JRHT News: Summer 2014 by Pinnacle Graphic Design

JRHTNEWS

RESIDENTS’ MAGAZINE SUMMER 2014

In this issue: How are we doing on repairs? You’re not alone with NELLI, Memories of New Earswick

CELEBRATING YORKSHIRE’S GRAND DÉPART

at Sandacre Court

WELCOME TO JRHTNEWS CONTENTS JRHT News is your magazine from the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust. It’s not just about what we’re doing – we want to hear your news too! This issue is bursting with a real variety of stories from all over our region – from Victoria Geldof to Red Lodge and Sandacre Court. We’re also delighted to bring you some contributions from residents, and to hear about your fundraising and social activities. Thanks to everyone who’s been in touch. Do keep telling us your news and sending us your photos. Send them to Debbie.Pemberton@jrht.org.uk, or submit articles and printed photos to Debbie Pemberton at the Garth, White Rose Avenue, New Earswick, York, YO32 4TZ.

THE GARTH – PAYING YOUR RENT We have a new chip and pin machine at the Garth so you can now pay your rent or other payments, in person using your debit card. We apologise for any inconvenience caused in the last couple of months but this was due to circumstances beyond our control.

Award for New Earswick Community News

4&5

How are we doing on repairs?

You’re not alone with NELLI

Sheltered Housing: best in class

Day in the life

Homestead Park news

Contacts 11 Memories are made of this

Being healthy at Little Rowans

YOUR COMPLIMENTS One resident from New Earswick has contacted JRHT to say: I would like to compliment your plumber Danny who has just finished putting in a new bathroom at my house. He was at all times courteous and kept me well informed as to what was happening and his progress, he left everything clean and tidy at the end of each day and let me know what he had done and what he was doing next. Another resident has written to say: “Thank you for the hard work and commitment of staff who recently modernised my home, working in ‘harmony and good humour’ under difficult circumstances.”

JRHT CREDIT FOR TOP CONSTRUCTION TRAINING JRHT has been accredited with a national standard for its approach as a client to delivering skills and training for construction workers.

has been secured, which means that all contractors JRHT employs must deliver a high level of training and employment opportunities.

The CITB’s (Construction Industry Training Board) National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAFC) status

This includes JRHT’s contractor at Derwenthorpe, as well as our framework contractors delivering the

Page 2 | JRHT News | Summer 2014

modernisation work. This will also be incorporated in the development of Red Lodge. “It’s all part of JRHT’s ethos on being a good employer, creating opportunities and skills in the areas we work,” explained Clare Harrigan, head of construction,

development and asset management. “Not only is it best practice for us, but it encourages others in the sector to follow suit and offer training opportunities as part of delivering construction. This keeps us at the cutting edge of training and development.”

SANDACRE COURT LE GRAND DÉPART There was a garden party on Sunday 6th July for the Tour-de-France. The residents sat outside to watch the race, cheering and waving their flags. The garden party continued throughout the afternoon, with food and games. To show their support they also decorated Sandacre Court with bunting and painted a bike for the race. Joan Linfoot, Joan Barnes and Lois Topping spent weeks making all the bunting so very well done to them and thanks to Avril Lowson for providing the bike.

AWARD

FOR NEW EARSWICK MODERNISATION The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has recognised New Earswick as part of its Centenary Project, which awards a New Town or settlement in each region. John Hocking received the certificate on behalf of JRHT at an event at York’s Railway Museum in July. New Earswick received the award as part of the RTPI’s ‘New towns come of age’ project. As part of the scheme, each of the new towns were invited to share their idea of the five planning factors which have most contributed to the sustained success of their community. These factors will then be collated to provide the beginnings of an online learning resource for future new settlements. Photo courtesy of RTPI Planning

PROGRAMME 2014

The Asset Management department is delivering an ambitious programme of Modernisation, Energy Enhancement and Cyclical maintenance works with a total value of over £2.5m, around double the work delivered in 2013. Last year we appointed three contractors to help achieve completion of this programme of work. Two major packages of work will be delivered this year at Acomb by ESH and at New Earswick by Keepmoat. We have held Open Events for each to enable residents to meet the contractors, see what work is planned for their homes, and to ask any questions. We are currently carrying out home visits prior to starting work at the end of July and completing by November. In addition, our cyclical painting programme has commenced and work is in progress or has completed at Bedford Court, Hawthorne Terrace and Hartrigg Oaks. Work will shortly be commencing at Hartfields.

JRHT director John Hocking (right) at the awards evening

A number of other projects are also progressing including; works at Huntington Road/Hayley’s Terrace and Lakeside, alongside energy enhancement works at Chestnut Grove, Station Avenue, Rowan Avenue, Western Terrace and Poplar Grove. JRHT News | Summer 2014 | Page 3

ST ELLEN’S RESIDENTS HELP OTHERS COPY TO COME

In the spring, nutrition experts held a competition across providers of care for brain injured adults; primarily to encourage alternative and innovative ways to prepare ‘normal’ looking food, so that residents, visitors and staff could enjoy events such as an afternoon tea, together. St Ellen’s Court Scheme Manager Jean’s daughter, Amy, manages Sutton Rise, for people with brain injuries. She was pleased that some of the residents at St Ellens, enthusiastically answered Amy’s appeal for help, by kindly loaning pretty china, cake stands and lovely embroidered table cloths, even a tea trolley, to help and contribute in some way. Jean went along to the event, feeling proud and humbled by the enthusiasm and dedication of all involved.

Everything was beautiful. Dishes, using specialist foods for those with swallowing problems, prepared by the unit’s chef, were presented alongside scrummy little bite-sized nibbles, all enhanced by absolutely gorgeous table setting and prettys, some of

RED LODGE’S GWEN CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY 25th June 2014 saw Gwen Hopwood celebrating her 100th birthday at Red Lodge, with many people coming to wish her many happy returns. Gwen said: “I was so thrilled with all the well wishers who either sent me cards or came along to see me and have a drink of sherry and a piece of cake. I would like to thank everyone for all your kindness, gifts, cards and for your time, and to Liz who organised the day - along with the other Liz from Buckingham Palace, who sent me a nice card with her picture on it.” Page 4 | JRHT News | Summer 2014

which belonged to our residents.

Surely a lovely example of helping others.

The unit’s efforts won the first prize, a cash sum, to be spent on improving the unit’s facilities further.

To everyone at St Ellen’s Court who helped, Amy and Jean would like to say again a great big thank you!

Those at St Ellens who contributed were pleased to hear the news.

VICTORIA GELDOF REPAIRS – HOW COMMUNITY GROUP ARE WE DOING? Victoria Geldof residents’ group reports on what they’ve been up to – and some of the ideas the residents’ group are planning for a fun-packed 2014 for the community to join in. January started with 68 residents enjoying a family night out with a visit to the Panto ‘Aladdin and the Twankys’. The pre-Christmas trip to ‘Leeds German market’ was a good night. Next December they are organising a full day shopping trip to Leeds city centre. Coming Events for 2014: – Family fun day ‘bring a picnic’ at the Homestead.

JRHT wants to maintain the highest standards. To find out how satisfied residents have been with the repairs service, JRHT conducted a postal survey. “The results are very good,” said Sally Houghton, service improvement manager. “Whilst there are some areas we can improve, clearly residents are very happy with the service they receive.” Overall satisfaction with the service We asked how satisfied customers were with the quality of the overall service. 66% reported that they were Very Satisfied, 25% reported they were Satisfied, no one reported they were Dissatisfied, however 4% reported they were Very Dissatisfied. 4%

– Kids art sake event. – ‘Ebor’ family treasure hunt.

25%

– ‘Get tagged’ security tagging for bikes/mobiles/ laptops etc.

66%

– Mini wild flower meadow with poppies to commemorate the centennial of WW1. – A nectar bar for butterflies. – ‘Boggetts Corner’ nature area with bird feeders, nest boxes and hedgehog lodge – all going well.

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

– Fashion show (with hair and make up) make over.

Dissatisfied

Very Dissatisfied

– Pet show.

No response

– Trip – to be decided.

Satisfaction with the quality of the repair work

This year’s ‘garden competition’ was in July and included a ‘Super Heroes and Heroines’ scarecrow competition. This idea was suggested by one of our younger residents.

When asked if satisfied with the overall quality of the repair work 93% said Yes, 4% said No. The 3% who were not satisfied with the repair work were the same respondents who were not kept informed about delays to the work.

Bird nest boxes put up last year are getting lots of attention from sparrows, great and blue-tits. So hoping that after the deluge early this year, their numbers will get a chance to fight back.

4% 3%

Victoria Geldof Community group and JRHT Birch Park residents’ group meet on the first Monday each month at 6pm.

93%

Contact Nick Milne (group facilitator) 07939 454800 for more information.

Yes

N/A

JRHT News | Summer 2014 | Page 5

YOU’RE NOT ALONE WITH NELLI No, this NELLI didn’t pack ‘her trunk and say goodbye to the circus!’ This NELLI is still here, living in New Earswick. A few Trust residents in New Earswick, along with other villagers, formed NELLI in 2012. It followed a JRF research project on Loneliness, in which groups of volunteer researchers operated in four areas; two in York (one of which was New Earswick) and two in Bradford. They asked people for their views on loneliness - what causes it and what might reduce it. Both questions generated hundreds of answers, and details are on the internet; just Google ‘JRF Loneliness research’. NELLI grew out of this and is now an independent village group. It stands for New Earswick Less Loneliness Initiative, and it does what it says on the tin – that is, it takes small initiatives which build community and, it is hoped,

Page 6 | JRHT News | Summer 2014

reduce loneliness. It was instrumental in setting up Earwigs, a successful afterschool, peer led stay-and-play scheme where parents can chat while their small children are entertained by volunteers. It has organised a local ‘SMILE’ campaign. It has helped with a children’s event on the village green. And to encourage people to take up new crafts and hobbies, and join local groups, it has run three ‘Hands On’ Fairs in the Folk Hall. Here people can ‘have a go’, and meet others who are interested. A few have indeed joined local groups as a result. The research suggested that making people welcome to the village on arrival was important. This was especially so if they did not know the village before. So NELLI has produced a big, user-friendly map of the village, showing people where to shop, swim, cycle and everything else. It is being offered free to newcomers, as well as to existing

residents. It complements the ‘Welcome’ leaflet that the Parish Council produces. And now NELLI is turning its thoughts to setting up, with partners, some sort of Community Cafe. This would be a warm and friendly meeting place for a cuppa and a chat. It might also be a place to read the newspaper or a book, or play a game, or anything else that is suggested (within reason!). NELLI is very aware that these are ‘drops in the ocean’ of loneliness, but better a few drops than none. And if anyone wishes to come and join NELLI as a volunteer they would be warmly welcome; they can help us create some new drops. Email: newearswicklli@gmail.com Web: nelli2013.wordpress.com John Mitchell ‘Local residents enjoying the Hobby/Craft Fair in April’

IS JRHT SHELTERED HOUSING

‘BEST IN CLASS’? JRHT has been working with researcher and sheltered housing expert Jenny Pannell to improve its sheltered housing offer. Jenny has used evidence from good practice and research she’s carried out for JRF to produce a summary of what ‘best in class’ sheltered housing looks like. We’re keen to work with residents and staff to find out how we compare so that we can get better. To start the work Jenny led consultations for us at four of our schemes: Heslington Court and Dower Court in York, Roxby Gardens in Thornton-leDale and St Ellen’s Court in Beverley. 41 residents took part and there were lively discussions at all the events. We were delighted to hear from residents that they are generally happy about where they live. People mostly like their own flats and their sheltered scheme, particularly its location, environment (especially gardens) and the friendliness of other residents. Most people said they felt safe and secure and liked the reassurance sheltered housing gives to them and their relatives. Most residents were very complimentary about their Scheme Manager – they appreciated the additional sense of security this gave them. Some said they would

like the Scheme Manager to be available for more hours, but understood the need to balance this against the cost of the service charge. People also liked the sense of community in their scheme. Many residents are involved in running and participating in activities, although there was some concern that as people get older it can make social activities harder to maintain. It wasn’t all good news from residents. There were also things that we clearly need to improve. Repairs and maintenance are an area of concern – people told us that we are too slow to respond and don’t keep them informed about what is happening. In fact, information and communication emerged as major issues at all the consultations. Some newer residents had been given very little information before moving in and this, along with better communication with all residents, is something we’re determined to improve. It was widely agreed that a residents’ handbook would help, and, as Scheme Managers are such an important communication link, it was also agreed that JRHT should make sure that they are well-informed too. So what next? Jenny has already helped us with three

Dower Court, Belle Vue Avenue

working groups (two for staff and one for staff and residents) to start planning a residents’ handbook, a handbook for Scheme Managers, and better processes for sales and lettings. We now have an action plan which includes these issues as well as better training for Scheme Managers. Our progress towards ‘best in class’ is also being evaluated by people independent of JRHT – so we can’t take our eye off the ball!

We have an initial plan to develop the service over the next six months but can’t become ‘best in class’ without your support. We’re very grateful for the input of staff and residents so far and need you to keep helping us to improve, so if you’d like more information about what we’re doing and/or are willing to help us, please contact: Tracy Rose (01904 752208) or Nic Dennison (01904 735012).

JRHT News | Summer 2014 | Page 7

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

TOM HEPBURN

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE TEAM LEADER

“I started with Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust in 2010 working with Phil – our longest serving gardener – on one of the mobile crews responsible for the maintenance of various sites around York.” What are your main responsibilities? I look after the gardening teams in New Earswick, Derwenthorpe and the outlying sites including Beverley, Selby and Market Weighton. What would you do during a typical working day? Coffee, always the first job of the day, and then I make sure the teams all know what they’re working on that day. I then complete some admin work, handling queries or requests from various teams in JRHT or passed on from residents. I check Facebook as our residents are increasingly getting in touch that way. There’s usually invoices to sign, orders to place and people to chase up. I then complete site visits, either to check on how work’s progressing, or scoping out a prospective job. I attend various meetings and meet lots of interesting people in my work: passionate residents, amazing architects and designers, dedicated councillors. I even met Ron Cooke at an awards do – he

has a building named after him at the new University campus! Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I might get to be a gardener for a bit. Nothing beats getting out the office and into a tractor, or out and about with a spade, helping one of my teams. What do you think are the most important skills needed to do your job? Organising – whether it’s juggling jobs, planning projects or sharing skills – there’s a lot of different areas of specialism within our gardening teams. Customer service – there’s so much talking with our residents, it’s important to listen to them, or come up with solutions that they’re happy with – diplomatically! Has your role changed at all since you started? Yes – having been promoted to Team Leader my role also now involves management planning, contractor liaison at Derwenthorpe and the Red Lodge redevelopment.

Page 8 | JRHT News | Summer 2014

“there’s so much more to gardening than pulling up weeds” What do you enjoy most about your job? The huge variety of work that I get involved in – there’s so much more to gardening than pulling up weeds. Seeing the residents’ enthusiasm for “doing their bit” is such a drive for me. What is most challenging about your job? There’s always so much more that we could do – I’d love to be able to make the whole village into a much more sustainable and educational place – but there’s only so many hours in the day. We have to start with small steps, such as plans for a woodland wildlife trail at the north of Willow Bank and the reintroduction of more fruit trees to the village. What do you like to do outside work? Three years ago I made the mistake of moving into a house with a large garden

– after all, I like gardening, right? I now spend most of the time outside work trying to keep control over the rampant Ground Elder and Creeping Buttercup. I try to grow some fruit and veg but it’s a fight to keep the brambles from taking over. What’s your most memorable moment working at JRHT? I worked with the first residents to move into Derwenthorpe to set up a community gardening group six months ago. Their first meeting had such a great turnout, it was amazing to see how many people were actively keen to get stuck in. They’ve now had a grant from the Trust to buy tools and raised beds and have started growing veg in the soil improver we’ve sent them from our in-house recycling of green waste.

HOMESTEAD PARK July saw Homestead Park staff busily working towards Yorkshire in Bloom judging. Phase 2 of the Herbaceous border renovation was completed in the Spring and a display in the Formal Area commemorates the outbreak of WW1. A temporary display on the site of the proposed Garden of the Senses, Dementia-friendly garden, is currently being designed by a team from the Landscape staff. The Pond area has been renovated, with structure planting and the construction of a new bridge, built by Park staff utilising stockpiled materials from the Park. New fencing has been installed to secure the waters’ edge and subject to external authorisation, the park team hope to have a grand reopening. Wooden, numbered and coloured markers for the new Tree Trail have been installed and leaflets explaining the route are now stocked at the two new notice boards at the Water End and Shipton Road entrances. The Forest Schools project has been a great success this year with pupils from Clifton Green Primary being involved in planting a “Nectar Bar” and witnessing the felling of a large Fir tree in the lower meadow. Although this year’s “Fun Day” for local schools was cancelled due to school staffing shortages, the Victoria Geldof Residents’ Association recently made use of the Park for a Residents’ Picnic, complete with donkey rides! Park staff recently gave work experience to a student with learning difficulties from Lime Trees, this was a valuable and mutually positive experience for the Team and we are hoping to be able to support other students in a similar way in the future.

Park staff gave a guided tour of the Park to the Gardening Group of the University of the Third Age (U3A) and this Autumn welcome again 2 French Horticultural Students from Chateau des Vaux, nr Paris, for two weeks.

Senses Garden, and subject to funding, further enhancement of the planting in the Pond garden and works to create our own self-sufficient composting and green waste recycling facility at the Park.

The Homestead-based Mobile Garden maintenance crew recently planted a large floral display at Lamel Beeches in Support of their recent Garden Fete.

As the year draws on we will be looking to next year’s spring bedding and further projects, including a redesign of Long Walk, the construction of the

The Homestead Park is open to the public seven days a week, from 9am – 4.15pm.

JRHT News | Summer 2014 | Page 9

PROPOSED CHANGES TO

WHAT WE DO NOW

JRHT REPAIR POLICY

WHAT WE’RE PROPOSING TO DO

Right to repair

We will make clear the definition in the policy so residents are better informed about the Right to Repair

As a responsible landlord, JRHT has a legal duty to undertake repairs to its properties. The repair policy is currently being reviewed to ensure it is up to date and to consider if the current priorities and timescales to carry out repairs meet the expectations of residents. During the review, we are looking at how we are currently performing; can we do better and are we providing a good quality service? Are we achieving value for money when we carry out repairs? We want to improve the service, so how can we do this? What do we do well? What can we do better? As part of the review we are asking residents for their views and we have already held a consultation session with some of our Scarborough residents. We want to know what you think – what do we do well and what can we do better? Should we do repairs for residents which we are not responsible for? Would you be happy for us to do these repairs and charge for them? We know residents value the services we provide, even when we know we can improve them. In some instances, we carry out repairs which are not our responsibility and charge for these to be done. We will review these repairs as part of the policy review, but we would welcome your comments on this as well. JRHT WHAT WE’RE PROPOSING TO DO

Essential repairs

These will be dealt with as an emergency repair and we will respond within 24 hours, but prioritise those repairs which need a response very quickly

Emergency repair

Remains at 24 hours

Respond within 24 hours Urgent repair Attend within 7 calendar days of notification

Routine repair Attend within 31 calendar days of notification Programmed works We do not specify when we will undertake this work

Repair responsibility We currently undertake some repairs which residents should undertake Resident improvements Fitting of additional security items JRHT currently fit these at no charge to the resident. The resident will meet the cost of the materials. This service includes fitting additional locks to doors and windows, plus external security lights, but does not include the fitting of security alarms Resident improvements Installation of replacement kitchens and bathrooms

We will clarify what is JRHT responsibility and what is residents responsibility We will continue to fit these at no cost to the resident and in some cases where there is a risk of violence or vulnerability, the resident will not pay for materials. However, we will look at each case on an individual basis

JRHT will no longer provide this service. Residents will be expected to find and pay for their own installations

JRHT will install kitchens, bathrooms and extractor fans at no charge to the resident, providing the resident pays for the materials Aids and Adaptations In order to avoid any delays in works anticipated to cost less than £1000, residents are not referred to a doctor or occupational therapist

For work over £1000, we are reviewing our policy with the Council’s Social Services Department to offer an improved service for residents waiting for this work to be carried out

Works above £1000 will be referred to Social Services for a Disabled Facilities Grant Rechargeable work –

WHAT WE DO NOW

Respond in 4 hours

The current policy does not make it clear to residents what they can expect from JRHT

We recharge residents for wilful damage to property that is in breach of the tenancy agreement

We will continue to recharge residents in those cases where there is wilful damage and persistent breach of their tenancy or lease conditions

Forced entry and renewal of locks and keys where residents have lost their keys and cannot gain access Inspections of work We currently carry out inspections of work before and after they are completed

We propose to increase the number of inspections to ensure better quality control and cost of repair work

Remains within 7 calendar days but we will review this target within 12 months as we see improvements to the service through new ways of working

Service standards and code of conduct

Propose to change to 20 working day target

We really would like to hear from you with your views. You can do this by;

Clearer definition around the management of these works, including how we intend to preinspect work and inform residents when they can expect works to begin

Page 10 | JRHT News | Summer 2014

We intend to renew these and monitor them more regularly, reporting on how we are meeting these

Writing to Sarah Charlton, Resident Involvement Officer, The Garth, White Rose Avenue, New Earswick, York, YO32 4TZ. By email to information@jrht.org.uk Telephone 0800 5870211

HOW TO CONTACT US Our customer service team is available between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, on freephone

0800 5870211

For out-of-hours emergency repairs, call this number and you’ll be transferred to our on-call supervisor.  The Garth offices at New Earswick are open for dropping in between 8.30am – 5.00pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. 10.00am – 5.00pm Weds. For care enquiries, contact

01904 750700 For Hartfields in Hartlepool, contact

01429 855070 ‘ MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS’ John Cooper from New Earswick writes: The writing by Harry Pawson in ‘JRHT News’ spring edition about the history of the post office has stirred the chords of memory. My family occupied the house 20a Hawthorn Terrace (above and behind the post office) up until 1933, and I remember Harry’s parents taking the tenancy of the shop, which had previously been the Co-op Butchers. My family, of which I am the last survivor, consisted of parents and seven children, 5 male and 2 female, spread over a wide age range, so accommodation must have been a bit tight (no topping and tailing)! My father managed the grocery shop next to the

butchers owned by Alfred Kay, who also had a shop in Bootham. I remember the Pawsons sold toys as well as bikes and thus came into my possession a Hornby train set and a green and yellow self-build car set, no doubt after much pleading! Next to my dad’s shop (people used to call him Mr Kay) was Miss Fairweathers, and at the end of the arcade the Co-op grocery shop, where small cheques were issued to customer members to be exchanged for ‘divis’. Access to the white painted verandas was by French windows, offering an ‘al‑fresco’ life style – very grand! I do not dispute what Harry says, but I am surprised to hear that there were no postal facilities in the village up to

1931, so where were the nearest? Yes Peter Hawley is correct in saying that the Post Office was at one time located in the confectioners shop at the junction of Chestnut Grove/ Station Avenue run by the Atkinsons – son Frank ran Elm Tree Garage (where Elm Tree Mews now stands). At the rear of the arcade of shops at that time stood a row of warehouses and at the end nearest to 20a was stationed the red painted hand-pulled fire engine. I do not recall it being used. But did I really, as a young lad at 20a, carry a shovel full of burning coals from the ground floor open fire to the upstairs fire grate? Yes! John Cooper

JRHT News | Summer 2014 | Page 11

BEING HEALTHY

AT LITTLE ROWANS As part of our on going project on healthy living which included, making a healthy eating plate, preparing fruit kebabs and growing fruit and vegetables, Little Rowans pre-school had a visit from a dental nurse.

RED LODGE SHORT-STAY CARE AND RESPITE A home from home experience… Are you recovering from an illness or operation? Do you require a short period of round the clock care and support? Or are you a carer looking after a loved one and in need of a break? At Red Lodge we offer housing and support to older people, which include flexible short-stays from a few days to several weeks or months. The short-stay package (daily rate £75.42/weekly rate £528.00) includes: – En-suite accommodation which is fully furnished and has a television.

Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust The Garth White Rose Avenue New Earswick York YO32 4TZ www.jrht.org.uk

– A personalised care plan. – Provision of care and support services, available 24 hours/7 days. – All meals and light refreshments. – A cleaning and laundry service. – Access to amenities including dining room, lounge, library services, hair salon, landscaped gardens and social activities. For more information please contact: Dwayne McCue, General Manager at Red Lodge on tel. no. 01904 762111.

She spent time with the children talking to them about what kinds of food and drink are good for our teeth and those that are not. Some of the children dressed as dentists, including gowns and masks. They used giant toothbrushes to clean a set of very large teeth and even the teeth of a crocodile. The children went home with a new toothbrush and a pack containing lots of useful information. Even the parents got a free tube of toothpaste!

FIND OUT WHAT WE DO Do you want to find out more about what we do and have your say on the services JRHT provides? Come along to our annual meeting at the Folk Hall, New Earswick, York on Saturday 15 November for your chance to: • ask our directors any questions you may have about our work and services; • hear about the past year and the future for JRHT; and • hear about resident achievements. The event, which will be chaired by Graham Millar, Chair of the JRHT Board and a trustee of JRF/JRHT, will start with lunch at 12.30pm and finish at 3.30pm. To book your place, please contact Michelle Atkins on 01904 615905 or at michelle.atkins@jrf.org.uk.