BANNER October 2020 | Issue 86 11

A ‘barn-storming’ marriage Disney Animated Movies Like many people of their generation, Leslie and Margaret Leslie and Margaret marked Our performance Brown met in a dance hall. the occasion with close family, which includes two sons, This table outlines our performance over the last In their case, their paths crossed the couple began courting and grand-children and great- six months. A green shaded box indicated we met at a barn dance, which involved were married in St Andrew’s grandchildren. our target, amber means we were close to target dancing with someone and then Church, Blackhall, in July 1960. and red means we failed to meet our target. moving onto the next person. Margaret says: “We have always That means they recently got on really well together and Margaret jokes that Leslie had celebrated their diamond have had a lovely marriage, so 1st April to 30th June 2020 two left feet but he must have (60 years) wedding anniversary. we have nothing to complain made an impression because about.” Service Area Target Result Resident at Bearpark Arrears 0.75% 0.56% continue to stay active REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

Following on from their VE Day celebrations and scarecrow competition, Satisfaction with repairs 90% 92.6% they recently had a sports day and an event to mark VJ Day. One of the organisers, Eileen Thompson said: “Despite it pouring Repair Appointments 100% 100% with rain for most of the day everyone enjoyed the sports day, kept where made especially June Cunningham who was the overall winner of the races, but there are no losers at Bearpark - we all LETTINGS received a medal!”

Satisfaction with lettings service 92% 94.2%

Re-let times (days) 32 77 PINOCCHIO CINDERELLA BAMBI Complaints resolved at 1st stage 80% 100% BROTHER BEAR MULAN PETER PAN

TELEPHONE CALLS CARS BOLT WALL·E TARZAN % answered within 7 seconds 96% 91% TANGLED ALADDIN

% of calls dealt with at 65% 69% MONSTERS INC HERCULES first point of contact POCAHONTAS DUMBO Percentage of letters responded 90% 93% to within 5 working days JUNGLE BOOK FANTASIA 12 THE BANNER

Recipe Corner

Breakfast cookies (provided by Sue Lewis) Method: 1. Preheat the oven to gas 4, 3. Roll the mix into 12 balls 180c and line a large baking (around 5cm wide) and tray with non-stick baking arrange on the baking tray. paper. Press the balls down with 2. In a large bowl, stir together your fingers to make a cookie the oats, flour, cinnamon, shape. bicarb and a pinch of salt 4. Bake on the middle shelf for (optional). In another bowl, 15 mins or until firm, turning mash the bananas then whisk the tray halfway through. in the honey, egg and oil. Pour Transfer to a wire rack to cool, the wet ingredients into the although we ate ours warm dry and add the grated carrot from the oven with some and apple. Mix with a fork until maple syrup and they were just combined. delicious!

Ingredients: - 200g rolled oats - 2 tbsp clear honey - 150g wholemeal plain - 1 large egg, beaten or self-raising flour - 50ml olive oil - 2 tsp ground cinnamon - 150g carrots, peeled - ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda and grated - 2 medium ripe bananas, - 1 eating apple, cored peeled and grated

Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association

PO Box 31, The Grove, 168 Front Street, Chester le Street, , DH3 3YH

Freephone: 08000 432642 Fax: 0191 3882838 Calls welcome via Text Relay Service

Email: [email protected] Website: www.damha.org.uk Twitter: www.twitter.com/durhamAMHA