on y nd rre Lo Su d an
Summer 2014
www.amicushorizon.org.uk
Get co nnect ed Meet A rchie o u digital inclusi r on robot
page 6
Dates for your diary Page 7
Motiv8+ succe ss Page 10
Summer 2014
What’s in this issue?
03.
Residents involved 04. Your home
Welcome
Welcome to the Summer issue of news&views . We’ve been working with residents to improve you r newsletter. W hope you like e the refreshed design and content. You ’ll find the loc al informatio is now furthe n r back in the newsletter a we’ve includ n d ed some inte resting featu articles and h re andy tips. Yo u’ll also find page. Read th a quiz compe e newsletter, tition on the answer the q back uestions and So, grab a cu you could win ppa, put your £30! feet up for fiv love to hear w e minutes and hat you think have a read! of the newsle articles in futu We’d tter and if you re editions. Y ’ve any ideas ou can email org.uk or call: fo r me at comm 0800 121 60 s@amicusho 60* or 01795 rizon. 434 606**. Jennifer Bate s Communica tions Officer (Editor)
Top tweets We’re now on Twitter! Follow us @amicushorizon 05. RAMP page
06.
Are you connected? 07. Action days
Email newsletter is coming! As part of our newsletter refresh we’re going digital! The new digital newsletter will have bonus content, video clips and links. It’s also great for the environment as we’ll be saving paper! 14. Peformance info
15.
Youth page 16. Competition
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From November 2014 you’ll automatically receive your issue of news&views via email if we hold a valid email address for you. If we don’t, please send it to us at: info@ amicushorizon.org.uk or call: 0800 121 60 60. We’ll still send you a paper copy of the newsletter if we don’t hold an email address for you, or if you opt out of receiving email copies. You can do this by calling us on 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606**.
Tenancy conditions
Training4you
Are you missing out? We met with Eileen Martin (EM), AmicusHorizon Regional Director, to find out more about the new tenancy conditions and why it’s important to sign up to them. conditions. The original sign up pack was sent out at the end of last year, but if you need a replacement just call us on 0800 121 60 60. You can also sign the r ou d ge an ch EM: We’ve conditions online: www. ing low fol ns tenancy conditio amicushorizon.org.uk/ a customer feedback on yourview number of issues, including Who doesn’t need parking regulations. There have also been changes to sign? e tak to ed ne we law in the r EM: If you live in one of ou into account. We’ve made le Housing for Older Peop the conditions clearer so schemes you don’t need residents know what their . to sign the new conditions rights and responsibilities an o And if you moved int are. AmicusHorizon home since November 2013, you’ll Do residents get automatically have a new tenancy signed up.
Why are we asking residents to sign the new tenancy conditions?
agreement?
EM: No, it changes the conditions of their existing tenancy agreement.
Do the new conditions apply retrospectively?
If you’d like to get more involved in improving our services and feel you’d benefit from training, sign up today! We’ve got a range of training courses available for residents. Choose from: Mystery shopping – go undercover and monitor our services Equality and Diversity – treating everyone fairly Committee skills – the ins and outs of running a residents’ committee Communicating with your community – how to get your message ‘out there’ Assertiveness – make your point without being aggressive Conflict resolution – help people come to an agreement Introduction to social housing – learn more about how we work.
Do residents have to sign?
if EM: No, but it will help us we so you let us know. Just can discuss any concerns e you have and don’t continu s. thi t to contact you abou
w EM: No, they don’t. The ne m fro conditions will apply when a resident signs.
How can residents sign up?
If you’d like to know more please contact your Resident Involvement Team.
Would you like to volunteer? If you’ve got a few hours to spare and would like to volunteer your time to help at local community projects, visit: www.volconnect.org.uk You can search volunteering opportunities in your area and find out how to sign up and really make a difference.
EM: The great news is over 8,500 residents have already signed up to the new
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War on water waste! Saving water is great for the environment and your pocket! Try these top tips: Toilets use about 30% of the total water used in a home. Insert a water device (save-a-flush) in the cistern and save up to three litres per flush If you’ve got a shower, use it instead of having a bath. You can have up to five showers for the water used in just one bath. Use a shower timer to avoid being in the shower too long A dripping hot tap wastes water and energy. In one week it could waste enough water to fill a bath. Report leaking taps and get them fixed Washing machines use a lot of water so always wash a full load Wash the car with a bucket and sponge rather than a hose. If you have a water butt consider getting a hose connector Always turn off the tap when brushing your teeth Chill a jug of water in the fridge. You won’t need to let the tap run cold when you want a drink.
Got a great tip for saving water? Tweet us @amicushorizon #savingwater
Brushes at the ready…
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Decorating your home m ight seem e here’s some xpensive bu great ideas t for refreshin a budget! g your room s on
Mix your ow n paint. Buy small sample to create bea pots and che utiful pastel c ap white pain olours. Thes bedrooms t e are ideal fo r decorating Need dif ferent sized paint brushe bigger paint s? Use an ela brush to crea stic band rou te a small bru nd a Line you s h fo r c o rners and cu r paint tray w tt in g in it h foil. You w each colour on’t need to buy new tray s for Wallpape r samples a re free! Use str varnish to bri ips of wallpa ghten up sm per samples all pieces of and furniture Make yo ur own mod e rn art to hang stencils, stam on the wall. ps, postcard Use leftover s, material sc Try this webs paint, raps and che ite for inspira ap canvases ti o n : w w w . .brit.co/diy-w Get onlin all-art e. If you nee d cheap pain recycling and t, tiles and eq second hand uipment visit sites such as www.gumtr online : http://my.fr ee.com. eecycle.org / or Added Value Service – Re member we’v gardening an e a handype d decorating rson, s cheme and w the criteria. Y e’ve recently ou may now changed be eligible if carer, are a fu you: have a fu ll time carer in ll time your home, o from CASA s r if you’re mo upported ho u ving on s in g. Check if you qualify by ca lling us on 08 www.amicu 00 121 60 60 shorizon.org or visit our w .uk/addedva ebsite: lue
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
RAMP is her e to improve Our Repairs a services for nd Maintenan ce Panels (RA at our repair you MPs) are mad s services an e dw up
some of the m
embers have
ork with us to of residents. They look continually im prove them. H to say… ere’s what
Allan Smith – Kent Chair
Andrew Creed – Kent Vice Chair
“What motivates me is being able to resolve problems, through residents, contractors and staff working together as a team.”
“I’m proud to be part of a governance structure that enables residents to influence and challenge. We improve the repairs service for residents by attending monthly contractor meetings.”
Penny Walker – London Chair
Margaret Ashmead – London Vice Chair
“My interest is around Value for Money and making sure residents get an excellent service. I regularly attend meetings with our contractors and I’m also a Resident Monitor.”
Martin Osment – Sussex Vice Chair “Being on RAMP means I can help to monitor and improve the repairs service. If problems arise I can talk to staff and contractors about how they can be resolved.”
“I’m committed to representing residents by championing local issues and scrutinising performance to improve services in the community.”
Thanks to Ron Ron White has been the Sussex Chair for the last three years and is stepping down in September. A huge thank you to Ron for his hard work and dedication to improving our repairs and maintenance service for all residents. Ron has been an excellent Chair and we’re glad he’ll remain as a member of the panel.
If you’d like to join RAMP or have a question for them please get in touch with our Resident Governance Officers on: 0800 121 60 60 or email: info@amicushorizon.org.uk. RAMP Online – Find useful information, advice and tips on the RAMP webpages: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/RAMP
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Are you connected?
The internet can seem a scary place if you’ve never been online. But we’re here to help. Our ‘Get Connected’ project helps residents get online and benefit from the fantastic opportunities the internet offers - helping you find information, connect with family and friends, explore hobbies, pay bills and even do a spot of shopping. We can provide the skills, motivation and access to computers you need to help you get online.
Need some help getting online? We’ve 48 Digital Champions working in our local communities to help you get online and build digital confidence and skills. They can help you in a friendly and informal environment to browse the internet and see what it has to offer. If you’d like support from one of our Digital Champions, please contact us on 0800 121 60 60 or email: digitalchampions@amicushorizon.org.uk.
Find your local drop in session Visit www.ukonlinecentres.com to find your nearest drop in centre or contact Nathalie Harris, Digital Inclusion Coordinator on 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606**
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Could you be a digital champion? We’re looking for people who are confident using computers and the internet to join our ‘Get Connected’ project and help others get online. Digital Champions help others understand the benefits of being online and spend some time showing them how. This could include teaching someone how to search the internet, set up an email account or use Skype. You’ll receive: Free training and support to develop your own skills and knowledge A Certificate of Achievement to acknowledge your Digital Champion skills The chance to meet new people and help others in your community! Sign up and become a Digital Champion today by emailing your name and address to: digitalchampions@amicushorizon.org.uk.
“Hi, I’m Nathalie, your Digital Inclusion Coordinator. If you need help getting online I’m here to assist you. Look out for our digital inclusion mascot, ‘ArcHie’ (All Residents Can Have Internet Engagement). He and our Digital Champions will be at a number of summer events giving advice on how you can get connected.”
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
What’s going on in your area?
y e r r u S d n a n Londo
news
Making a difference Are you interested in shaping and influencing the services we provide to residents? Each of the Area Panels has vacancies and we’re looking for people to get involved. We’d like members to represent their panel at events, although you can work this around your availability. We offer training and support for all our members. Residents who register their interest before 12 August will be eligible to stand in the annual elections. For more information, contact Siobhan Denny, Resident Governance Officer.
Action Days We’ll be holding lots of fun events over the summer. Come along and say hello at the following venues: 6 August, 4pm to 7pm, Romanfield Road, Tulse Hill
9 August,11am to 3pm, Lansdowne Green Estate, International Day and Eid Celebration 14 August, 4pm to 7pm, Rutherwick Rise, Coulsdon 18 August, 4pm to 7pm, Redriff area, Rotherhithe For further information, contact the London Resident Involvement Team.
Cast your vote The Area Panel annual elections will be held on the following dates: Croydon and Surrey Area Panel, Tuesday 2 September, 6.30pm at Grosvenor House, Croydon
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London South East Area Panel, Tuesday 2 September, 6.30pm at Grosvenor House, Croydon London South West Area Panel, Thursday 4 September, 6.30pm at Grosvenor House, Croydon.
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Anybody named on an AmicusHorizon tenancy or lease is able to vote. So come along and decide who’s elected!
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news Supporting the local foodbank The Area Panel are proud supporters of the Croydon foodbank at Praise Baptist Church.
Youth Forum support Momentum
Major youth d! conference delivere Over 800 people attended the Momentum Youth Conference at Croydon’s Fairfield Halls. Our Youth Forum helped to organise this fantastic event that aimed to showcase the talents of young people across the capital. A number of stalls were also set up offering information and advice on employment, apprenticeships, volunteering and work experience opportunities. We teamed up with ten other social housing providers to deliver the event. Bozlur Rashid, Resident Involvement Officer, said: “This event has definitely gone from strength to strength. One million people logged onto YouTube to watch clips from Momentum 2012 and we hope everybody took away something positive from this year’s event.”
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This strong partnership has enabled us to secure vouchers for our residents, providing them with emergency food in a crisis. The foodbank also offers a cup of coffee, friendly chats, internet access and signposts people to finding help. For further information about the foodbank, call Sara Weller, Neighbourhood Manager.
New maths club! The homework club at Christie Drive has always been popular – now there’s a new maths club there too! Emmanuela is a teacher at the club which regularly has 15 young people attend. She said: “It’s so nice to see so many young people coming in after school to do extra maths.”
- 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
a e r a r u o y in A growing garden
Our residents and staff have been enjoying a spot of gardening when the sun has been shining! They’ve been busy planting sunflowers, strawberries and vegetables at our allotment and community garden in Dagmar Road, Croydon!
Working in the garden...
The garden was opened in October 2013 in memory of AmicusHorizon employee, Kenneth Benjamin.
! Keeping the peace Some of our Area Panel members have volunteered to become mediators. If they’re successful in their training, they’ll be part of our internal mediation service. The service helps residents resolve issues such as noise nuisance and neighbour disputes.
A happy customer! Our Jobs at Home service has really impressed Mr Kelly from Thornton Heath! The scheme provides residents with paid work doing maintenance jobs on our properties. Their work ranges from gardening to laying paving slabs. Praising their high level of work, Mr Kelly said: “You’re doing a brilliant job and making it easier for me to maintain the front garden.”
a Money for your are Your Area Panel has Local Improvement Fund money for your community. It’s used to support improvements for local residents and the community. Over the last year we’ve given grants for: Completing fencing at Grenaby Avenue, Croydon Additional security lighting at Stroud Green Way Sponsorship of FC Predators football strip £3,000 worth of Foodbank vouchers. If you’ve got a project you’d like funding for, please contact us.
Date for your diary Next Area Panel meeting: Wednesday 6 August 2014, 6.30pm at Grosvenor House, Croydon. You’re welcome to attend.
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n Sol uth East Lonado Are Pane
Making a difference Your Area Panel has Local Improvement Fund money for your community. It’s used to support improvements for local residents and the community. Over the last year we’ve given grants for: Garden improvements at Minden Road and Barnards House Garden clearance and new paving at Thornsett Road Altering the communal bin storage area at Croydon Road Installing a new bike shed area at Anerley Hill. If you’ve got a project you’d like funding for, please contact us.
Date for your diary Next Area Panel meeting: Tuesday 29 July 2014, 6.30pm at Grosvenor House, Croydon. You’re welcome to attend.
news
Kathryn Rennie won an award
ryn! th a K s n o ti la tu ra g n Co Well done to entrepreneurial artist Kathryn Rennie who has scooped a top business award! Kathryn, from Anerley, restores original features in buildings to their former glory. She set up her architectural and decorative restoration business, Fresco London, with the help of our Motiv8+ programme. The programme breaks down the barriers to starting your own business by providing simple and effective training and support. Kathryn continues to receive support from the Motiv8+ team and says having somebody to turn to has been a massive help. She said: “The Motiv8+ team were there as a safety net. When you’ve somebody to talk to and they’re supporting you it makes a massive difference. You don’t feel on your own. It was a shock to win the award, but it’s given me a real confidence boost.” Kathryn won the Best Creative Business award at the Grassroots Enterprise Conference. Tom Arkle, Project Officer, added: “Kathryn has shown that when your passion to succeed matches your skills anyone can start up a business.” For more information about Motiv8+, call Tom Arkle.
CEO Paul Hackett and Kathryn
10 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
a e r a r u o y in A blooming great success story!
Green-fingered resident Benjamin Manning has received a special award for helping to make Southwark a better place to live. He was given a Civic Award by Southwark Council for helping to transform the communal gardens at Barnards House. He led a project to turn the garden into a fantastic tranquil space for all residents to enjoy. Work at the sheltered scheme included designing the new garden and planting stunning flowers.
Exercise for all! We’ve been running exercise classes for some of our older residents at Leeds Court, Milliners Court and Lewes Court. The classes, run by registered gentle exercise instructor Tonia Cook, have proven very popular! They include fun and light exercise, giving residents the chance to improve their mobility and wellbeing. One resident said: “I’m housebound and don’t go outside the scheme, I’ve really enjoyed the exercise and also meeting other residents.”
Benjamin Manning at Barnards House
Fun for the family Thanks to everybody who attended our family fun day in Rotherhithe! We organised a bouncy castle, face painting, and arts and crafts to keep the little ones entertained! Many people gave their views on our service and how we can improve.
Residents enjoy the fun!
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n Sol uth West Lonado Are Pane
news
Congratulations to Monica Barnes She picked up the Tenant/Resident lifetime contribution award at the 2014 Housing Heroes Awards!
Monica is a pillar of her community. For the last 30 Monica Barnes and her award years her drive and tenacity has helped bring about improvement not only in her locality but surrounding areas also.
Lambeth Mayor joins in
Mental health awareness We held our second awareness day to challenge the stigma around mental health. The event aimed to promote and support mental health within the community. The day included one-to-one sessions, where visitors could talk in confidence to a mental health nurse and a member of our Casa Support team. And the Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Adedamola Aminu attended the event to offer his support. Rebekah Arkle, who helped organise the day which was held on the Lansdowne Green Estate, said: “We’re grateful to everyone who came along to support the day.”
The Housing Heroes Awards, organised by Inside Housing magazine and the Chartered Institute of Housing, recognise the unsung heroes of the social housing world.
Improving your community Your Area Panel has Local Improvement Fund money for your community. It’s used to support improvements for local residents. Over the last year we’ve given grants for: New chairs, computers and office equipment at Benson Court community room A new bike shed at The Old Vicarage Laying paving slabs and providing a wooden bench at Pat Williams House Installing poles to identify disabled bays at Abbey Court A new cooker for the community room at Saxonfield Close. If you’ve got a project you’d like funding for, please contact us.
12 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
a e r a r u o y in
Enjoying a day in the capital!
Staff spoke to older residents
ve Older residents ha their say... Over 60 people attended our Older People’s Forum at Grosvenor House. The group gave us feedback on where we can improve our services during a lively discussion. And we provided information about the services we offer older people. The event also included a nice lunch and a chance for some of our residents to meet new people!
World Food Day
And the lucky winners are… Four lucky winners of a prize draw, held at our International Women’s Day event, visited the House of Lords. They were treated to afternoon tea, a tour of the Palace of Westminster and dinner. The amazing trip was arranged by Kola Ajao, Vice Chair of London South West Area Panel.
Our World Food Day held at Lansdowne Green Estate proved a great success!
One of the winners, Maureen, said: “I’m delighted to win this prize. I’ve never won anything before!”
Lots of lovely food was cooked by mums and dads, including chicken and rice, vegetable curry, lamb dishes, lasagne and pizza.
Fellow prize winner, Marlene, agreed: “This has been an amazing trip. I’ve really enjoyed myself.”
Over 60 residents attended and were asked to make a donation for any of the food they tasted. A total of £162 was raised for Refugee Action, an independent charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers to resettle and build new lives in the UK. Delicious dishes to share
Kola added: “I’m pleased to have been able to arrange this trip with the Resident Involvement Team. I’m so happy that everyone had a great time.”
Date for your diary Next Area Panel meeting: Thursday 31 July 2014, 6.30pm at Grosvenor House, Croydon. You’re welcome to attend.
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London and Surrey Performance How are we doing?
Customer service
91.67%
Resident satisfaction Our target 92.5%
Repairs
96.39%
Repair satisfaction Our target 98%
Lettings
13.4 days
Average time to re-let homes – general needs and housing for older people.
Our target 13 days
ASB
(Antisocial behaviour)
100%
Satisfaction with handling of antisocial behaviour
Our target 93.5%
Income
4.87%
Rent arrears – general needs
Our target 5.76%
14 - 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk
The happening Here’s what's happening for young people around London and Surrey...
Boost your employment chances
job? Do Are you struggling to find a re experience or employers say you need mo new programme skills? With Smart Training’s erience while you can gain ‘on-the- job’ exp to impress studying for a qualification employers.
What’s in it for you?
ent lasting six High quality work placem weeks to five months ation – the Study for a national qualific Skills Extended Certificate in Work a local training Attend weekly tutorials at centre h Tuition in maths and Englis CV writing tips and Get help with job search, interview techniques entitled to. Keep any benefits you’re traineeship Once you’ve completed your progress to an you’ll be in a great position to career you’ve apprenticeship and begin the always dreamed of.
Who’s eligible?
aged 16-24, Unemployed young people el) without any GCSEs (A-D Lev ties up to the People with learning difficul age of 25. ai Dangarembizi To find out more contact: Far contactus@ on 0800 121 60 60* or Email: amicushorizon.org.uk
Drei Rollock had always dreamed of becoming an electrician… Now, thanks to our Motiv8 Lewisham project, his dream is becoming a reality! He’s just started an apprenticeship with large scale electrical contractor Niblock and his future is looking bright. Drei (16) gained A to C grades in his GCSEs and a BTEC in Construction. But one thing he couldn’t gain without a helping hand was experience. So Drei signed up to Motiv8. Staff met Drei and quickly discovered how passionate he was about anything to do with electronics! Tom Arkle, Project Officer at AmicusHorizon, said: “I saw how much Drei wanted an opportunity. He’s a very bright young man and needed somebody to put him on the right track to his dream job. We were determined to do everything we could to make a real difference to his life.” If you’d like to know more about our Motiv8 projects please contact Tom Arkle on 0800 121 60 60 or email: contactus@ amicushorizon. org.uk
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Drei’s a bright spark!
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news&views competition
Win up to £30 of high street vouchers!
Win
1st prize - £30 worth of vouchers 2nd prize - £20 worth of vouchers Lovetoshop vouchers can be used in many high street shops. The answers to all these questions can be found in this issue of news&views. Email your answers to: comms@ amicushorizon.org.uk including your name and address. Or post them to: Freepost RSBU-ASLSXTXZ, AmicusHorizon, PO Box 322, Sittingbourne, ME9 8PQ
1. How many showers can you have for the water used in one bath?
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2. How many Digital Champions do we have working in our local communities?
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3. When will we start sending the newsletter by email?
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4. What does RAMP stand for?
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5. How many residents have already signed up to our new tenancy conditions?
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Useful contacts Cut out and keep me handy! Call us: 0800 121 60 60* or 01795 434 606** and choose the option you need To make a payment or for advice with your rent account, press 1 For repairs, press 2 For all other housing, neighbourhood or tenancy enquires, press 3 If you’re calling from an organisation offering products or services, press 4 Online: www.amicushorizon.org.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ AmicusHorizon-Ltd Follow us on Twitter: @amicushorizon Smartphone: Go to the iTunes App Store or Google play and search My AmicusHorizon.
Remember: Your next edition of news&views will be sent to you digitally if we hold a valid email address for you. You can view the digital newsletter for this edition at: www.amicushorizon.org.uk/ newsletters
Did you know? You can use computers and access free wifi in our newly refurbished Grosvenor House reception in Croydon. *Calls free from a BT landline, charges from mobiles and other networks may vary. **If you are calling from a mobile, it may be cheaper for you to dial 01795 434 606.
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Spring competition winner was:
16 - 0800 121 60 60* 01795 434 606** - contactus@amicushorizon.org.uk - www.amicushorizon.org.uk Mror Ide of Northiam, East Sussex