Summer / Autumn 2015
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Voice star Joe sings at Big Day Out Heart-throb singer Joe Woolford who made a huge impact on the prime time BBC One show performed live and was the headline act at our Big Day Out. Over 700 tenants from across the county enjoyed an afternoon of top-class entertainment at the Eirias Park complex. Joe, 20, was delighted to be singing at the event as a way of saying thank you for the way so many fans from the area backed him during his epic journey through BBC 1’s The Voice earlier this year. Angel, the European Eagle Owl of Prestatyn-based Lord of the Wings caused quite a flutter as children took the chance to view Angel at close quarters.
shopping vouchers, more inflatables, arts and crafts and badge making. Other indoor highlights of the day were bingo and armchair aerobic sessions.
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TAKE A LOOK INSIDE Celebrating Green Flag Award for Parc Peulwys Page 3
Cartrefi Conwy Chief Executive Andrew Bowden, who was at the event with his own family, said: “This is the seventh family day we’ve had and it’s bigger and better than ever, with lots more entertainment as well as providing plenty of information and advice for our tenants on a wide range of topics from health and safety to educational opportunities and avoiding debt. “I hope everyone who came had a great day because I know that our staff who are involved in organising the event look forward to it as much as our tenants do.”
Another big crowd-puller for the kids was Rob the Ranger who provided some close encounters with his collection of snakes and reptiles.
War Hero is VIP Guest at opening of £4.2M flagship development Cysgod y Gogarth. Page 8
Other highlights included displays of wrestling, street dance, inflatables, face painting, stilt walkers, balloon modelling, fire juggling and a cheeky clown named Harley. Inside The Barn at Eirias Park there were even more activities to choose from such as competitions for iPads and
Exciting new employment opportunities for tenants See Creating Enterprise on Page 4
Home contents insurance are you covered? Page 7
Conwy Half Marathon
Sunday 22nd November
Contacts
Customer Service 0300 124 0040
enquiries@cartreficonwy.org
Audio copies of this newsletter are available Call 01745 335345 to request a copy.
including the 4th Cartrefi Conwy Fun Run The Fun Run is free for tenants call 01745 335345 to register.
GET INVOLVED! Cartrefi Conwy offers a range of opportunities for you to get involved; from specific tenant focus groups to Walkabout Wednesdays. Walkabout Wednesdays give you the opportunity to speak to Cartrefi Conwy colleagues about things that are important to you and the area in which you live. We will be in your area on the following dates:
Date
Area
30 September 2015
Esplanade Penmaenmawr
28 October 2015
Llandudno – Lon Cymru/ Orme
25 November 2015
Chester Ave.
Christmas
Christmas
27 January 2016
Bryn Eglwys/Maes Glas Rhos on Sea
24 February 2016
Llandudno Junction
30 March 2016
Bryn Tirion, Gorlan & Pengarth Conwy
MY HOME Contents Insurance
Crossword Winner Renee Williams, Colwyn Bay Do you have Home Contents Insurance Cover? NO? Then get covered today - see page 6 for details on The National Housing Federation MY HOME contents insurance scheme.
CHANGES ON BOARD Hello Mr Brian Hall has recently been appointed as a Board member of Cartrefi Conwy. Brian has been a tenant of Cartrefi Conwy for many years. Recently retired and having run his own business in the past, Brian responded to our last recruitment campaign because he “wanted to put something back into his community”. Brian will be fully supported in his role through a thorough induction session and on-going training, so that he can fulfil his role with confidence alongside the other 14 Board members of which another 4 are also tenants.
We want to ensure that the members of the Board represent a full cross section of the community. At this particular time we are keen to encourage interest from tenants with relevant skills and knowledge who are willing to give some of their time on a regular basis to help us address the broad range of housing needs and increasing challenges facing families and younger people in our communities. Due to Brian Horton announcing his retirement in September we are currently recruiting to find another tenant to fill the vacancy this will create.
Goodbye Mr Brian Horton, vice Chair of the Board of Cartrefi Conwy has announced that he will step down from the Board in September 2015, when his 5 year term of office as Chair of the Operations Committee comes to an end. Brian has served on the Board of Cartrefi Conwy as a tenant board member since Cartrefi Conwy was formed in September 2008. Prior to that he was a member of the shadow board and an active campaigner on behalf of tenants in the run up to the ballot on the transfer of the housing stock from Conwy County Borough Council.
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JOIN IN D R A O B N O GET
For further information please contact the Governance team on: 01745 335347 or email: Sandra.Lee@cartreficonwy.org Current Tenant Board members Colin Matthews (Old Colwyn) Robert Redhead (Llysfaen) Brian Hall (Colwyn Bay) Elwen Roberts (Cerrigydrudion) Colin Matthews is subject to retirement by rotation at the 2015 Annual General Meeting and the Board has approved his re-election.
GREEN FLAG AWARD MEANS HISTORY IS MADE AT PARC PEULWYS Parc Peulwys has made history by being the first housing estate in Wales to be awarded a Green Flag Award. The awards are normally presented to play areas or parks and are similar to the Blue Flag awarded to clean and safe beaches. The awards are run in conjunction with Keep Wales Tidy and their project officer, Alaw Cerys explained that winning a Green Flag Award was anything but easy. She said: “The estate needed to fulfil certain stringent criteria such as being a welcoming place as well as being a safe and secure place that’s well maintained and well managed.” We know that none of this success would have come to fruition without the vital involvement of the local community who have really got ‘stuck in’ to improving the environment in which they live.
LO E LIVE YOU
Keep up to date with all Parc Peulwys Community Groups activities and be part of keeping Parc Peuwlys a Green Flag place to live.
where
Being given the Green Flag Award is a true testament and recognition to all the hard work that has happened at Parc Peulwys over the last year. So a massive thank you to all involved.
PEULWYS IN BLOOM Last year we embarked on an epic task of planting 10,000 bulbs in one day at Parc Peulwys and check out the fruits of your labour! A massive thank you to Parc Peulwys Community and friends for a spectacular effort! What difference have we made at Peulwys? As you probably already know we have been working hard on a number of environmental projects at Peulwys recently. Alongside the project we have been tasked with measuring what impact the projects have had on the local tenants. The following summarises the results:
Check out the new Peulwys Video
Llandrillo students bring Kennedy Court garden to life Kennedy Court’s gardens have seen a steady improvement these last few months courtesy of Llandrillo College students. The 3 Horticulture students are part of the ‘Work Skills Step Up to Work’ programme which aims is to build up their experience to the point of eventual voluntary and hopefully paid work in their field. We thank the group for their hard work and wish them all the best in their future.
http://tapetv.yourlocal.tv/
If anyone would like more information about the scheme please contact Nerys Veldhuizen on 01745 335572
Celebrating our apprentices at Cartrefi Conwy To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, Andrew (our Chief Executive) went ‘back to the floor’ spending the afternoon with Dylan Williams, our Customer Services apprentice on our reception desk. We also have another cause to celebrate as two of our apprentices have recently received awards in the last few months. Wesley Jones one of our Gas apprentices came 3rd in
the ‘National Apprentice of the Year Awards’ and Guto our Creative and Digital Media apprentice has won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ at the Conwy Business Awards. Check out our new apprenticeship web page: http://www.cartreficonwy.org/cartrefi/page/apprenticeships You can also check out the Careers Wales website for more apprenticeship opportunities in Conwy: www.careerswales.com
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EXCITING NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR TENANTS How does it work? Creating Enterprise is a fantastic new scheme that offers skills and paid employment opportunities for Cartrefi Conwy tenants who are currently out of work.
Tre Cwm Environmental Project
What types of jobs could you be doing? Working in a small team, you will be involved in a range of different tasks including helping us clear out empty properties, window cleaning and basic home maintenance work.
Do I need any qualifications? No, all we ask is that you are committed to getting the most out of this opportunity and actively take part. Andrew Bowden, Cartrefi Conwy’s Chief Executive says “We have been working closely with Crest co-operative for some time to make this vision a reality. It has been a long journey but we are delighted that the first 3 Creating Enterprise posts will start in April. We also hope to offer more opportunities in different trades over the coming months and years, so watch this space!”
Following the success of the Parc Peulwys Environmental project the next project on the Tre Cwm estate, in Llandudno is gaining speed. In depth consultation events took place through June to make sure the ideas are going to be of benefit to local people. Information about the project is available to view at the Ty Llywelyn Community Centre or check out the Facebook page. Also, watch the brand new video about the Parc Peulwys project through the Cartrefi Conwy website.
Find out more If you want to find out more about Creating Enterprise please get in touch: Email: information@creatingenterprise.org.uk Phone: 01492 563458
www.facebook.com/trecwm
MEN’S SHED WORKSHOP Colwyn Bay Men’s Shed started up with the help of Cartrefi Conwy but was driven forward very quickly by its now Chairman, Brian Hall. In just over a year they’ve opened a new workshop, with the help of Colwyn Bay Town Council,that was officially opened by Wales’s Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths AM, who described the project as “inspirational”. The Men’s shed have been really inspirational and made a huge difference to the life of member, Alun Jones. He said:
‘‘
I’m partially blind and a few years ago I started to lose my confidence about going out on my own. The shed has absolutely changed my life and has been a real godsend to me. Now, instead of sitting there watching daytime TV, I go to the meetings every Friday.
IMPORTANT - Keep an eye on our website or facebook page to find out about new job opportunities through Creating Enterprise www.cartreficonwy.org/cartrefi/page/creating-enterprise
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Pictured are Norman Critchett, Vice Chairman, Brian Hall Chairman, Lesley Griffiths The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty and Alun Jones.
Our Community in History We sat down with local tenants at Penmaenmawr’s weekly Orchard Group, who have seen the area change drastically over the years and therefore had a few stories to share. Gerwyn Jones recalls mostly fields where the library and Y Berllan now sit and a large American military camp at the bottom of the hill during the war. “Soldiers used to bring vehicles in and out of the grounds and officers often congregated near Bryn Hedd”. Gerwyn remembers his childhood playing with friends near the site where officers would throw out rationed sweets to the children as they passed. Another tenant Bettie Thompson recalls Penmaenmawr as a bustling tight knit community with no end of visitors and tourists to the village. “Visitors would come in their 100’s to the area, which had many high class hotels including the Mountain View which is sadly is no more”. Bettie remembers high class tailors, tobacconists, a barber and grocery shops, iron mongers and coffin makers in its heyday, with the popular cinema “the Crescent” drawing in big audiences during the 1940’s. Bettie also shared with us memories of ships docking for days at a time as hundreds of men loaded goods by hand.
Having been raised in the area with her family stretching back generations, Bettie described her great grandmothers job of loading stagecoaches with post travelling from London to Holyhead. She ended “people barely left the village as there was so much here on our doorstep” We know Conwy is an area rich with history and there is a wealth of stories that people would love to hear about. If anyone has any memories they would like to share with us we would love to hear from you. If you are interested in getting involved or joining a local community centre please contact Nerys Veldhuizen on 0300 124 0040.
October 1st is International Older Persons Day A special day to celebrate older persons or senior citizens all over the world.
Money Matters - Get ready for Universal Credit Just a reminder that new single claimants for Job Seekers Allowance moved across to Universal Credit in the county of Conwy from May 2015. Also, anyone currently receiving any of the following benefits will be moved to the Universal Credit system sometime between May 2015 and 2017. • Income based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) • Income based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) which replaced Incapacity Benefit • Child Tax Credits • Working Tax Credits • Housing benefit • Income Support
Would you like to win £100 in High Street vouchers? North Wales Credit Union is holding a prize draw! For your chance to win, you need to be a member of the Credit Union and like their Facebook page, just search for North Wales Credit Union Limited. To be entered into the draw you will also need to complete an email registration card at your local Office or Collection Point. North Wales Credit Union offers affordable loans at competitive rates, a range of flexible saving accounts and a Pre-paid debit card. For further details or to join online please visit the website www.northwalescu.co.uk or phone 0333 2000 601.
What difference will it make? Currently benefits are paid weekly, fortnightly or four-weekly. Universal Credit will combine all the benefits it replaces into one payment that will be paid calendar monthly. Want more information? If you are worried about how these changes will impact you there are lots of places you can get advice. If you have internet access visit the following sites: www.moneymadeclearwales.org (This website has a range of helpful tools you can use; from Money Health Checks to Benefits calculator as well as debt advice). www.adviceguide.org.uk (search for Universal Credit) Alternatively, you can speak with our Financial Inclusion Team Call 0300 124 0040.
CREST POP UP SHOP Did you know that all Cartrefi Conwy’s tenants are entitled to a 15% discount at Crest’s community stores? This includes: • Affordable furniture from only £5! • Electrical essentials: Washing machines, fridge freezers and more! • Nearly new branded clothing for all the family from £1. There are 3 stores in your area; two in Llandudno and one in Colwyn Bay. To find out more visit: www.crestcooperative.co.uk To get your discount card message Crest on Facebook (Crest Co-operative), Twitter @crestrecycle, e-mail llandudno@crestcooperative.co.uk or call into their stores.
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ARE YOU ‘FIRE SAFE’? Cartrefi Conwy - working with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to keep you safe Chad is our Fire Safety Officer and has worked with us for the past 12 months to help you to be ‘fire safe’ in your home. “Over the last year I’ve been working with a range of tenants to ensure their homes are safe as possible. Our Home Fire Safety Checks cover everything from smoke detector testing, fire evacuation procedures, stay put policies as well as a number of tips to stay safe in your home and minimise the risk of a fire. If you haven’t had a fire safety check in your home recently why don’t you give me a call and get one booked – it may just save your life. Chad has been working on some handy hints for us to share with you:
Electricity Safety in the Kitchen Handy hints • The most important point ab out to avoid being distracted. M cooking is fires occur when people leaost kitchen ve things unattended. Most fires and fire related injuries are caused in the kitchen than • Never fill a deep fat fryer mo re anywhere else in the home. full of oil. If there are flames, than third water over the pan it will erunever throw About 20 people are killed pt violently spreading the fire. or injured every day in accidental fires started in • Don’ t leave appliances suc h the kitchen. machines or dishwashers on at as washing night. • Turn saucepan handles so the y out where they can be acdon’ t stick Deep Fat Frying knocked, and aren’ t over anoth cidentally er hot ring. Deep fat fryers fires • Do n’ t dr ink and cook! cause 1/5 of all
DID YOU KNOW?
accidental dwelling fires attended by the Fire and Rescue Service in the UK each year.
Think about what you’re doing when you’re deep fat frying. Remember you are heating several pints of oil to extremely high temperatures. The oil can cause terrible burns and go up in flames. In fact, it’s an ideal fuel for a fire, and difficult to put out.
A few tips: more than a third full of oil. er fry fat ep de a fill ver Ne • thermostat-controlled electric a use to is fry ep de to y tter still • The safest wa stops it from overheating, be at ost rm the s It er. fry fat deep choose oven chips. ell Even if the phone or doorb d. de ten at un ing ok co ur yo • Never leave en your attention stops. wh rt sta es fir er, mb me Re . rings ng it in the fryer this is tti pu e for be el tow tea an cle • Dry your food in a oil erupt violently. because water can make the crisps piece of bread or potato. If itol. all sm a th wi e tur ra pe tem co • Test the n off the heat and leave it to tur so t ho too is oil the ly, ick qu pan it will erupt violently the r ove ter wa ow thr ver ne s, • If there are flame spreading the fire. chip pan. t be tempted to cook with a no do ol, oh alc d me nsu co ve • If you’
Grime Fires Grime fires are the result of dirty and messy kitchens and are caused by the ignition of excess fat in cooking appliances, clutter stored by heat sources catching fire, or by dirt, dust and crumbs blocking ventilation and causing products to overheat. Hectic lifestyles are often to blame for not cleaning the kitchen properly, and common excuses include being too busy or battling other priorities. A fifth of people confess to putting themselves at risk because they are just too lazy to clean as well as they should. Grime fires can be easily avoided by thoroughly cleaning the kitchen on a regular basis and tidying away mess.
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Know the dangers 28,000 fires in the home are reported each year as being caused by electrical faults, accidents or misuse of electrical equipment. Surveys suggest: 38% would leave a heater switched on and unattended 21% would leave one switched on overnight This could lead to catastrophic risks of fire.
Top tips from water. y a w a s d a le l a • Keep electric anything wet r o t o p t n la p • Don’ t put an electrical appliance. on top of a clean and well is r e st a to e s & • Check th urtains, blind c m o fr y a aw cupboards.
• Don’ t overload so ck socket is the rule, ets; one plug per appliance takes a lo especially if the t of power (like a kettle). • Don’ t run exte nsio walkways or under can cables across they can become wor rpets and rugs as n.
Live in a flat? Why should you care? Living in a flat is not more dangerous than living in a house but it’s important to know that your fire plan should be different. If there is a fire inside your flat or maisonette our advice is to leave, closing the door behind you and call 999. If there is a fire elsewhere in the building, and not inside your own flat or maisonette, our advice is different. Walls, floors and doors in flats and maisonettes are built to give you some protection from fire – a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes. So, if there is a fire elsewhere in the building but not inside your home you’re safer staying in your flat unless heat or smoke is affecting you. Stay put and call 999. Fires Cause Devastating Effects This fire was caused by a chip pan igniting. Thankfully, on this occasion, the resident of the property escaped with minor injuries. It could of course have been far worse. We can only imagine the psychological effects of an incident like this, but add to that the loss of all of your belongings and the effect is catastrophic. The resident involved in this incident did not have any contents insurance and lost everything; Carpets, furniture, TV, pots and pans, beds and bedding and clothes. That was just the practical side; obviously items of sentimental value were also destroyed.You may not be able to claim for items that have sentimental value, but you can cover the essentials by making sure that you have the contents of your property insured. The National Housing Federation MY HOME contents insurance scheme is a tenant’s insurance policy, a cost effective way of making sure that you are never in the same position as this unfortunate resident. If you are over 60 you can get £6,000 standard cover for as little as £1.16 a week. If you are under 60 the minimum cover you can have is £9,000 for a cost of £1.53 a week. We think it’s a small cost for a whole lot of peace of mind. You can get a booklet containing all the information you need by contacting Customer Services on 0300 124 0040 or alternatively speak to your Independent Living Coordinator or Neighbourhood Coordinator.
If you would like a free Home Fire Safety Check please contact Cartrefi Conwy’s customer service team who will be happy to take your details and pass them on to Chad.
A word from Andrew Bowden The health and safety of our tenants is of paramount importance for us and as a company we are always looking for innovative ways to ensure fire safety is maintained. We invest heavily in ensuring that all our properties have mains smoke fire protection.
Terror at Tea Time? Child Safety Week this year focussed on ‘Terror at Tea Time’ and the pressures that families are under to keep children safe during the tea-time rush. Tea-time is often the time of day when pressures on parents and carers are at their peak – as you’re trying to get children settled from school or nursery and the
dinner time routine underway. You can find details of some of the most common causes of serious accidents, as well as safety advice for preventing them on the Child Accident Prevention website: www.childsafetyweek.org.uk
DID YOU KNOW?
Hair Straighteners stay hot enough to burn up to 15 minutes after they’ve been switched off.
Keeping your child safe online Children and young people spend a lot of time online – it can be a great way for them to socialise, explore and have fun. But children do also face risks such as cyberbullying or seeing content that’s inappropriate. That’s why it’s important for them to know how to stay safe online. Whether you’re unsure about what happens online or are up to speed with new technology, it’s important that you talk to your child about staying safe. The NSPCC website has a huge range of resources and advice for parents: www.nspcc.org.uk
DID YOU KNOW? Almost a quarter of 11 and 12 year-olds with a social networking profile experienced something that upset them in the last year.
FIRE, FLOOD, THEFT “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME” Ask your landlord for a free application pack or to apply for cover today. Call My Home on:
0845 337 2463 (it may be cheaper to call 01628 586189) Email: myhome@thistleinsurance.co.uk // Visit: www.thistlemyhome.co.uk
Home contents insurance
CHILDLINE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ChildLine is a free confidential helpline for children and young people. To find out more about becoming a ChildLine helpline volunteer at the base in Prestatyn, please contact Sally King-Sheard on 0207 5396090 or email sally.king-sheard@nspcc.org.uk for details on information sessions.
The National Housing Federation My Home Contents Insurance Scheme is a product name arranged and administered on behalf of the National Housing Federation by Thistle Tenant Risks. A trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A JLT Group Company. Registered Office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No 00338645. VAT No. 244 2321 96. The National Housing Federation is an Appointed Representative of Thistle Insurance Services Limited.
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New Developments Tears of joy for Sonya after downsizing to new home on Llwyn Rhiannedd Sonya Pritchard was one of the first tenants of a £1 million development of nine homes built at Llwyn Rhainedd just off Maesdu Rd in Llandudno. Sonya “wept with joy” after moving into a smaller, eco-friendly home. Down-sizing to a smaller property came just in the nick of time for Sonya because she was facing an even worse nightmare from July when she was due to start paying the bedroom tax on her old home. There were happy faces all round at the official opening especially from pupils on the school council at Ysgol Morfa Rhianedd who were top of the VIP guest list for the ceremony after they helped to choose a name for the nine two and
three-bedroom development. They’re delighted that the development is to be known as Llwyn Rhianedd in honour of their involvement and their input was acknowledged when they were presented with a cheque for £200 from a grateful Cartrefi Conwy towards the school’s resources fund. The development was carried out in partnership with Conwy County Borough Council which helped secure extra funding for the project from Welsh Government’s Smaller Properties Fund to assist with downsizing due to welfare reform. The properties have been designed to be homes for life as well as enabling six of the nine tenants to downsize to more suitable homes.
War Hero opens new £4.2M flagship development Cysgod y Gogarth “The project is a fantastic testament to the fantastic partnership work taking place between the council and Cartrefi Conwy.” Cartrefi Conwy Chief Executive Andrew Bowden said: “This is a flagship development for older people living in the community.”
Alf Davies Second World War hero Alf Davies, 95, was a VIP guest at the official opening of our £4.2 million flagship sheltered development for older people in Llandudno. Alf has been a tenant of Cartrefi Conwy and is affectionately known to fellow residents as “Ambush Alf” because of his narrow escape from death during World War II.
“Here they can have the best of both worlds. They can live independently and, if they need more support as their circumstances change, that can be provided in the same facility.” And there were warm applause as Mr Bowden added: “Cysgod y Gogarth is fit for the older generation and fit for heroes. “And we have our own Second World War hero, Ambush Alf, here with us today.” “His is a fantastic story and what you did for us all during the war is absolutely marvellous.”
We have replaced two ageing sheltered housing schemes with 30 new state-of-the-art apartments and houses for older people. Alf, a great grandad of four, added: “I lived at Llys Eryl for 18 years and wanted to move into the new Cysgod y Gogarth when it opened.” Fellow resident June Ann Parry 70 said: “I’ve actually got the second floor penthouse flat, and it’s just beautiful.” “In fact, I think the whole place is posher than some hotels I’ve been in and I just can’t believe I’m living here.” Cllr Andrew Hinchliff said as he declared the development open: “It is a great pleasure to be asked to formally open this fantastic new development that brings to life Conwy Council’s Older Person’s Housing Strategy.”
Hall Landing Interior
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The Pamper Room
Tenants Communal Lounge
Resident June Ann Perry, 70, was chosen to help cut the ribbon on the new development alongside Cllr Andrew Hinchcliff, older person’s champion for Conwy Council.
The Guest Room
Older Persons Press T INTERESTING FAC
There’s a benefit to growing older - brain plasticity. It was once believed that we were born with a certain number of brain cells that slowly die off as we age. Science now knows that our brains continue to grow neurons as we age and can reshape itself in response to what it learns. Even learning to juggle, learn a new language or play an instrument can cause significant brain changes in hearing, memory and hand movements. Plus, studies confirm that our vocabulary not only continues to grow as we do, it become richer and provides more subtle ways of expressing ourselves. As long as we use it, we won’t lose it!.
One of our tenants sent us this poem about the importance of keeping your independence so we thought we would share this with you…
A PLEA FROM THE HEART - By Lili Mick Why would they take my home? Just because I can’t really cope I can dress myself and make a cup of tea That’s not a good enough reason to take my home from me I try my best to cope I can’t reach my feet not, but someone else can do that for me So please!! Don’t take my home My memories are all here From my back garden where my children swung on the trees To the front garden where I sat knitting So please don’t take my home and memories from me
Autumn tips to prepare your garden for Winter The exuberant summer colour may be faded from your borders – but don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s all over until next Spring. Autumn is a busy time in the garden, clearing away the decaying vegetation of the summer and preparing the garden for the cold winter months ahead.
Remove greenhouse shading and give your greenhouse a spring clean Removing any shade paint in your greenhouse to maximise the sunlight available to your plants and give your Greenhouse a spring clean. Throughout the quiet winter months make an effort to wash out pots and seed trays in preparation for the Spring sowing and
planting. Don’t forget that you can still sow plenty of vegetables to grow in winter.
Tidy borders Dig up your annuals and add them to the compost heap. You can replant your beds with winter bedding such as pansies, bellis daisies and wallflowers for a colourful display next spring.
Plant evergreens & lift tender species Evergreens form the backbone of the garden, providing structure and year round interest, so the more evergreens in your garden, the better it will look in winter!
Make sure that you lift those tender species such as Begonias, Dahlias, and Cannas before the first frosts threaten.
Maintain garden equipment Before you store your lawn mower at the back of the shed, it is well worth sending it for a service to ensure that it is in perfect condition when you need it next spring. Shears and secateurs need sharpening - you can do this yourself or send them away if you prefer. Spades, forks and other tools will benefit from a good wash. Dry them thoroughly and oil the metal parts to prevent rust. Wooden handles can be cleaned and protected with linseed oil.
Margaret has a Passion for Life We visited Margaret Brewer at her home in Y Berllan in Penmaenmawr to thank her for her wonderful fundraising effort during the Cartrefi Conwy Fun Run. Margaret raised £118 for local charity, St David’s Hospice, by taking part in the Fun Run and what’s more remarkable is that she participated with a broken arm.
Margaret’s true Passion for Life is gardening and she is a previous proud winner in the smallest garden category of the ‘Pen in Bloom’ gardening competition. We visited Margaret in early January and she was getting ready for spring arriving in her garden by cutting down the geraniums, pruning the roses and getting her pots out to plant the annuals.
Margaret’s philosophy is to help people who are not able to help themselves. She is an inspiration and great ambassador for what older people can achieve in life. Margaret sits on the town council, is the Treasurer of the Orchard Club - a local gardening club and gets involved in other scrutiny and judging panels that all contribute to improving the community she lives in.
Men’s Shed Llanrwst Over the last year Llanrwst has seen the rise and popularity of its very own Men’s Shed group, drawing in many local men from the area to a weekly meeting of minds and interests.
group and are relishing the opportunity to get stuck into the build working as a team.”
A Men’s Shed is a group providing a place where men feel at home to pursue practical interests and offers the tools and resources they need to work on projects of their own choosing at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue.
As well as providing a great social hub for the regular attendees the Shed has truly proven to be a lifeline for many here, as it provides them the opportunity to get out of the house, get talking and focus their skills on projects in a like-minded and friendly environment.
This can also vary with many guest speakers and regular friendly discussions happening on a regular basis. Run by Megan Taylor Rose here at Cartrefi Conwy, “the group meets on a Thursday every week and are currently in the process of planning a build of their very own shed as a future venue for meetings. They truly are an enthusiastic
As well as more members joining weekly they have recently had a logo designed for them and the flyer advertising the meetings can be seen here with all information on how to be a part of the Men’s Shed and get involved in the fun, whatever your age may be.
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In the Spotlight Fron Friendship Group, Old Colwyn
In the Spotlight
The Fron Friendship Group was formed over a year ago by friends of the Fron Independent Living scheme in Old Colwyn. They wanted a club with a difference; an informative club that could help the older residents of the area learn about the services available in promoting health and wellbeing. The group have had a very productive year with guest speakers from various organisations such as the Red Cross, the Stroke Association and Air Ambulance. They have also enjoyed quizzes, the odd game of Bingo and a movie session. If you are interested in being part of the friendship group they meet every Tuesday between 2 – 4 at the Fron Community Centre, Old Colwyn. Please contact Renee Williams on 01492 517256 for more details.
GET FIT AND HAVE FUN
‘Altogether’ Group, Llanrwst. The Altogether group has gone from strength to strength over the last 3 years and now have an active membership of over 30 people. They meet up monthly with the Fron Bingo Club hosting their get-togethers at alternative locations. In Llanrwst they meet at the Clwb LLanrwst and in Old Colwyn at the Fron Community Centre. If you want to join in the fun please contact Allison on 01745 335330.
4th Cartrefi Conwy Fun Run Sunday 22nd November A fun race for all the family at the Conwy Half Marathon The Fun Run is free to enter for all Cartrefi Conwy tenants
Line Dancing with Maureen Pentre Newydd Community Centre, Old Colwyn For more information phone Maureen on 01492 516224
Call 01745 335345 to register today.
Community Chest update Are you planning a project for your community group or organisation? Are you looking for that extra bit of cash to fund your project? Then apply for a Community Chest grant today! The Community Chest project aims to support small-scale projects that will improve the quality of life for our tenants in local communities or where we have homes. The maximum grant a project can apply for is £2,500. Since April 2014, over £35,000 has been awarded to groups. Some projects that have benefited are: • Kinmel Bay Futsal Project • Vardre Bowling Club • ‘Heart Of’ Peulwys Community Group • Marl Cruisers Community Group • Menter Siabod • Llanrwst Bowling Club • Penmaenmawr Community Support Group
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Menter Siabod Menter Siabod is a Community Action Group in Dolwyddelan and its main aim is to develop projects in collaboration with its residents and continue to provide a sustainable development involving all the community.
What was the money spent on? £852.76 was spent on carrying out a makeover on the community pavilion, which included a painter / decorator, furniture and whiteboard for training.
What difference has the money made? The whiteboard has made a huge difference to the welsh classes, without the community pavilion as a facility, the current individuals would have to access welsh classes in Llandudno Junction. The local community now find the pavilion a fresher place to visit with a new craft club established.