open house - winter 2014

IN THIS ISSUE...

RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER ISSUE 43 – WINTER 2014

OPEN HOUSEwww.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Page 9 Fundraising at New Derby House

0 Older People’s Day

Page 17 Panel news

Page 3 Area Panel funds football

By Chloe Haizelden, aged 8

one of the artwork winners – see inside for others

More Information?Contact: Ian FitzpatrickManaging DirectorT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

WelcomeWelcome Opening times 2

Area Panel funds football floodlights 3

When residents refuse repairs and improvements Coldcall warning 4

Artwork competition Sunday Funday 5

Residents playing their part White ribbon 6

Eastbourne Homes in partnership Room to Move Bedroom tax 7

Leasehold news 8

Fundraising at New Derby House Credit Union 9

Older People’s Day 10-11

Keeping escapes clear Crime prevention tips 12

Don’t let fire ruin festive cheer 13

Responsive repairs 14-15

Panel news 16-19

CONTENTS

02 www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Winter 2014OPEN HOUSE

Since taking up my new role at Eastbourne Homes, I have been struck by the fantastic contributions being made by so many of our residents.

Once again, our residents have achieved some fantastic work in the community, including the Sunday Funday and Older People’s Day to name but a few. Your continued support for local events and charities demonstrates the community spirit of our residents, wanting to make a difference and helping others, not just within the areas that you live.

Over the coming months we will be preparing for the move into the council

offices at 1 Grove Road. While this will reduce costs, you will not see a change to the high level of services you receive from us. As we get nearer to the move we will send out further details.

I would like to thank you all for your continued support and engagement with Eastbourne Homes.

On behalf of the Board and myself, ‘seasons greetings’ to you all.

Ian Fitzpatrick, Managing Director

IN THIS ISSUE...

RESIDENTS’ NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 43 – WINTER 2014OPEN HOUSE www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Page 9

Fundraising at

New Derby

House

Page 10Older People’s Day

Page 17Panel news

Page 3Area Panel

funds football

By Chloe Haizelden, aged 8

one of the artwork winners – see inside for others

The front cover shows one of our artwork winners.

Ian Fitzpatrick

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @ebnhomes and also on Facebook – just search for Eastbourne Homes Ltd.

Opening times over Christmas The Eastbourne Homes office at Ivy House will close its doors at 1.00pm on Christmas Eve and re-open at 9.00am on Friday 2 January.

Customers will still be able to call our 24-hour repairs line, which will remain open throughout the Christmas period.

STEPS customers will continue to receive a limited service outside of public holidays.

More Information?Contact: Ian FitzpatrickManaging DirectorT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

03www.eastbournehomes.org.uk www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Area Panel funds football floodlights

The Panel, which distributes money on behalf of Eastbourne Homes to local causes to improve neighbourhoods, gave the money to enable Albion in the Community sport sessions to run all year in local parks and multi-use games areas.

As part of a special get-together to celebrate the funding, young footballers had the opportunity to meet Brighton and Hove Albion player Solly March at Seaside Rec. Solly is from the Eastbourne area and is particularly popular with budding footballers.

As part of the initiative, a turn-up-and-play session was held at Eastbourne Sports Park during half term.

Sarah Roberts, Community Initiatives Officer at Eastbourne Homes, said: “This was the second year of

the free football programme and it’s proved to be a big success with both boys and girls. The sessions give youngsters somewhere to go and have reduced anti-social behaviour. We were pleased that Central & Archery Area Panel decided to support the sports sessions.”

Cllr Bannister, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “It is wonderful that Central & Archery Area Panel has funded new floodlights for this initiative. Albion in the Community has been very popular over the last year and has done some great work with our young people. The floodlights will ensure that sessions can continue even in the dark winter nights, giving young people somewhere to go.”

The organisations who help fund these sessions are Places for People, Amicus Horizon, Raglan Housing Association, Police Crime Commissioner and Premier League Kicks.

For more information and to register for a free session, please call 07921 253085 or email [email protected]

Young footballers at the celebration event

Regular sessions are held at:

Willingdon Trees MUGA (multi-use games area) – Mondays 5.00pm to 6.00pm

Archery Rec – Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Shinewater Park MUGA – Wednesdays 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Tugwell Park – Thursdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Kingsmere MUGA – Fridays 6.00pm to 7.00pm

Ocklynge Junior School MUGA – Fridays 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Solly March signs a shirt for his fans

Central & Archery Area Panel has donated £4,000 to fund floodlights for a free football initiative across the town.

When residents refuse repairs and improvementsThe Decent Homes programme has delivered repairs and improvements to the homes of many tenants and leaseholders over the last seven years. Residents have benefited from work such as new windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, wiring, roofing and external repairs.



The Decent Homes Standard still remains a key performance area. The challenge is to ensure that 100% of the housing stock continues to be maintained at that level or above.

Repairs and improvements are occasionally refused by residents for all sorts of valid reasons such as ill health, a family bereavement or perhaps because they want to keep the existing fixtures and fittings. These repairs still have to be undertaken at some point in the future. And if a resident refuses work that makes a property unsafe, then, if necessary, a court injunction will be obtained to allow the work to go ahead.

A register was created to monitor the number of residents refusing work and the reasons for refusing it.

Two years ago there were over 250 properties on the refusals register; there are now only 36. This reduction has been achieved by keeping in touch with residents and organising the work when their circumstances change.

In some cases properties had to be made safe by carrying out temporary repairs and then the permanent repairs at a later date. Other properties have been dealt with by completing the repairs when properties have become vacant.

Any tenant who previously refused a written offer for repairs or improvements, but would now like the work to proceed, should contact Kirsty Everton on 01323 436481 and the case will be reviewed.

Beware of coldcallers

Some firms claim to have obtained a resident’s name through their utility company and say a representative will call to discuss their scheme further. They then ask for money upfront, before promising to arrange funding and home improvement installations.

Genuine firms should never ask you to part with your money in this way, so make sure the company you are dealing with is legitimate.

If in doubt, or to report a suspicious coldcaller, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506 for advice.

Residents are being warned about companies which coldcall people and offer to help them obtain government-backed home improvements.


Christmas artwork competitionWe were really pleased to receive your wonderful artwork submissions. The winners’ artwork has been used on the front cover of Open House and the corporate e-Christmas card.

The winners are:

Chloe Haizelden

Ruth Bevilacqua

Chantal Brown

Congratulations to you all.

The Sunday Funday at Sevenoaks Park in Langney raised nearly £800 for local charities, including Tuesday O’ Hara, Polegate Children’s Charity and Eastbourne Epilepsy Charity.

A variety of activities were on offer to keep all the family entertained, including arena displays by Stix Drummers and Willingdon Dancers, as well as a children’s entertainer.

There was also a Fun Dog Show run by Chase Vets, which gave owners an opportunity to display their canines in five different categories.

Sarah Roberts, Community Initiatives Officer from Eastbourne Homes, said: “All the Area Panels worked hard to put this event on and it was a fantastic day. It was well supported by the local community and we raised an impressive amount for charity as well.”

Successful Funday for Eastbourne Homes Area PanelsAn afternoon of fun hosted by the Eastbourne Homes Area Panels proved to be a big hit.

Sunday Funday



Residents playing their part A big thank you from Eastbourne Homes Neighbourhood Management Team to residents for your time and support in providing us with information that helps us resolve anti-social behaviour.

In the cases where individuals do not change their behaviour, Eastbourne Homes has been able to present solid evidence to the County Court. Judges have issued injunctions with the power of arrest, exclusion orders and eviction warrants, which they will not do if the evidence is not there.

This is all down to the time you have put into recording incidents, completing statements and attending court. Our close working relationship with Sussex Police, particularly the Neighbourhood Policing Team, has also been instrumental in this success.

We have been working together on various initiatives, including support for student police officers in their final weeks of training.

Under the Police Partnership Scheme, student police officers have been shadowing our Neighbourhood Management Team as they visit properties in the local community. The placements form part of their assessment programme to become a police officer and help them understand how the police work with their partner organisations.

James Leathers, Neighbourhood Manager for Eastbourne Homes, said: “The team enjoy showing the student police officers the breadth of work we do and how partnership

working can really help tackle a range of issues. The Police Partnership Scheme is beneficial for us, the police and the community.”

Student officer Leone Giancarlo said: “The time I spent with Eastbourne Homes was very useful. Shadowing the Neighbourhood Officers has given me a really good insight into the local communities and the issues that affect them. It has shown me the great partnerships that have been built up between agencies and their communities and how they work together to solve local issues.”

If you would like to report an incident or concern, please contact Eastbourne Homes on 01323 436436 or email [email protected]

All reports are treated in the strictest confidence.

Eastbourne Homes believes you should not be out of pocket when you attend or provide evidence at court to support our action. We will cover travel costs providing we see receipts.£

Would you like to know more about the Mediation Plus service? Please contact us. Your Neighbourhood Officer will meet you and explain how mediation might work for you.

Violence against women happens more than you think. It’s mostly committed by men. We won’t stand for it. The white ribbon campaign in Eastbourne is growing and we want your support. We’re a group of men who know that there’s never an excuse for violence against women. We pledge never to condone it, or to stand by when we know it’s happening. We’re part of a worldwide movement. There are thousands of us. Join us. Stand with us.

Visit www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk today and sign the pledge to show your commitment. Look out for the white ribbon stall at events around Eastbourne.

Student officer Leone Giancarlo

Eastbourne Homes in partnershipWe have an exciting year ahead developing our Eastbourne Homes in partnership offer to ensure we can provide high-quality services to residents in Eastbourne.

Eastbourne Homes and Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) are already working much closer together in developing the ‘Future Model’ and EBC consulted with you on this earlier in the year. The changes that we are making aim to make things easier, simpler and more efficient for you.

Part of the plan to improve services and reduce our costs includes closing the Ivy Terrace office and joining our EBC colleagues at 1 Grove Road. We have started this already, with 12 corporate services staff now based at the Council. We plan to move all staff by the end of March 2015 and EBC is redesigning the reception area to make it a warm, friendly and accessible space.

The advantage for residents will be that you will have more of a ‘one stop shop’ for your services and won’t have to go to two separate offices if you have queries.

We will keep you updated via our website and through the Area Panels.


Room to Move is a matching event for Eastbourne Homes tenants who want to exchange homes.

The first event was held at the Town Hall and attracted tenants who need a larger home, matching them with tenants who are looking to downsize to a smaller property.

James Leathers, Eastbourne Homes’ Neighbourhood Manager, said: “Some people who have been hit hard by the changes to the benefits

system want to move and we’re keen to help them. At the same time, we have families who have a need to move to bigger properties. We wanted to help these people meet and find an exchange that suits both parties.”

People took along photographs of their current property and information to swap with other tenants and Neighbourhood Officers were on hand to explain all the options and provide information about the support scheme.

Room to Move home exchange launched

Are you struggling with under occupation (bedroom tax)? Confused about Universal Credit? Worried about transferring onto Personal Independence Payments from Disability Living Allowance?

The East Sussex Benefits Helpline can help you. This service is for working-aged people who need advice.

Contact the service on 0333 344 0681 or email [email protected]

A new home matching scheme has been launched by Eastbourne Homes.

PARTNERSHIP

Contact usEastbourne Homes’ Customer Contact Centre is able to help with general leasehold enquiries, payments and balance enquiries. Please call 01323 436436.

Don’t forgetYou can view your account online via the self-service portal. To register, please go to www.eastbournehomes.org.uk/ssp

StatementsStatements for residents’ service charge accounts were sent in October and major works reserve fund accounts are being sent during December. If you did not receive your statement, please contact us so that we can re-send it. Don’t forget you can view your account at any time via our self-service portal.

Estimated accountsYour estimated account for 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2016 will be sent to you in March 2015. Estimates are calculated based on the actual charges from the previous five years and include any known, or predicted, increases or decreases in costs. Your estimated invoice is due for payment in two equal instalments; the first instalment should be paid by 28th April 2015 and the second by 28th October 2015. If you pay by direct debit, you can pay over 12 monthly instalments.

Leasehold newsMore Information?Contact: Karen TrumperLeasehold AdministratorT: 01323 436436 E: [email protected]

The SIP follows an independent review of leasehold services which Eastbourne Homes commissioned last year. The review was undertaken by consultants The Housing Quality Network (HQN) who made 33 recommendations on how Eastbourne Homes could improve management services to its mixed tenure portfolio.

These recommendations are being addressed in the SIP, which should be completed by August 2015. You can view HQN’s report and the progress that is being made on the SIP by logging into the leaseholder section of our website or use the link http://www.eastbournehomes.org.uk/my-home/leaseholders/

Service Improvement Plan for Leasehold ManagementEarlier this year Eastbourne Homes started work on a Service Improvement Plan (SIP) to develop and improve the way in which we manage leaseholds within our mixed tenure blocks.




Credit Unions provide a safer alternative to loan sharks if you really need to access money and can’t get a loan from a high street bank. By saving with a Credit Union you can also help your money sustain and grow.

The more people who save with them, the more the Credit Union will be able to offer loans to local people who may have been refused elsewhere. This helps to combat poverty and keeps local money local.

The East Sussex Credit Union has a representative at the Council’s Customer Contact Centre at 1 Grove Road every Tuesday from 10.00am until 1.00pm.

They can also be contacted on 01273 234 858 or visit the website at www.eastsussexcu.org.uk

East Sussex Credit Union

Do you need to save money or apply for a loan?

New Derby House residents, staff and guests in fundraising mood

Fundraising at New Derby House

The event was held at New Derby House as part of the Cancer Research ‘Become a BBQ Hero’ fundraising scheme.

Kevin Pearce-Biggs, on-site co-ordinator at New Derby House, said: “We wanted to support our local Cancer Research shop and had a great day. Special thanks go to the

residents of New Derby House who worked really hard to help put on the event.

“We’d also like to say a special thank you to Ella Kenward who’s put in years of hard work as secretary and treasurer of our social club.”

Eastbourne Homes residents and staff raised £300 for Cancer Research.



More than 50 tenants, their friends and families gathered at Eastbourne Homes-managed New Derby House to celebrate Older People’s Day.

Guests were treated to performances by Sheik Delight belly dancers and singing from Chris Little Legs. There was also an afternoon tea, a grand tombola, raffle and guess the name of the panda competition.

The afternoon was for all residents of Eastbourne Homes’ sheltered housing schemes and was organised by Inez Mepham, Lorraine Geal and Kevin Pearce-Biggs, who compered the event. Kevin and Chris Little Legs also shared a few jokes with the audience throughout the afternoon.

Celebrating Older People’s Day with residents


The celebration, which was also open to the public in Seaside, raised over £300 for St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Older People’s Services Manager, Wesley Davidson, went in the stocks and was pelted with wet sponges to help raise money.

Wesley said: “Events like this are a great way to get people together, keep active, have fun and combat isolation and loneliness. We’d like to thank all those who helped at the event, particularly the New Derby House residents and also the businesses who donated prizes for our raffle.”

Eastbourne Homes’ new Managing Director, Ian Fitzpatrick, and Head of Housing, Tracy Evans, also attended and Tim the handyman stepped in to serve tea and coffee.

Celebrating Older People’s Day with residents


www.eastbournehomes.org.uk12

OPEN HOUSE

Don’t make a present of your property

Many of the properties managed by Eastbourne Homes are in blocks of flats that have communal hallways, staircases and lobbies that must be kept clear of obstructions at all times. In the event of fire these areas provide the means of escape for occupants and access for emergency services who attend the incident.

Unfortunately, a minority of residents put others at risk by storing their belongings in communal areas, which they are not entitled to do under the terms of their tenancy agreement or lease.

Eastbourne Homes staff inspect the common parts of blocks regularly and where personal belongings are found, we attempt to find the owner to instruct them to remove the articles.

Where this is not possible, we remove and dispose of the items and afterwards we trace the owner to recover the cost of removal.

We also report incidents to East Sussex Fire and Rescue where we consider enforcement action is necessary to ensure means of escape are kept clear.

The vast majority of residents realise how important this issue is and we would like to thank them for their continued support in keeping blocks safe from fire.

Stay safe and keep it clear

Please take the following steps to help protect your car and home this Christmas:

• Never leave valuables in your car. The glove compartment is likely to be the first place thieves will look.

• Park somewhere that you will feel safe walking back to, remembering that it gets darker much earlier during winter months.

• Keep purchases out of sight when in the car or at home.

• Leave your keys in a secure place. Keys that remain visible in a coat pocket or open bag are easily snatched from them.

• Ensure doors and windows are locked at all times and use your alarm if you have one.

• Keep keys, money and phones well out of sight and out of reach of doors, windows and letterboxes. Intruders

use rods to reach bags and keys and use them to enter your home with ease. In 33% of burglaries thieves don’t have to force entry.

• If your Christmas tree is in your window remember to keep the presents away from prying eyes.

• Make your home look occupied by using timer switches on your lights and radios. If you don’t have them, ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home and draw your curtains if you are away.

• Dispose of packaging carefully. Empty boxes awaiting collection and bins full of packaging are a perfect advert for burglars.

• Be wary of anyone offering you high price goods at a cut down price. Your bargain could be someone else’s Christmas present and handling stolen goods could carry a prison sentence.

Christmas dinner, wrapping presents and decorating your home – there’s lots to think about this Christmas. But one thing East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the Fire Kills campaign are urging Eastbourne residents to put at the top of their Christmas lists this year is fire safety.

Fire statistics show that in December, 20 people a day are either killed or injured in accidental fires in the home in England. Although fire safety is important at every time of year, the extra distractions of Christmas make it especially important to be vigilant during the festive season and this is why East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care over the festive season to ensure that their families and loved ones are protected from fire.

Dave Sheppard, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Borough Commander for Eastbourne, says: “Christmas is a time for festive cheer with family and friends. But fairy lights, candles and decorations mean it is also a time to take extra care to keep our family and loved ones safe from fire.

“To ensure you have a merry Christmas, keep fire safety in mind, ensure you place candles in suitable holders and away from curtains, and never leave cooking unattended and, of course, test your smoke alarms.

‘’Everyone at Eastbourne Community Fire Station wishes you all a very happy and safe Christmas.’’

Don’t let fire ruin festive cheer

13www.eastbournehomes.org.ukwww.eastbournehomes.org.uk

RESPONSIVE REPAIRSYour Call, Your Home, Your Service

More Information?Contact: Clive StonemanRepairs Services ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

Your CallPlease remember to use the following numbers (24hrs) to report a new repair or enquire about an existing repair.

For general repairs please call: – 01323 436436For gas repairs and servicing please call: – 0800 142 2761 – 020 8763 5333

You can also contact the service by using one of the following methods to report non-urgent repairs or to enquire about an existing repair:

Internet – www.eastbournehomes.org.uk just follow the link to report a repair onlineEmail – [email protected]



Your Home

Controlling condensation within your homeWe are currently experiencing a large volume of calls from tenants reporting that their home is suffering from damp. Following investigation, we have found that the property is experiencing the effects of condensation rather than damp, caused by poor ventilation and heat control.

Remember, condensation within your home can be caused by any of the following:

• A room with increased moisture levels Through cooking, washing or drying clothes on radiators.

• Where there is insufficient heating Condensation is most likely to occur in unheated rooms

where the colder air cannot retain as much moisture and the colder surfaces encourage the droplets to form.

• Where there is inadequate ventilation Ventilation is needed to get rid of moisture which is

being produced all the time, including that from people’s breath. Keep a small window ajar or a trickle ventilator open when someone is in the room.

The normal way in which we live can contribute to the condensation problems and by following a few simple steps we can prevent, and often cure, condensation from forming in the first place. If you would like to receive an information leaflet on damp and condensation, please contact the repairs team on 01323 436436.

Remember – obtain permission before you make any changes to your home

While we rarely turn down a request to make a change, please be aware that we need to ensure your home is safe and that any works carried out are done by qualified tradesmen. You will be liable for any repairs that are required as a result of the works not being carried out correctly and you will be recharged for the full costs to rectify the changes that have been made.

Before arranging for any works to be carried out, please contact the repairs department on 01323 436420 to discuss the works you intend to carry out with one of our surveyors, and to obtain a permission form and discuss the next steps for you to make the changes to your home.


The winner of the quarterly prize draw for returning his completed repair service satisfaction questionnaire was Mr Bennett from Langney, who will receive a £50 Argos voucher.

Your Service

Your responsibilities when completing a mutual exchangeThere have recently been a number of mutual exchanges taking place where the tenants have been unaware of their responsibilities within the process. This has resulted in tenants requesting a number of repairs which we have been unable to undertake.

When a mutual exchange is carried out between two tenants, the tenants accept the properties ‘as seen’ and therefore any decorating or repair issues should be raised by the tenant living in, or interested in, the property before the mutual exchange takes place.

Mutual exchanges are promoted by Eastbourne Homes and Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) as it often means housing stock can meet the needs of residents more efficiently. Eastbourne Homes works with EBC to manage customer expectations and satisfaction by ensuring they are aware that:

• The property is taken in the condition in which they accept the exchange.

• Only emergency repairs will be carried out in the first six months. No improvement works or decoration works will be undertaken.

• Decoration vouchers will not be available.

• Tenants must give access for Eastbourne Homes contractors to carry out gas and electric checks as close to the exchange date as possible.

• Any aids or adaptations that have been installed by Eastbourne Homes will not be removed.

• Tenants moving from a property where they have had an aid or adaptation installed should not expect similar aids or adaptations to be installed at short notice, outside of the Eastbourne Homes aids and adaptations programme without prior agreement and before any exchange takes place.

Eastbourne Homes’ Void and Mutual Exchange Policy outlines your responsibilities further and can be viewed on our website. Alternatively, you can request a copy by contacting the repairs team on 01323 436436.

Help us to keep your drains clear!Blocked drains cause great inconvenience to our customers and are very expensive for our contractors to clear.

Here are some simple tips which you can follow to avoid drains becoming blocked:

• Please do not flush items other than toilet paper down the toilet. They can get stuck or cause smaller items to build up, creating a blockage.

Bag your waste items up and place them in your household rubbish bin.

• Please do not pour fat, oil or grease down the sink as it will stick to the sides of the sewer and build up, narrowing and eventually blocking it.

Pour excess fat, oil and grease into a plastic container and, once hardened, dispose of in your household rubbish bin. Alternatively, use paper towels to wipe away excess grease and fat, then dispose of them in the household rubbish bin. The use of sink strainers will also help to collect food particles from washing-up water to avoid them entering the drains.

• Please do not pour any chemicals (other than sink and sanitary ware cleaners), like petrol and paint, down the sink or storm drains. They could pollute watercourses into which these drains may flow.

• Please dispose of any chemicals at your local housing waste recycling centre in St Phillips Avenue, Eastbourne.

More Information?Contact: James Leathers Neighbourhood ManagerT: 01323 436436E: [email protected]

Congratulations to N Fannon from Langney, who was last quarter’s Handyperson winner.

Old Town Area Panel (OTAP)The Panel meets at Old Town Community Centre on the last Tuesday of the month between 6.15pm and 8.15pm. We are always happy to meet new members. Please come along to one of our meetings, or contact us by sending an email to [email protected]


Panel supports Hope

Old Town Area Panel is pleased to support new charity Hope Woodwork. The Panel has helped fund vital equipment for their premises in Green Street, Old Town.

Hope Woodwork provides volunteering opportunities to those who are unemployed, offering training to help get them back into work or into more formal training courses. This support also helps restore self-worth and builds confidence.

A variety of tools and equipment were provided thanks to Old Town Area Panel’s money, including saws, heaters for the winter months, drills and sanders. This means Hope Woodwork now has a fully equipped workshop for their new apprentices.

Recycled waste wood such as pallets and scaffold boards are transformed in the team’s workshop to make products which can then be sold. The organisation aims to become financially sustainable and create paid jobs in the longer term. To find out more and see some of their products, visit www.hopewoodwork.co.uk

Members of OTAP and Hope Woodwork

Panto tickets on sale

Following on from the success of previous years, OTAP is once again funding pantomime tickets at a heavily discounted price.

Beauty and the Beast at the Devonshire Park Theatre stars Carley Stenson from Hollyoaks and the West End. She’ll be joined by popular duo Tucker and Martyn Knight, who have been in Eastbourne pantomimes for several years.

Tickets are for the performance on Thursday 8th January 2015 at 7.00pm and are limited to five per family. The reduced price is £3 each.

Tickets go on sale at 10.00am on Monday 5th January at Ivy House. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 01323 436436.



Central & Archery Area Panel (CAAP)The Panel meets between 10.00am and 12 .00pm on the second Wednesday of the month at Gwent Court in St James Road. All local residents are welcome. The Panel can be contacted at [email protected]

Langney Area Panel (LAP)

Langney Area Panel

The Panel meets on the last Thursday of the month between 6.00pm and 8.00pm at the Resource Centre in Etchingham Road. If you would like to have a coffee and chat beforehand, we are there from 5.00pm. All Langney residents are welcome to attend. LAP can be contacted on [email protected]

The Panel has been busy with the Langney Area Plan and has now received various bids for funding to be considered. These include local environmental improvements and work with schools and groups in the area.

The Panel is represented on the Shinewater Sensory

Garden Project and will be closely involved in the redevelopment of the beds, and will be supporting the initial funding of the clearance. A fun time was had at the prize-giving celebration at the YMCA with Stephen Lloyd, receiving ‘Best in Show’ at the Eastbourne Carnival this summer.

Central & ArcheryArea Panel

CAAP has been busy with various projects in their area. Members supported the YMCA to help fund costume-making workshops for both Eastbourne Steam Punk Festival and the Bonfire Parade.

The Panel has also been excited to work on a new partnership with A Band of Brothers (ABOB). The Panel is funding the materials for a new sensory garden at

Archery Court and ABOB will be providing the labour and expertise as part of their community projects. We all look forward to seeing the finished garden.

Panel membership and support in the Central and Archery area has been growing steadily, but we are still looking for new members and would love to hear from you and welcome any residents to come along to the friendly monthly meetings.

A new resident Scrutiny Panel has been established at Eastbourne Homes following a competency-based recruitment process.

The new Panel members are Tom Hastings, who is project manager, Shirley McCall, Mary Wall, Dave Wright and Kathy Ransley.

Panel members underwent an induction process where they had the opportunity to pilot a new scrutiny board game, which certainly brought out the fun and competition. The Panel has planned its

first review, where it will be looking at STEPS, our floating support service for over 65s.

At the time of writing, the Panel is busy planning to complete the report for consideration at the December Board meeting.

Everyone is taking on specific roles and learning new skills. Independent Chair and Mentor, Oonah Lacey (Director of Involvis Ltd) said: “This is a great Panel and the members are so keen to learn and try new things. They are a pleasure to work with.”

New Scrutiny Panel takes its first steps

www.eastbournehomes.org.uk 19www.eastbournehomes.org.uk

Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees (HPWT)Panel meetings take place on the first Friday of the month between 10.00am and 12.00pm at Hampden Park Community Centre. All residents from the area are welcome to attend. The Panel can be contacted on [email protected]

Hampden Park &Willingdon Trees

AREA PANEL

Area Panel supports gardeners

HPWT Area Panel donated £500 towards Hampden Park’s entry into a prestigious gardening competition in the summer.

Hampden Park in Bloom and the Princess Diana Memorial Garden both entered the Southern Water South & South East in Bloom awards.

Hampden Park in Bloom scooped a Silver Award in the Urban Community section and the Princess Diana Memorial Garden received a Silver Gilt Award in the Small Park category.

Bertie Wilmshurst tends to the Princess Diana Memorial Garden and collected the award. He said: “I go down to the garden most days and have planted flowers to spell out Diana’s name in the hedge. This is the 19th year the garden, which was named after Diana when she died, has been entered into Bloom. I’m very pleased with the award.”

The awards ceremony, at Brighton and Hove Albion’s American Express Community Stadium, was co-hosted by Jim Buttress – fresh from the BBC’s Big Allotment Challenge – and fellow celebrity gardener Chris Collins.

Competition judges look at each entry’s horticulture and gardening efforts, their approach to environmental responsibility and community participation.

Beverley Thompson, Public Relations Manager at Southern Water, said: “We’ve been sponsoring the awards for 14 years and it’s always a pleasure to see how communities pull together to improve the areas where they live and work.”

Macmillan coffee afternoon

Sutherland Court residents held a Macmillan coffee afternoon and table sale, raising nearly £636 for the charity.

The event was advertised to the public through posters in local supermarkets, shops and all of Eastbourne Homes’ retirement courts.

There was a tombola, cake raffle, guess the name of the teddy competition and lots of lovely cakes to enjoy.

Inez Mepham, on-site co-ordinator, said: “Sutherland Court’s tenants worked really hard to make sure the event was a great success and we raised a great amount for the Macmillan nurses. This is a cause which is close to many of our hearts, so we are over the moon.”

In other news at Sutherland Court, the garden wall is being removed to provide access for mobility scooters via a slope. Flower and vegetable trugs have been purchased, ready to make improvements to allow a larger social space in the garden.

Chris Collins (left) presents Bertie Wilmshurst with the Princess Diana Memorial Garden award

Sutherland Court residents

(Registered Company Number: 5340097) England and WalesRegistered Office: Ivy House, 3 Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4QU

Eastbourne Homes Ltd is a company wholly owned by Eastbourne Borough Council

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open house - winter 2014

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