The Key Autumn 2014

KEY

12 / Why do we do that?The Key looks at myths

and traditions

6 / Mush! Guess whichbreed won the

De Clare Court dog show?

GOFYNNWCH OS YDYCH CHI'N EISAU FERSIWN GYMRAEG O'R CYHOEDDIAD YMA

THE

AUTUMN 2014 THE NEWSLETTER OF PEMBROKESHIRE HOUSING

A little bird told me......the Big Day Out was

bigger than everand if you didn’t make itthis year turn to pages10 and 11 and find out what you missed. See you in 2015!

9 / Croft Court celebratedtheir 30th birthday with a

delicious barbecue

Tenants’ Panel News

The wonderful summer of2014 is behind us and in thisautumn edition of The Keywe will bring you up to dateon what has beenhappening here and whereyou live.

In August The Big Day Outat Milford Haven Leisure Centre,was a huge success with goodweather allowing activitiesoutdoors as well as inside. Therewas plenty to do and see and agreat time was had by young andold, see page 10.

Tenants of PembrokeshireHousing, Pembrokeshire CountyCouncil and Cantref are workingon their third joint TenantParticipation Strategy. They are developing ways toencourage tenants involvement inimproving both the services theyreceive and their owncommunities. Four meetings will beheld with tenants across the countyto share good practice and ideas.But it’s not all work; there’s plentyof time to have some fun as well!

After a summer break theTenants’ Panel meetings haverestarted. So if you are looking forsomething to do this autumn, why notcome along and join us? It’s a greatopportunity to meet other tenants,share ideas and find out more abouthousing services. Full details of theTenants’ Panel and meetings areshown on page 3.

Finally, the Quality AssuranceGroup completed their assessmentof Meyer House’s reception area andpresented a report to the AuditCommittee. Work recommended bythe Group is underway and ‘beforeand after’ photos will be in the nextThe Key.

Although the evenings are closingin there’s still plenty to do andchances to get involved in ways thatwill suit you.

To find out more, contact: Robin Ashton, Tenant Involvementand Community Investment Officeron 01437 763688,Freephone 0800 854568 or [email protected] thanks, Maggie Kirby

2 / The Key Autumn 2014

DON’T FORGET: TENANTS’ PANEL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO EVERY TENANT

Welcome to the Autumn Edition of The Key...Maggie Kirby, Chair of Tenants’ Panel writes

Tenants’ Panel news

The Key Autumn 2014 / 3

DON’T FORGET: TENANTS’ PANEL MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO EVERY TENANT

Representatives from theTenants’ Panel along withLaura Dolan, SchemeManager, attended theWelsh TenantsConference, which washeld at the MetropoleHotel, Llandrindod Wellsin September.

Over the course of the twodays, tenants had anopportunity to take part in achoice of interactive sessions,visit exhibitions and debate housingissues with tenants of other landlordsin Wales.

If you would like to find out more, visit www.welshtenants.org.uk

Members arevolunteerswho meet 10times a year to

review policies and services, judgecompetitions and exchange ideas.There is the opportunity to meet tenantsof other landlords at training events,exchange visits and conferences.Meetings are informative and fun so whynot give it a try and come along to oneof our meetings?

Meetings are held at Meyler House,Haverfordwest at 6.00 pm on: Monday 10 Nov Monday 12 JanMonday 9 Feb Monday 9 MarMonday 13 AprTo find out more about the different ways you can get involved and have a say, please [email protected] ortelephone us on 01437 763688 or 0800 854568

Every tenant of Pembrokeshire Housing iswelcome to join our Tenants’ Panel

Welsh Tenants ConferenceWelcome to the Autumn Edition of The Key...

Garden Competition 2014


Tallest SunflowerMr N Hoggins, Milford Haven

Best Improved – winner (before) April & Isaac Vaughan, Haverfordwest

Best Improved – winner (after)April & Isaac Vaughan, Haverfordwest

Best Improved - runner upSusan Thomas, Milford Haven

Window boxes, planters, baskets – winnerMr & Mrs Morris, Merlins Bridge

Best greenhouse – winner Mr R Hoggins, Milford Haven

Window boxes, etc – runner upMrs Gwilliam, Mrs Reynolds, Milford Haven

Best Children’s garden – WinnerApril & Isaac Vaughan, Haverfordwest

Many thanks to all who entered this year and congratulations to the categorywinners. Each received a certificate and prize over afternoon tea at KensingtonCourt while serenaded by Jayne O’Hara on violin and Tom Rawlins at the piano.

Garden Competition 2014


Vegetable & Herb – winnerMr R Hoggins, Milford Haven

Best Communal Garden – WinnerCroft Court, Pembroke

Best Adult Garden – runner up Mrs Griffiths West Court

Best Adult Garden – winner Mr John, Tenby

Best Adult Garden – runner up Mrs Willington Vetch Close

Best Communal Garden – runner upHanover Court, Milford Haven

Best Estate – WinnerCroft Court, Pembroke


De Clare Court news

In June thesound of exciteddogs announcedthe fourthannual dog showheld in the sunnygrounds of DeClare Court.

With Stephan Fellows judging,the Best in Show went to Maskaand Best Puppy in Show to Tegan,both Siberian Huskies owned byMr and Mrs Morris. Chico,Joanne Canning’sChihuahua won ReserveBest in Show.

The 15 Noveltyclasses were eachsponsored by a tenantand winners receiveda rosette and a bag offood sponsored byCobby Dog. Ruby

Bowie’s Chihuahua won BestChild Handler and Sonia Bristow’sWhippet, Reserve Best Novelty.

The tenants enjoyed the event,especially the cream cakes made

by Catering Academy, andthank everyone who helpedraise over £250 towardstheir activity fund.

De ClareCourtiersheld theirseventhSummer Fetein July and,undeterredby the rain,carried onwith theirplant, cake,craft, books,bottles and mugs stalls.

Meanwhile guest stalls suchas Body Shop, Hobby Horse,

and Hannah’sJewellery alsohad a busyday.Entertainmentfrom LittleMonstersBalloons andthe falconrydisplay were abig hit witheveryone.

The committee would like tothank everyone who attendedand supported them.

Who cares if it rains? The Fete must go on!

And the Waggiest Tail in the Show is...

Sheltered housing news

Kensington Courtiers heldtheir Harvest Tea on 29thSeptember, the day knownby the Church asMichaelmasand givesthanks for thegatheredharvest.

Mrs GaynorJones gave athanksgivingreading and ahomemade warmwinter soup was

served with bread rolls and achoice of cakes to more than thirtytenants. Many thanks to CateringAcademy who sponsored this

event.A free hamper raffle took

place with goodies providedby the Courtiers tenantgroup. Representatives fromPATCH (pictured) were alsogiven a very generousdonation of groceries fromall the tenants to bedistributed to those in needthroughout the county.

Kensington Courtiers celebrate the harvestWho cares if it rains? The Fete must go on!

We could do with a lift at oursheltered housing scheme please.

In the summer we installed a new lift at Hanover Court

The Key Autumn 2014 / 7IT’S ALL ABOUT US LISTENING TO YOU AND THEN ACTING UPON IT!


Have youarranged yourhome contentsinsurance yet?No? PembrokeshireHousing offers atenant’s homecontent insurancescheme called ‘MyHome’. But why do I need CONTENTS insurance?Pembrokeshire Housing arrangesbuilding insurance on all of our propertiesbut we have no responsibility forthe CONTENTS of your home. Youneed to arrange YOUR OWN contentsinsurance for peace of mind so that in abad situation your contents are covered.How much will it cost?Premiums depend on the sum insured,your age and your postcode.

So what does ‘My Home’Contents Insurance offer me?It covers:

• Internal decoration

• Freezer contents

• Accidental damage• Optional cover for personal

possessions e.g. mobilityscooters

And, it also offers:

• Flexible ‘pay-as-you-go’ paymentoptions

• No excess• Quick and easy to apply and

arrange coverHow do I apply?To receive an information pack andapplication form OR if you would liketo arrange cover now, call0845 337 2463 or [email protected]

Get insured now so you don’t miss out on your chance to enter theHOME CONTENTS PRIZE DRAW in the winter edition of The Key Newsletter!

Fire, accidents or theft can happen to anyone...

...protect your precious possessions

Home contents insurance

Did you know Pembrokeshire Housing insuresthe building where you live but NOT the contents

BBQ Birthday party!

The thirtieth anniversary ofCroft Court ShelteredHousing Scheme tookplace this summer.

On a bright sunny daythe residents enjoyed aBarbecue and sang along toexcellent music provided byPeter Evans and live music fromthe now famous duo JayneO’Hara and Tom Rawlins.

Jane Robinson, PembrokeshireHousing’s Housing Manager, openedproceedings with a welcome speech.

Residents Margaret Morrissey andJanet Skone and their teamworked tirelessly to make

sure that no one went homehungry. Barry James cookedup a great feast on theBarbecue. The original clerkof the works when CroftCourt was built, Ted Whatley,

also gave a short speech.Celebrations went on long into the

evening with an impromptu Karaoke.Friends, relatives and invited guests allenjoyed a memorable occasion and asthe Deputy Mayor Pauline Waters saidin her thank you letter, “Best wishes forthe next successful thirty years.”

Happy 30th birthday to Croft Court!

The grand opening in 1984


Big Day Out...

...meeting our staff...10

A FREE family fun day for tenants,organised by tenants, was held atthe Meads Leisure Centre, MilfordHaven, on 1st August, was aresounding success. A record numbers of tenants of all agesenjoyed a range of activities frombouncy castles and loom bandworkshops to driftwood crafts. The

Centre arranged sample bowls classes and free swimming sessionsfor the under 8s. Outdoor activities included ‘Purple Roots’ playsessions, falconry displays and medieval re-enactments. A caféarea in the bowls hall served teaand cakes and provided aquiet area for the lessenergetic of us to sit and chat. Amid live music, the mainsports hall was packed withinteresting information stalls.Everyone was catered forthroughout the day with FREEactivities, refreshments and alunch.

...even bigger... even better! If you didn’t make it what did you miss?

...trying out some DIY...

...fighting varlets...

...getting some wise advice...

Big Day Out...

...meeting our staff...

...balloonmodellingsessionswith Little Monsters...

... and just having fun!...browsing the stalls...

...even bigger... even better! If you didn’t make it what did you miss?...getting some wise advice...


Saundersfoot Big Bang From 2pm Friday October 31st & 1pmSaturday 1st NovemberLocation: Saundersfoot harbourFirework display: Saturday 8.00pmFunfair, food, face paintersFishguard Fun and FireworksFriday 31st October 2014 6pmLocation: Goodwick ParrogChildren’s fun and side stalls Solva Fireworks and Bonfire Saturday 1st November 6.30pmLocation: Solva Foreshore

Firework displays

Fireworks Night

Firework safety

Have a fun, free and safe fireworks night at these major events around the county,but please check your local newspapers for displays that might be nearer to you

If you’re going to have your own fireworks display please be considerate towardsyour neighbours and make sure all pets are safely indoors before you start

Templeton Fireworks Wednesday 5th November 6.30pmLocation: Templeton GreenTenby Bonfire & Fireworks Wedesday 5th November 6.00pmLocation: Tenby United Rugby ClubMilford Haven Fireworks Wedesday 5th November 6.00pmLocation: Observatory FieldHaverfordwest FireworksThe Round Table will be holding adisplay at the Rugby Club

• Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable

• Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time

• Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch

• Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back

• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks

• Never return to a firework once it has been lit

• Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

• Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators

• Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire

• Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving


Firework safety


Ancient traditions

It all started in Celtic times!Did you know lighting large bonfires atthis time of year goes back thousandsof years? Here in Pembrokeshire thistime was known as Nos GalanGaeaf, the first day of winter.

People feared winter as theybelieved this was the time whenghosts and evil spirits could cross overto our world. To keep these spiritsaway people would build large‘bonefires’ and from this we get ourword ‘bonfire’.

Villagers would roast food thenwash it down with strong localbrews and stagger home

with a coaltaken from the bonfireto light their hearths so theirown homes will be protected!

These days our Bonfire andFirework Night celebrates Guy Fawkes

and his gang being stopped fromblowing up Parliament.

How about Hallowe’en?Old festivals were used by the Churchfor Christian celebrations and the 31st of October became the feast of

‘All Hallows Eve’ or ‘Hallowe’en’. Many think we imported the

way we celebrate Hallowe’en fromAmerica, butdressing up

(guising),knocking ondoors and

carrying carvedturnips lit withcandles

started here.

Do you know why we celebrate Bonfire Night and Hallowe’en?

Apple bobbing is a traditional Halloweengame enjoyed by everyone. You don’tneed anything more than a bowl oftepid water ¾ full and big enough forat least one head to fit in and a fewapples.Each player must keep their handsbehind their back while they try tograb an apple in their teeth. They have20 seconds to do this while watcherscount ‘1000 one, 1000 two...’ while theplayer is dunking. The person whocatches an apple the quickest is the winner!

Name: Age:Address:

Post code: Tel no.:Number of apples

There are a number of apples bobbing up in this edition of TheKey. See how many you can find (not including this page) andyou could be one of our 25 lucky Happy Halloween winners!We have 25 £5 vouchers to give away to 25 lucky children. Just completeand return the competition reply slip and return it to Meyler House (full addresson back page) by Friday 7th November 2014. The Tenants’ Panel will drawthe names of the winners out of the hat on Monday 10 November 2014.Rules of entry – The competition is open to children who on 10th November2014 are under the age of 13 years and have a parent or guardian who is acurrent tenant of Pembrokeshire Housing. Only 1 entry per child please.

Apple bobbing fun for friends and family!FUN AND GAMES

Halloween fun and competition


Apple bobbing fun for friends and family!

In early August an enthusiastic group ofyoungsters gave up an hour of their time during the school holidays to help clear litter in Freemans View, Merlins Bridge.

The weather stayed kind and everyone agreed it wasamazing how much litter was collected in just sixty minutes.

All those taking part were rewarded with a PembrokeshireHousing ‘Goody-Bag’.

If you would like to arrange a Litter-pick in your area orstreet please contact Robin Ashton (Tenant Involvement &Community Investment Officer) or your local Area Officer.

Many thanks to all the children who took part.

TV and XBox turned off? Then ready,get set and start picking litter!

Children help in clean up



Christmas Hamper Draw

Name:Address:

Post code: Tel no.: email:I will be 60 years or older by 7th November 2014. Please enter meinto the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Hamper Prize Draw.

Signed

Rules of entry The Senior Citizens’ Christmas HamperDraw is open to all people who are tenants of PembrokeshireHousing and aged 60 or older on 7th November 2014. Onlyone entry per qualifying person please. Please sendto Meyler House (address on back cover).

NB: photograph shown here isfor illustrative purposes only;

the number and type of itemsincluded in the hamper will differ.

Senior Citizens’ Christmas Hamper DrawWe have FIVE lovely festiveChristmas Hampers to give away!If you are 60 years or older then this isyour chance to enter our free Prize Draw.Please return your entry form no later than12.00 noon, Friday 7th November.There will be FIVE winners … one from eachof our five areas and their names will bepublished in the winter edition of The Key.The winners will be drawn ‘out of the hat’ bymembers of the Tenants Panel on Monday10th November and hampers will bedelivered well in time for Christmas!

Sharon Jenkins Clayton Gobbi Helen Nicholas

Clear rent accounts rewarded

The BIG THANK YOU prizedraw is our way of saying thankyou to all our customers who paytheir rent regularly and on time!

15 of our customers with aCLEAR RENTACCOUNT will win£25 each and onelucky person will wina whopping £250 inthe Big Thank YouPrize draw inDecember.


...the Big Thank You Prize Draw

There are 16 VERY BIGreasons to payyour rent on time,it is called...

TOP PRIZE

£250 All customers with a clear rent account will be included

automatically in the prize draw. So if you have a clear rent account onSunday 21st December 2014 you could be a WINNER!

Good luck and don’t miss out on winning up to £250!

Do you need help with benefits or money advice?If you need any advice or assistance with

applying for benefits or maximising your income,please give our team a call

Our friendlybenefits andmoney advisorsare ready to talkto you on 01437763688 or774703 orFreephone0800 854568

Your news round-up


....that the Fire Service do notjust react to emergency calls butalso give advice on preventingfires in the home to keep you safe.

If you would like some advice or would like to arrangea FREE ‘Home Fire Safety Check’ call 0800 169 1234 oremail: [email protected] or book a visit online at www.mawwfire.gov.uk

On Friday 14th November Children in Need(CiN) is back and asking Britain to get baking oneof the Nation’s favourite cakes to help make adifference to young lives in the UK.

So be a baking hero by holding a ‘bake sale’ of yourchosen cake to support the 2014 Appeal. To find out how you

or your Tenants & Residents Association can support CiN by organising your ownfundraising event please visit: www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk

BBC Children in Need 2014

FREE Home fire Safety Checks

Have you had your FREE flu jab yet?It’s that time of year when flu beginsto circulate again and thousands of

people who are in the ‘at riskgroup’ of flu’s serious sideeffects are not protecting

themselves with the FREE flu jab.‘At risk groups’ are those aged 65 or

over, pregnant women and people withcertain long term health conditions. Parents of children

aged 2, 3 or 4, and those in school Year 7, can have their child vaccinated forfree – in the form of a nasal spray. Check with your GP for when they arearranging flu jabs and get protected! You can find out more by visitingwww.beatflu.org.uk or www.curwchffliw.org.uk, or on twitter and Facebook.

Your Home, Your Say

Our regulatory assessment update


Pembrokeshire Housing will shortly undergo aRegulatory Assessment by the Welsh Government.

The purpose of the assessment is to make sure that the Association has sound governance, a strong financial backing and is delivering the services customers want and meeting need in the community.

We will let you know the outcome of our assessment in a future edition of The Key and on our website: www.pembs-ha.co.uk.

All Wales tenant satisfaction surveyHundreds of our tenants were selected totake part in the recent ‘All Wales CustomersSatisfaction Survey’.

If you were one of those selected, a big thank you for taking part, sharing your views and providing valuable feedback!

Pembrokeshire Housing,Pembrokeshire County Council,Cantref and our tenants arestarting work on developing thenext joint Local TenantParticipation Strategy forPembrokeshire.

If you would like to have your sayand share your ideas, please join us!For more information and details aboutmeetings, please contact: [email protected] or telephone 01437 763688 / 0800 854568.

BBC Children in Need 2014 Joint Local Tenant Participation StrategyYour Home,Your Say!

Have you had your FREE flu jab yet?

Getting about our National Park


By post or in person: Meyler House, St Thomas Green, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1QPBy phone: 01437 763688 or 01437 774703Freephone: 0800 854568Minicom: 01437 774768email: [email protected] Housing Online: Open all hours on www.pembs-ha.co.uk forinformation, ordering repairs or to pay rent.

Your quarterly rent statement is enclosed, if you have any problems with rent issues pleasecontact your Area Officer who will be pleased to assist.

It’s so easy to contact us:

Pembrokeshire’s beautiful locations are being opened up to allowpeople of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Accompanied by Park Rangers our sheltered housing tenants were invited toexplore the National Park and find out what it has to offer. The tenants visitedmany wonderful locations that once might have been difficult to access and arenow encouraged to visit other local beauty spots that were previously out of bounds.

We had very interesting days out, lots of fresh air and ahistory lesson all in one with very knowledgeable guides...Maisie Jakeway, De Clare Court tenant

The Key Autumn 2014

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Transcript of The Key Autumn 2014