Last call for Newlon Star Awards!
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Home Owners’ Newsletter Autumn 2015
Last call for Newlon Star Awards!
What’s inside...
It’s your last chance to nominate an exceptional resident who has made
Events in your area a difference to their community, or helped us improve how we are run.
Forum update If the person you nominate wins an award you will
be entered into a prize draw to win £300 in vouchers.
You said, we did
It will only take a short while to complete the nomination
Kids’ quiz STAR form. The deadline to nominate is Sunday, 4th October.
Awards
Go to www.newlon.org.uk/newlon-star-awards.
THIS IS THE CMYK VERSION OF THE LOGO FOR
DIAMOND TO USE ON DIGITAL PRESS
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at @NewlonHT
Residents’ Forum
Martin Hughes, Chair, writes:
At the last Forum a number of topics were discussed:
l Wates Living Space, the new repairs and maintenance contractor, introduced themselves
and explained how they would improve the repairs service. Their contract is based
on seven promises, including increased resident satisfaction. Although it is early days,
satisfaction has improved.
l Since the restructure the Service Centre has been handling more housing related calls
rather than passing them to other teams. The Knowledge Base, with articles about
common queries, is also available on Newlon’s website.
l The latest performance update showed that the percentage of repairs completed on
time has increased, although it is still below target. It is hoped this will improve with the
new repairs contract.
l The Forum agreed an expenses and support policy for residents who get involved with
Newlon, making it clearer how they can claim and to reduce barriers to involvement.
It was agreed that Newlon would provide care costs to enable residents with caring
responsibilities to participate.
l An update was provided about progress on Newlon’s Digital Inclusion Strategy. Its aim is for
most residents to engage with us digitally and it set out how we would try to achieve that.
Good news about our new way of working
In April 2015 we introduced our new way of working. As satisfaction since April. Satisfaction with the helpfulness
part of this we changed from having Housing Management of staff and that enquiries have been dealt with first time
Officers to introducing specialist teams to work on specific has increased significantly. This is supported by the data
service areas – such as estate inspections and lettings. We we collect from our new software which shows that since
also increased the number of staff in our Service Centre and April more than 830 enquiries which previously would have
invested in new software so that we can record, track and had to be passed from our Service Centre to another team
allocate resident’s enquiries more effectively. have been dealt with at the first point of contact. This saves
time for residents and ensures our staff can spend more
The good news is that the new approach is working well. time working on delivering services rather than handling
We regularly carry out satisfaction surveying with our enquiries passed from one department to another.
residents and this has shown a considerable increase in
You said, we did Readers’ Panel feedback
Online involvement Our Readers’ Panel were given copies of recent editions of Newlon
News to let us know what they liked, and ways to improve it. As a
Newlon are piloting ways to involve result of their feedback we have included the following:
residents online. Residents told us this
was the best way to encourage them l In the last edition of the Home Owners’ newsletter there was
to have a say. They told us that their a longer ‘events in your area’ section compared to previous
biggest barrier to getting involved was working full-time. editions. This was supposed to be a one-off, summer special.
However, after positive feedback we will continue dedicating
These were two compelling reasons to explore new ways of online more space to events.
involvement. So we’ve used the ‘Meetup’ mobile app to arrange a
planning meeting for a small number of Hackney residents living l Any essential information will be at the start of the
in the same block, who wanted to explore resident involvement newsletter, with events and less vital information later on.
opportunities and a possible gardening project.
l We are pleased that the new design has gone down well,
You can download the app from iTunes or Google Play – it’s a useful so we will maintain this style.
way to organise meetings and get in touch with other residents.
If you have a good command of the English language
We think there are benefits for both residents and us with and an eye for detail, then you can join the Readers’ Panel.
online involvement like this. We’ll let you know in future how Please contact Judith Perry at getinvolved@newlon.org.uk
things progress. or on 020 7613 6892.
2
Handy information
for Home Owners
Lease extensions
Hale Village Summer
If you are a Leaseholder and you have 80 years
or less remaining on your lease, we would Party a success!
encourage you to think about extending it. Hundreds of residents and their families
For further information and advice you can also visit came along to the Hale Village Summer
www.lease-advice.org and read their information on lease Party on Saturday 8th August. Organised by
extensions. It is also worth seeking independent financial
the Engine Room, community groups and
advice before you consider a lease extension.
residents, with part-funding from Newlon,
If you would like to extend your lease then please contact it was a big success on a sunny day.
Olubukola Adedokun-Abiiba on 020 7613 7480, who will
be able to guide you through the process. You can also Staff from both our Resident Involvement team and
email resident.sales@newlon.org.uk. Newlon Fusion, our community regeneration partner,
set up stalls to promote their support and employment
advice work and ways to get involved with Newlon.
Making home improvements There was a host of other activities on the day, including
face painting and a bouncy castle, and Living Under
One Sun provided some very tasty food.
In addition we announced the Balconies in Bloom
competition winners. The results are as follows:
Best small balcony
– Angela Christian
Best large balcony and most innovative balcony space
– Angela Cairns
If you are planning on making improvements Best edible balcony space and best overall design
to your home you should seek our permission, – Ruth Gidley
to ensure you are not breaking any building Want to find our more about getting involved
regulations and to make sure you meet the and activities we are running?
requirements of our insurance policy. Email getinvolved@newlon.org.uk.
We will usually agree to improvements being carried out
to your home as long as:
l The work does not break any condition of your lease.
l It is carried out by an appropriately qualified contractor.
l We have received a full schedule of the planned work
and drawings were necessary.
l You have got planning permission where appropriate
and keep to building regulations.
l The structure of your home will not be endangered
by the planned work.
l We are allowed to come to inspect during the works
or after completion.
l The works are carried out during reasonable hours.
If you are planning to make improvements please
contact the Service Centre on 020 7613 8080 or
email customerservice@newlon.org.uk.
3Get involved Case study:
with us! A day in
Resident Liaison
Representative the life of a
Concierge
Newlon is looking for individuals that would like
to become a Resident Liaison Representative
(RLR). The RLR accompanies a staff Estate
Inspector and carries out monthly or quarterly In the Concierge office every day provides
estate inspections. various challenges for Phil and his team
to tackle.
You can inspect your own estate, but if you live on an estate
or street where there are no regular inspections you can A typical day begins at 8am where the handover from the night
inspect neighbouring estates. For completing a one hour staff takes place. Any issues which have occurred overnight are
inspection you will receive £25 in gift vouchers. discussed. The Concierge are then able to follow these up and
report back to Newlon if further action is required.
This is a great way to take a leading role in the assessment
of your estate and draw attention to things important to you. The day is mainly comprised of patrols to ensure the smooth
Your involvement is a vital part of ensuring where you live is running of the site and to prevent and deal with any problems
a safe and clean place to call home. which may arise. When Phil is not out on patrol he can be found
in the Concierge office monitoring the large number of CCTV
The next Resident Liaison Representative training course cameras in operation.
will be held on Monday 19th October, from 10am to 1pm,
at Newlon House, 4 Daneland Walk, Hale Village, N17 9FE. The team also carry out daily and weekly health and safety
checks across the site to ensure residents, visitors and
staff remain safe and secure, and place orders for any
communal repairs.
Mystery shopping On top of all of this the team have to manage any deliveries to
the site and assist contractors to ensure they have access to
At Newlon we take customer satisfaction very
everything they require. This dynamic role requires interaction
seriously. As a result we are looking for residents with a wide range of residents. Phil finds the most rewarding
who want to become Mystery Shoppers. aspect of the job is helping these people to resolve any
problems they have.
As a Mystery Shopper you will measure how well we deliver
our customer service through telephone calls or via email. The most demanding aspect of the job for Phil is dealing
This is all done from the comfort of your home. The feedback with anti-social behaviour. He needs to be quick thinking
you provide will be used to improve the services we provide. and resourceful to ensure the wide ranging issues are
dealt with effectively and efficiently.
Mystery Shoppers must be able to recall the customer
experience they received and keep an open mind when If you have any queries relating to the Concierge team, then
evaluating things. It is important to be professional, objective email our Service Centre at customerservice@newlon.org.uk or
and non-biased when evaluating the service. call 020 7613 8080.
Good communication skills are essential, you must be a
good listener and will need to report back to us by filling
in a survey after each exercise. Each exercise will last about
one hour, for which you will receive £30 in gift vouchers.
Before you can become a Mystery Shopper you will need
to come along to a training event. The next one will be
held on Wednesday 21st October, from 6pm to 8.30pm
at Newlon House.
To find out more about these opportunities contact
Judith Perry by emailing getinvolved@newlon.org.uk
or calling 020 7613 6892.
4Events in your area
Big Fish Little Fish spooky
themed Family Rave
When? 18th Oct
Where? Shapes, Hackney Wick, E9
Cost? £8.50 (adult); £5.50 (child); pre-walkers free
Warehouse venue Shapes plays host to a Halloween themed
family rave. Big name DJs play grown-up dance music on the
multi-sensory dancefloor with glitter cannons, bubbles and giant
parachute dance. Includes Happy Monkey craft tables with giant
mural, themed crafts, playdoh table, a play area with tents and
tunnels, and a baby chillout space with mats and a small ball pool.
The event also has a licensed bar, a cake stall and savoury food,
with free transfers, glowsticks and goodie bag at the end.
www.bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk/events/shapes-hackney-
wick-london-18th-october
Archway with Words African, Caribbean &
When? 10th – 18th Oct 2015 cultural family fun day
Where? Archway, N19
Cost? Prices vary When? 24th Oct
Where? Bruce Castle Park Pavilion, N17
Archway with Words is an annual nine-day festival featuring Cost? Free
acclaimed authors, eminent scientists, historians, poets,
comics, film-makers, singers, rappers and musicians. This event is open to the community to come together, learn
and celebrate black history. There will be local businesses,
The work of young and emerging artists are also showcased, organisations, charities, designers and artists providing
plus there are opportunities to get involved, meet the information, stalls, arts, crafts and decorative items. There will
participants and let your creativity blossom in writing also be raffle prizes and refreshments, and live entertainment
workshops and singing opportunities. from unsigned artists.
www.archwaywithwords.com Email designsbysuzanne01@hotmail.com
for more information
Of Riders and
Running Horses Handa’s Surprise
When? 26th – 30th Oct
When? 18th October
Where? Jackson’s Lane, N6
Where? Bernie Grant Arts Centre, N15
Cost? £9.95
Cost? £20 (£10 for Tottenham residents)
Performed outdoors at night, Of Riders and Running Horses As part of Little Angel Theatre, travel to Kenya follow in Handa’s
draws viewers into an exhilarating and visceral ad hoc footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the
ceremony. It conjures up a new kind of old dance to animate next village. Handa is taking 7 delicious fruits as a surprise –
city spaces. but 7 different animals have 7 very different ideas.
Created by Still House for six female dancers and a live band, A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and
the performers dance to an insistent rhythm, reminding us of song combine to create an intimate, magical production with
the exhilarating power that comes from moving together. audience participation. For children aged 2 – 6.
www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk/index.php/what-s-on/ www.jacksonslane.org.uk/whats-on/event/2015/
252-of-riders-and-running-horses handas-surprise
5Big Fun Run 2015: EFG London Jazz Festival:
Victoria Park Jazz for toddlers
When? 1st Nov When? 21st Nov
Where? Victoria Park, E9 Where? Discover Children’s Story Centre, E15
Cost? £11.99 (Concessions £9.99) Cost? £5
Run for fitness, charity or fun. The event isn’t timed and is all For children aged 2 - 5, this workshop series is led by clarinettist
about runners getting together with friends and family, doing Arun Ghosh alongside percussionist Nao Masuda. Proving you
something healthy, raising money for a worthwhile cause and are never too young to be a jazzer. Enjoy music and moves
enjoying the great outdoors. in a jazz groove, with ideas to take away and try at home.
Workshops are approximately 50 minutes long.
www.bigfunrun.com/victoria-park
www.discover.org.uk/whatson/event/jazz-for-toddlers
Hampstead Heath Conker
Championship 2015 Black History Comedy Night
When? 30th Oct
When? 4th Oct Where? Walthamstow Assembly Hall, E17
Where? Hampstead Heath, NW3 Cost? TBC
Cost? Free
Following a sell-out night of comedy at Walthamstow Assembly
Hampstead Heath’s annual Heritage Festival celebrates the Hall in October 2014, this year Walthamstow Assembly Hall is
social and natural history of the Heath, but the big event is hosting another night of comedy and music to celebrate Black
the world’s largest conker championship, as certified by History Month. Full line up and ticket prices will be available
Guinness World Records, at 3pm. Categories for all ages, soon. Check the website for updates.
children and adults. Other events include bee-keeping,
spinning and weaving, wood-turning and Victorian games. www.walthamforest.gov.uk/Pages/Campaigns/
Black-History-Comedy-Night.aspx
http://local.mumsnet.com/camden/other-local-
events/286951-hampstead-heath-heritage-festival
Urban Food Fest
Family Day: Hallowe’en, When? Every Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Where? Euro Car Parks, 162-167 Shoreditch High Street, E1
with Joshua Seigal Cost? Free
When? 18th October Conveniently located near Shoreditch High Street station,
Where? Keats House, NW3 the Urban Food Fest features over a dozen street food trucks
Cost? Free and stalls which regularly change. Global gourmet street food
is served alongside a bar with craft beers, cider, cocktails, plus
Taking place at Keats House in Hampstead, meet performance
live musicians and outdoor seating.
poet Joshua Seigal at this free event for tales of ghosties and
ghoulies, pumpkins and witches - and make up some of your www.urbanfoodfest.com
own. All ages welcome.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/attractions-around-
london/keats-house/Pages/whats-on.aspx
Flamingo Fairs:
Vintage and more
Hoop Family Fete When? 10th Oct
Where? Wanstead Library, E11
When? 3rd Oct Cost? Free
Where? 277a Upper Street, N1
Cost? Free Bargains galore from local artists and craftspeople.
With vintage & shabby chic furniture, haberdashery
A day of family fun. Sparky Songs, Little Angel Theatre, Creation and jewellery. Children welcome.
Station, Cracking the Egg Kids Magic Show, Kids with Brains,
and more family friendly activities will be happening all day. http://local.mumsnet.com/redbridge/festivals/
Cakes and tea will also be available. 406952-flamingo-fairs-vintage-more-fair
Contact hello@hoop.co.uk for more information.
6Museum of London:
Explore Forty Hall Estate Free half term events
When? 14th Oct
When? 24th – 31st Oct
Where? Forty Hall, EN2
Where? Museum of London, EC2Y
Cost? £5
Cost? Free
The estate surrounding Forty Hall is of historical
A series of events throughout half term with children aged 11
significance and recently subject to a major restoration
and under, involving crafts, storytelling and drama for families,
project, funded by Enfield Council and the Heritage
all about making do and mending through the ages.
Lottery Fund.
Includes Woven Creations – where you can try your hand at
Join Principal Landscape Architect Chris Laine from LDA
finger weaving, War time food – create a ration book and learn
design as he tours the grounds to explain how the parkland
about wartime recipes, and Soap and Suds – learning about
was restored, and points out major project highlights
how families made their own soap and creating your own.
including the Ornamental Pond and Mound, and the
See the website for full listings.
18th century Pleasure Grounds.
www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands/whats-on/
www.fortyhallestate.co.uk/whats-on/events/
family-events/half-term
explore_forty_hall_estate
Chickenshed Family
Fun Day
When? 4th October
Where? Chickenshed Theatre, N14
Cost? Free entry (small charge for some activities)
Chickenshed welcomes everyone to their annual autumn
fundraiser – the Family Fun Day. Every year they need to raise
money to continue making a positive change to the lives of
many children, young people and adults.
Come and enjoy an exciting range of activities, including a 3km
fun run, zorbing, interactive games and prizes, a bouncy castle,
fancy-dress competition, live music and more. Please note that
you should register for the fun run in advance.
Centre of the Cell: www.chickenshed.org.uk/funrun
Vicious Vampires,
Microscopic Monsters
and Deadly Diseases If you want to advertise an event you are holding,
or let us know about one taking place in your area
When? 26th, 28th and 30th Oct
that you think other residents may be interested in,
Where? Blizzard Institute, E1
Cost? Adults £7 / Children £5
email kieran.hurley@newlon.org.uk.
This half term get ready for Halloween at Centre of the Cell.
Each session starts in a cell-shaped Pod, suspended over
the laboratories of the Blizzard Institute.
You’ll then take part the Vicious Vampires, Microscopic Help with the Barnsbury
Monsters and Deadly Diseases show, where you will be tested
on your knowledge for defeating these Halloween nasties. Estate community garden
Explore how vampire bats are able to suck your blood, how Do you live on the Barnsbury estate? You may have seen
many teeth a werewolf has, how to spot disease-causing groups of volunteers work on the green space behind the
viruses, and how Dr. Frankenstein could build a monster Barnsbury Community Centre. The team at Barnsbury are
out of cells. Halloween costumes encouraged. hoping to create a community garden that will be available for
all to enjoy. With a completion deadline for the end of October
This family event is suitable for children and teenagers aged 7 or we are looking for resident volunteers who want to help finish it.
over. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Book in advance.
For those interested please contact Jenefa Khanom on
www.centreofthecell.org/events 07557 433916 or jenefa.khanom@newlonfusion.org.uk.
7Kids’ Quiz!
Below are 8 words which are all to do
with Halloween. The first and last letters
in each word are in the right place, but the
rest of the letters are not. See if you can
unscramble them!
1) BOTIMORSCK 5) HENATUD
2) COWBEBS 6) SOPOKY
3) PIMKPUN 7) VIPRAME
4) MILOGNHOT 8) LERTNAN
Please email your answers to kieran.hurley@newlon.org.uk, with the
words Kids’ Quiz in the title, along with your name, age and address.
Or post them to Newlon Kids’ Quiz, Newlon House, 4 Daneland Walk,
Hale Village, N17 9FE.
You can enter the quiz if you are aged 11 or under. Answers must be
received by Friday, 6th November 2015. All correct entries will go into
a draw, and two lucky winners will get a £15 gift card or equivalent in
vouchers for a high street or online store of their choice.
Winners
Congratulations to Aysha and Harley, both from
Islington, who won the summer newsletter
competition, and will each receive a £15 gift card.
Write for your newsletter
Do you have an idea for an article for this newsletter? We welcome articles from residents of all ages. If we publish it we will
send you £20 in vouchers of your choice! Send your article idea to kieran.hurley@newlon.org.uk, or post it to Kieran Hurley,
Newlon Housing Trust, 4 Daneland Walk, Hale Village, London, N17 9FE.
Newlon House, 4 Daneland Walk, Hale Village, London, N17 9FE
Telephone: 020 7613 8080
Email (general enquiries): customerservice@newlon.org.uk
Email (repairs): repairs@newlon.org.uk
www.newlon.org.uk
Newlon Housing Trust is a charitable Housing Association
If you have difficulty reading this newsletter, require a different
format or need help with translation, please contact us on
020 7613 8091 or email newsletters@newlon.org.uk.
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