news Summer2012 issue21

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events with help from their neighbours and EastendHomes. More on page 6.

priorities and aspirations of all residents.

support resident involvement We recognise and value the commitment and hard work by our staff We always strive to provide the

1 news Summer2012 issue21 Jubilation! Hundreds celebrate the Diamond Jubilee To mark Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, residents organised numerous events with help from their neighbours and EastendHomes. More on page 6. Our mission: EastendHomes will provide a local housing service which is efficient, gives value for money and meets the needs, priorities and aspirations of all residents. Our vision: To achieve the comprehensive regeneration of our estates and to bring about a sustained improvement in the homes and quality of life for residents. Our core values: The core values which support, inform and guide our work at all levels in the organisation are: We value and support resident involvement We recognise and value the commitment and hard work by our staff We always strive to provide the best possible service We welcome and support diversity and we are committed to equality We want to improve and succeed in all aspects of our work In this issue... The Holiday Homes Trust Affordable family holidays available through charity Keep Calm and Enjoy the summer The latest Olympic advice Stars in your eyes? Celebrating unsung community heroes Extra help from EastendHomes - Search is on for new Scrutiny Panel members - Housing Benefit changes - A taste of honey

(irrespective of supplier) Help with understanding utility bills and supplies Money management and budgeting skills Grants for those in hardship to purchase goods such as cookers, fridges, beds etc

2 2 newssummer2012 Extra Help from EastendHomes EastendHomes is working with East End Energy Fit to bring you help. The project is intended to support those in fuel poverty and fuel debt with the following: Energy efficiency advice Support with getting gas, electricity and water utility arrears written off (irrespective of supplier) Help with understanding utility bills and supplies Money management and budgeting skills Grants for those in hardship to purchase goods such as cookers, fridges, beds etc Referral to other advice including debt advice East End Energy Fit have helped local people claim 13,000 worth of grants in the last six months. To make an appointment, call into your local EastendHomes office or ring or If the Bromley-by-Bow Centre is more convenient for you please To Get Help at Toynbee Hall 28 Commercial St, E1 6LS, nearest tube - Aldgate East Call or eastendenergyfit@toynbeeahall.org.uk Or text yes to we will call you back To Get Help at Bromley-by-Bow Centre St Leonard s St, E3 3BT, nearest tube - Bromley-by-bow Call or eastendenergyfit@bbbc.org.uk Bromley-by-Bow Centre Extra help Free smoke alarm checks EastendHomes arranges for its gas servicing contractor to visually inspect any hard wired smoke alarms whilst they are undertaking their annual service. The Technical Services team are also able to arrange for tenants, not included in the gas servicing programme, to receive a free demonstration of the appropriate smoke alarm checks. This can also be arranged for service charge payers, but is charged for.

This could be someone who does community or youth work, someone who has overcome a personal obstacle to achieve success, someone who organises events for local people, or who simply supports and

3 Stars in your eyes Nominations for the third annual STAR in the Community Awards have begun. The search to find inspirational residents who make a difference to their communities and go that extra mile is now on! This could be someone who does community or youth work, someone who has overcome a personal obstacle to achieve success, someone who organises events for local people, or who simply supports and helps others in their local area. If you do know someone like this and you really appreciate what they do, please nominate them for a STAR in the Community Award. The categories for awards are: - Inspirational resident award - Young people's award (under 25s only) - Contribution to resident involvement award - Bringing people together award - Environmental award Winners will be judged by a panel of independent judges and announced at a special award ceremony held at a prestigious local venue, in November. Nomination forms and further details are available at your local office, so please get nominating! The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday 24th August 2012 For more details visit Calling all foodies and growers... Growing your own food is fun, saves money and encourages healthier eating. Local food also delivers a diverse range of social, environmental and economic benefits. If you'd like to know more, come along to the next Women's Environmental Network food networking event this autumn. To pre-register for the next event, please greenergardens@eastendhomes.net or ring Also, do get in touch if you're interested in growing and would like to know more about what's already happening across our neighbourhoods. The network gathering is a great way to meet other growers from all around the Borough. There's food, some freebies, advice and lots more, so why not come along and give it a go? To find out more, visit 3 The Holiday Homes Trust is a national charity specialising in providing high-quality, fully-accessible caravan and chalet accommodation for families and individuals who need a fun and relaxing break. You can stay in some of the country's best holiday parks, close to some of the country's most beautiful countryside and enjoyable beaches, and with great facilities to make sure you and your family have a wonderful time. Their caravans are at superb Haven, Hoburne and Park Resorts holiday parks, with a wide range of facilities, including swimming pools and children's play areas for family fun. The resorts also offer shops, restaurants, and bars providing both day-time and evening entertainment. All the Trust's accommodation is fully wheelchair accessible, inside and out. Popular holiday locations include Carmarthen Bay, Exmouth in Devon, Great Yarmouth, Paignton, Poole, Yorkshire and Cornwall. To find out more visit or phone Last minute half-price hols! The Holiday Homes Trust even offer a 50% discount for holidays booked but paid for two weeks of the holiday start date. This is of course subject to availability but well worth a try! pictures courtesy

disruption caused by the arrival of hundreds of thousands of extra people into the capital.

Therefore, please note that during the Olympic period the following will apply: Our housing centres at Holland, Island Gardens, Mile End and St George's/Glamis will operate a telephone service from

4 4 newssummer2012 We re ready. Are You? KEEP CALM AND ENJOY THE SUMMER At EastendHomes we're very excited about the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in London this summer but we're also busily preparing for the anticipated disruption caused by the arrival of hundreds of thousands of extra people into the capital. We have been working with our contractors and staff to ensure that we are able to provide as near as normal service to our residents as possible with minimal disruption. Therefore, please note that during the Olympic period the following will apply: Our housing centres at Holland, Island Gardens, Mile End and St George's/Glamis will operate a telephone service from 9am to 5pm as usual, with a reception service from 10am-2pm. There will be no rents or lettings surgeries held during the Games. Our estate services teams will operate on two shifts between 6am-2pm and 8am-4pm. No heavy machinery will be used before 8am. Our repairs contractors and handypersons will continue to operate as normal a service as possible. However we anticipate some disruption to this service given the difficulty of travelling around London during this period. We ask that residents, wherever possible, report non-urgent repairs before the Olympics period begins or wait until after the disruption. Parking enforcement will continue as normal during the Olympics period. Residents should be aware that enforcement of street parking will be extended to cover mornings and evenings during this time and that if you park on a street outside your home, you will need to request a 'Games permit', for free, from Tower Hamlets Council. It is suggested that if you live close to an Olympic event site, you only move your car from a streetside bay as a last resort as the increased volume of traffic in the area may lead to an increase in the flouting of parking rules. EastendHomes has helped to sponsor a young Isle of Dogs resident with an Olympic dream. Leila Moore is a promising young sailor and hopes to represent England.

5 5 CORRECTION The Reuse and Recycle Centre at Northumberland Wharf remains open during the Games Period. Apologies for the error in our recent Olympic leaflet that said the whole facility would be closed during the Olympics.

Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, events were

During the Jubilee extended weekend of 2nd-5th June,

the Isle of Dogs and Mile End. A right royal knees up!

citizens held at the bunting-bedecked Calders Wharf

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman made a

6 JUBILATION!! Hundreds celebrate the Diamond Jubilee To celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, events were organised by residents with help from EastendHomes. During the Jubilee extended weekend of 2nd-5th June, hundreds of residents came together at the parties held on the Isle of Dogs and Mile End. A right royal knees up! The jubilation kicked off with our Gala Dance for senior citizens held at the bunting-bedecked Calders Wharf Community Centre. The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman made a presentation to a local couple who were also celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. Around a hundred people danced the night away to live music, enjoying the fine spread of a Great British buffet. On the Island, celebrations went on throughout the next day with the West Ferry Estate Picnic and Barbecue.

7 Long to reign over us, and long did it rain Sunday saw a Big Lunch street party in Eric Street, organised by residents. Locals refused to let the heavy rain dampen their fun. Drip drip hooray to those that refused to let the rain stop play! There was more jubilance at Calders Wharf with a kids party followed by a family disco and another barbecue.

transformed into the likes never seen before - with a fete with a DJ, candy floss, coconut shy and numerous barbecues.

and party music among the many attractions.

families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere.

8 JUBILATION!! Red white and blue-tiful On Bank Holiday Monday it was Wager Street's turn to play host, where the car park was transformed into the likes never seen before - with a fete with a DJ, candy floss, coconut shy and numerous barbecues. An enormous spread was laid on in the Food Marquee, all put on by Bede Estate residents, with a jubilant Avril marshalling the many helpers. On the Thursday and for the kids, a cracking party was held in the British Estate community centre featuring a clown and party music among the many attractions. Celebrations were also held on the the Holland Estate and the St George's Estate, which enjoyed fine weather for their fun day - lucky them! In her Diamond Jubilee message, Her Majesty spoke of being humbled and touched deeply by seeing "many thousands of families, neighbours and friends celebrating together in such a happy atmosphere." And this spirit was very much in evidence at our local celebrations. Whilst the events all received financial, material and logistic support from EastendHomes, none of this would have been possible without the numerous hours of preparation and effort so willingly given by many residents. Many thanks go to them! Neighbourhoods have come together with streets lined with red, white and blue. So keep your flags, reuse your bunting and be part of London Hang your bunting and wave your flags with pride. London 2012 Chairman and Olympian Lord Coe.

Noticeboard 10 newssummer2012 Nominations still open The Home Owners Forum is still recruiting for new members. Please call Peter Griffiths on 020 7517 4706 for more details.

For many people, the easiest way to remember to pay on time is paying by Direct Debit. For more details please call 020 8880 7816.

We've free copies to give away of the 'Garden for a Living London' wildlife pack to help you green up your garden. Get in touch by email at greenergardens@eastendhomes.

Super Scooper If you're one of those nice responsible dog owners who always 'scoop the poop' please get in touch as we've ten dinky dog poop bag holders to give away.

Residents Open Day This year's Open Day will be in late October/ early November, later then last year due to the Olympics. All welcome! More on this in our next issue.

10 Noticeboard 10 newssummer2012 Nominations still open The Home Owners Forum is still recruiting for new members. Please call Peter Griffiths on for more details. Rents Prize Draw - 50 Congratulations to a tenant of Windermere House who is the winner of our latest rents prize draw. All accounts without arrear are entered automatically for a chance to win. For many people, the easiest way to remember to pay on time is paying by Direct Debit. For more details please call Wildlife Gardening Pack Would you like to know how to make your gardening wildlife friendly but don't know where to start? We've free copies to give away of the 'Garden for a Living London' wildlife pack to help you green up your garden. Get in touch by at greenergardens@eastendhomes.net or by phone to Paul Wilson on if you need some help. Super Scooper If you're one of those nice responsible dog owners who always 'scoop the poop' please get in touch as we've ten dinky dog poop bag holders to give away. For your chance to win a bag holder, please get in touch in any way you choose or by to editor@eastendhomes.net before 31st August. Woof Woof! Residents Open Day This year's Open Day will be in late October/ early November, later then last year due to the Olympics. All welcome! More on this in our next issue. Generous Glamis give 600 to playground Glamis residents have raised 600 to help their local adventure playground. This generous donation was their second contribution already this year and a grateful play worker thanked the Glamis Residents Association for their continued support. For more about the playground, please visit You can also donate money through this site, direct to the playground. If you fund raise for your community, please let us know. East End Diamonds! If you enjoyed yourself at our Jubilee events and would like to send a message of thanks and appreciation to those who organised them and helped out on the day, please letmeknow@eastendhomes.net and we'll pass these on. We'd also love to hear from you if you had a nice time!

11 Housing Benefit changes The National Housing Federation has published a leaflet offering advice to tenants about the upcoming changes to Housing Benefit.

Please remember that EastendHomes hosts free independent financial advice sessions.

Scrutiny Panel EastendHomes is currently recruiting for people to join the Tenant Scrutiny Panel.

The panel works alongside local community groups, forums and Tenant Voices. Who can join?

of the Panel. What support will EastendHomes provide? Support will be provided from senior managers on a 1-2-1 basis as needed.

Good news for Holland It might have been all grim for Holland at Euro 2012, but there's happier news for the Holland Estate in Aldgate.

In our next issue, we'll look at the new developments under way on the Isle of Dogs.

11 11 Housing Benefit changes The National Housing Federation has published a leaflet offering advice to tenants about the upcoming changes to Housing Benefit. A copy of this was included with the most recent rent statement. You can also download a copy of this leaflet from our website. Please remember that EastendHomes hosts free independent financial advice sessions. Contact your local office for details of the next session and to book an appointment. Scrutiny Panel EastendHomes is currently recruiting for people to join the Tenant Scrutiny Panel. The Panel contributes to the work of EastendHomes and supports its aim of achieving better services for all residents. The panel works alongside local community groups, forums and Tenant Voices. Who can join? Any tenant, resident leaseholder, and service paying freeholders with the exception of Main Board Members and Local Estate Board Members can apply for membership of the Panel. What support will EastendHomes provide? Support will be provided from senior managers on a basis as needed. Full training, including computer and administrative training, is also on offer so no prior experience is needed, just your willingness to help! Good news for Holland It might have been all grim for Holland at Euro 2012, but there's happier news for the Holland Estate in Aldgate. Modernisation and urban renewal is on its way. If you'd like to know more about the exciting changes in plan for the Holland Estate, please phone In our next issue, we'll look at the new developments under way on the Isle of Dogs. We're all better off when everyone's online We had a great response to our free computer offer in the last issue of EastendHomes News so we've decided to give away another computer. Internet access is a great way to save money, learn new skills and keep in touch so we're pleased to support the Race on Line 2012 by helping residents to get online and computer-savvy. If your household lacks a computer and cannot afford one but wants to get online, please call into your local office and let the staff there know (before Monday 3rd September). Those that applied last time will stay in the 'hat'. We've another basic computer system to give away which will get you started on the internet.

A taste of honey! Win local honey from hives on the Isle of Dogs. newssummer2012 We love to hear your feedback!

And with lots of bee-friendly plants now established in our communal gardens nearby, we're doing our bit to say thank you to the hard-working honey bees for their delicious honey!

net Phone: 020 7517 4700 Fax: 020 7515 0218 Island Gardens Neighbourhood Centre 137 Manchester Road, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3DN Email: islandgardens@eastendhomes.

12 A taste of honey! Win local honey from hives on the Isle of Dogs. newssummer2012 We love to hear your feedback! For your chance to win a jar of local Isle of Dogs honey please get in touch and tell us what you liked reading most in this issue of EastendHomes News. And with lots of bee-friendly plants now established in our communal gardens nearby, we're doing our bit to say thank you to the hard-working honey bees for their delicious honey! 12 Contacts At your service You can contact us by Text Phone EastendHomes Head Office Tayside House, 1st Floor, 31 Pepper Street, London E14 9RP enquiries@eastendhomes.net Phone: Fax: Island Gardens Neighbourhood Centre 137 Manchester Road, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3DN islandgardens@eastendhomes.net Phone: Fax: Mile End Housing Centre 38 Wager Street, London E3 4JE mileend@eastendhomes.net Phone: Fax: St George s & Glamis Housing Centre 61a Swedenborg Gardens, London E1 8HP stgeorges&glamis@eastendhomes. net Phone: Fax: Freephone: Holland Housing Centre Toynbee Street, London, E1 7NE holland@eastendhomes.net Phone: Fax: Moved from Commercial Street All our housing centres are now open from 9am to 4.30pm. Out of Hours Emergency Repairs Rents Right to Buy and Home Ownership Other languages and formats that this newsletter is available in If you ask, we can provide copies of this newsletter in a range of languages and formats, including: in languages such as Bengali and Somali; in large print; in Braille; on audio tape. To ask for a different format, please contact your local housing centre. This newsletter is printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable forests.

News & offers. Chairman s message. Win tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games. February 2012

News & offers. Chairman s message. Win tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games. February 2012 February 2012 News & offers Win tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games We are giving away a pair of tickets to the Men s 100m final including dinner and accommodation. See inside for more details...