SILVA SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight

Issue 42 / summer 2018
The newsletter for customers of Silva Homes

Top award at Chelsea

Congratulations to Liscombe House resident Gillian Parker who recently
won a gold award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Story on page 10

Inside this issue

Home safety Apprenticeship Summer Money matters
tips success of fun
events

Contents Hello from the editorial team

Home and fire p4-5 Welcome to the summer edition, which also brings us a new
safety tips look. The news group looked at different design options and
gave their comments, and we hope you like the layout and
Learn new skills p6 clarity and variety of information.

Money matters p7 This edition has lots of information including important home, fire
and other safety tips, events for you, money matters, and more.
Summer events p9 We have settled into our new office at Western Peninsula.
There’s visitor parking at the front of the office, and please
Community remember all our services and information are on our website at
news p10-11 www.silvahomes.co.uk
If you have any articles or content you’d like to read about in a
future edition, please contact us.

Western Peninsula opening hours: We are subject to new data protection law
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm
As you may know, a new data protection law, known as General
We make every effort and endeavour Data Protection Regulation or GDPR, came into effect in May.
to ensure accuracy and that content Our privacy policy is available on our website. Please be assured we
is correct at the time of print. take data security very seriously and your personal details will be
Please visit www.silvahomes.co.uk held securely and only be seen by those who need to. We will only
for updates and more news. Many share it if we are required to by law or believe we must to protect
thanks to our contributors. you or others.

Silva Homes is a charitable registered society under the
Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014
registration number 30230R Registered Provider L4513

Get in touch Secret gardener

Silva Homes, Western Peninsula, What strange changeable weather we have had in spring and early
Western Road, Bracknell, summer. I hope it will keep dry for a while now; everything is
Berkshire RG12 1RF growing and brightening our gardens after such a slow start.
Telephone: 01344 382800 Keep on top of the weeds and make sure you dead-head the
[email protected] flowers to keep them going longer. Pick your vegetables - young
www.silvahomes.co.uk peas and beans will produce more for you and will flower longer
For enquiries about housing benefit, when you have stopped cutting them back. A top tip is not to cut
street lighting, gritting, street your lawn too short as it will need more watering.
care, social services, please contact
Bracknell Forest Council:
01344 352800
If you would like this newsletter in
large print, braille, on audio tape or
CD, please contact 0800 692 3000.

Português | Espanol | Polski

2 FolFloolwlowuuss @silvahom

Welcome to the
summer edition

In stark contrast to my foreword to the spring edition of Spotlight,
which saw one of the coldest spring days on record, we are now in
the middle of a heatwave. It has certainly been a very hot and dry
start to the summer. Whilst the warm weather has been enjoyable,
we have some tips on our website and social media to help cope
with the high temperatures so please have a look and take care.

I am really pleased at long last to be able to We recently finalised our new three-year strategic
confirm we have changed our name to Silva Homes. plan which sets out how and what we will deliver
You should all have received a letter telling between now and 2021. Our key priorities are:
you about the new name. We are still the same
organisation, this is a change of name only. It has 1. To fully apply our capacity and aim to deliver
no impact on our charitable status. We remain a
not-for-profit housing association and continue 1,100 new affordable homes over the next
to be committed to our customers and partners. five years, whilst continuing to meet the
Changing our name is simply that, it does not mean investment needs of existing homes.
we are changing our social purpose.
2. To develop and deliver a new customer service
Silva Homes has been chosen as our new
brand because we are evolving as a confident, offer that maximises the use of digital services
independent social business with a new strategy and better directs our resources to support
for developing more affordable homes and those in greatest need.
modernising our offer to customers. It was clear
from focus groups with involved customers and 3. To ensure ongoing financial viability, deliver
colleagues there has been an appetite to have a
more contemporary, shorter, and less geographic good value for money, maintain regulatory
name, and to reduce any confusion that we compliance, and make Silva Homes a great
are part of Bracknell Forest Council. We work
closely with the council, but we are a separate place to work. Follow us
organisation, and they like us were keen for us to
change our name 10 years after the stock transfer. Follow us @silvahomes
We have great pride in our origins and Silva, which
is the Latin word for forest, meets the brief and to stay up-to-date with
provides a nod to our heritage.
news an@d osuilrvlaathesot mneews
You don’t need to do anything. Your rents and
rights are not affected. Over the coming weeks homes like Lawrence
and months, you will start to see the new name Court (pictured right)
on our vehicles, uniform, website, identity badges
and signage. We hope you like the new, sleeker Finally, I was delighted recently to visit our new
name and please take note of the new logo as scheme for older people at Lawrence Court in
it will be on the identity badges carried by our Warfield. It has 65 brand new apartments, some
colleagues when they come to your home. fantastic shared spaces and gardens, and looks quite
stunning. Most of the apartments are now occupied
Your safety and the safety of the local and we are planning a welcome event for new
community is important to us. Please have a residents soon. Have a look at our website for our
look at our home and fire safety tips in this new developments – we are developing affordable
edition on page 4 and 5. More safety information homes to rent and for sale as shared ownership on
is available on our website. several sites. Most recently we committed to deliver
87 new homes in Hook, 100 on the Blue Mountain
site in Bracknell, and 21 new homes on the old TRL
site in Sandhurst. These form only part of the
600 homes we have currently on site or in contract
ready to start and deliver over the next two years.

Alan Ward, Chief Executive

www.silvahomes.co.uk 3

Home safety and tips

Being prepared can be very helpful when the unexpected
happens. These top tips put together by customers and our
teams may be useful:

• Be aware of where the stopcock is so water can be turned off in ElsiangvheirntggbyuWlbAsRNING
case of any leaks
• Keep a first aid kit and emergency toolbox with items like a torch Did you know that energy saving
with batteries in case there’s no power. Spare fuses of light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
assorted power, and lightbulbs, are handy too contain hazardous material,
• Use a small sink plunger, toilet brush, hot water and bleach, or a mercury being the most toxic.
bottle of drain clearing product to release blockages This information is from the
• Have a fire evacuation plan and make sure your household knows manufacturers of these tubes
the plan and bulbs to avoid inhalation
• Ventilate rooms and wipe down any condensation that may cause of mercury dust in the event of
mould to form breakage.
• If the power goes off, check if any of the consumer unit (also • Leave the room and allow it to
known as RCD) switches have turned off, then switch off ventilate for 15 minutes or
appliances, put the RCD switch back on and turn on appliances more
to see if any are causing the RCD to switch off. If an appliance is • While wearing rubber gloves,
causing it to turn off again, leave the appliance unplugged scoop up glass shards and
and get it checked. If it’s not one of the appliances, check with debris from the bulb with a
neighbours if they are affected in case there is an energy stiff piece of cardboard
supplier outage. • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner or
broom on hard surfaces to
Other home safety tips are available at clean up after a broken bulb
www.silvahomes.co.uk/home-safety-and-tips - avoid creating or inhaling
dust from the broken bulb
More home hints • Place the remains in a plastic
bag
Here are some handy tips suggested by • Wipe up the immediate area
customers on how you can use things you may with a damp paper towel, then
already have in your cupboard to help you care put it in the bag and seal it
for your home: • If you need to use a vacuum
cleaner on carpet, dispose of
1. Use tin foil dipped in Coca-Cola to remove rust spots from filter bag in a plastic bag as
well
chrome • Wash your hands after the
clean up.
2. Make a thick paste from bicarbonate of soda and water and use
Recycling compact
to remove perspiration or urine stains from fabric fluorescents –

3. Use a paste made from lemon juice and salt to remove rust use recycling units or re3 at
Longshot Lane, Bracknell for safe
stains from clothing disposal.

4. You can crisp limp lettuce leaves, celery or carrots by placing in

iced water for an hour

5. Remove burnt on food from pans by half filling it with water and

50g of bicarbonate of soda, and boiling for 10 minutes

6. Press your nails into a bar of soap before doing messy work to

stop dirt from getting under them.

Have you got any more top tips?
Tell us at [email protected]

4 Follow us FolFloo@lwlsoiwluvaushs omes @silvahom

Fire safety Investments
in fire safety
The best way to deal at Point Royal
with house fires is to
prevent them in the The refurbishment project at
first place. Point Royal is well underway
and includes redecoration to all
A home fire safety check can significantly reduce the risk of a fire the communal areas inside the
starting in your home. During a check, firefighters or a member of Royal building, and a sprinkler system
Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (RBFRS) prevention team will visit is being installed.
your home at a pre-arranged time. They will thoroughly check for fire
risks, provide information on kitchen and electrical safety and other Following the tragedy at
hazards around the home. They will also fit 10-year smoke alarms Grenfell Tower last summer the
where necessary and give advice on: fire service has acknowledged
the crews who attended could
• Maintaining smoke alarms have reacted more effectively
• Night time fire safety routines and quickly if they had a better
• Making an emergency fire escape plan. understanding of the building.
As part of the ongoing review
A free home fire safety check can be provided to anyone who: into all aspects of safety in high
• Is over 65 years of age rise blocks the fire service is
• Has mobility issues carrying out an assessment of
• Receives support from social services or other care agencies all high-rise blocks in the UK
• Has any sight or hearing impairment to understand the layouts and
• Receives oxygen treatment at home. risks of all buildings.
If any of these apply to you, please contact RBFRS:
Online: www.rbfrs.co.uk In April Royal Berkshire Fire and
Email: [email protected] Rescue Service visited Point
Freephone: 0800 587 6679 Royal and the Fire Officers
attending were satisfied with
Visit www.rbfrs.co.uk where you can complete an online home the building. They praised the
fire safety check self-assessment and find other safety advice. installation of the sprinkler
system and commented that it
highlights that we are putting
residents’ safety first.

There was recently an incident where some unwanted household furniture
was left outside the bin store of a block of flats.

This furniture was then deliberately set on fire If you would like help removing large items such as
and due to the closeness to the building, it started appliances, TVs, sofas and beds, please contact us
to burn and cause damage to the outside of the and we may be able to help. Charges apply.
block. Fortunately, the fire service attended
quickly and put the fire out, but the outcome of
this incident could have been much worse.

To prevent a similar incident please do

not place anything in the communal areas in Please remember that placing any unwanted items
and around your block or even outside the in communal areas is fly-tipping - it is illegal and
front of your house. Not only does this look can carry a penalty up to £50,000 and may include
unsightly, it creates an immediate safety up to six months in prison.
risk to you and your neighbours. The NEAT team will now be known as Estate Services.
Contact them on 01344 382800.

Daniel Hooper, Health and Safety Compliance Manager

www.silvahomes.co.uk 5

Apprenticeship success

Congratulations to Lewis Oxenham and Mark Toomey, who
recently completed apprenticeships at Silva Homes to become
qualified electricians.

Lewis qualified after three
years as an apprentice. He said:
“Apprenticeships are a great
way to learn from real world and
work experience. The team of
electricians are all supportive,
helping you get the evidence
and training you need. Working
here helps you with people skills
through interaction with customers
and every day is different, which
makes it interesting.”

Mark’s apprenticeship was also and kitchens. Towards the end of - gaining experience and
three years and he qualified a my apprenticeship, I moved to knowledge whilst also learning
year early. the maintenance team, working at college, then putting it all
Most of his apprenticeship was with all the other electricians.” together.
working on empty properties. He
commented: Lewis and Mark got their “We were well supported
“The main thing I enjoyed about apprenticeships through throughout the apprenticeship.”
working on empty properties Bracknell and Wokingham
was getting them ready for College. They added: Visit local college websites
letting, and carrying out the “Apprenticeships are a great for details of apprenticeships
installation work on bathrooms way to earn while you learn near you.

Community Learning at

Bracknell
Open Learning
Centre

• Arts, crafts and lifestyle courses “A recent Ofsted inspection found us to be rated as good.
• Computing courses Come along and see how ‘good’ we are for yourself”
• Work and skills courses

Find us at For further information visit
Bracknell Open Learning Centre www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/community-learning
Rectory Lane, Easthamstead, Telephone 01344 354220 or email [email protected]
Bracknell, RG12 7GR Find us on Facebook@bracknellopenlearning

6 Follow us FolFloo@lwlsoiwluvaushs omes @silvahom

MONEY MATTERS

In May 2018

Universal Credit We are here
to help...
launched in
Universal Credit (UC) includes
Bracknell Forest some big changes on how benefits
are paid. You will need to be
If you are of working age and on a low income, prepared. We’re here to help so
unemployed or in receipt of certain benefits or you can make a successful claim
tax credits, you will become eligible to move on to for Universal Credit.
Universal Credit (UC). It doesn’t affect anyone of It can take up to five weeks to
pension age. get your first Universal Credit
payment (as UC is paid monthly
Are you ready? in arrears). If you will have little
or no money until your first
Do you have a bank account which can Yes No payment, you can request an
make and receive electronic payments? advance payment from your work
coach or by calling the
Do you have access to the internet? Yes No free Universal Credit helpline on
0800 931 3711.
Can you manage a monthly budget? Yes No
Self-employed people face
If you have answered no to any of the questions, please visit our different rules under UC, for
website to find out more about UC or call our money advisor on example they will need to
01344 382800. provide their monthly earnings to
the DWP instead of the tax office
supplying it directly. If you are
self-employed it’s best to speak
to the DWP via the job centre to
find out more

Make paying rent easy by setting up a

direct debit

The easiest way to pay A direct debit customer said:
your rent is to set up a
direct debit for the day “It’s so much easier. There’s nothing more important
you receive your regular than having a roof over your head and paying our
monthly payment. The good rent by direct debit means we know when and how
news is that setting up a much will be paid. We use direct debit for most
direct debit couldn’t be things as once everything is paid out on the same
easier using our website’s date each month you know what’s left is yours.”
My World portal, and nearly
half our customers are It’s helpful to have a recent rent statement or payment
already using direct debit. reference handy.

If you already have a direct debit with us, you do not need to take
any action following the company name change. All the account
numbers are unchanged and the name will be adjusted automatically.

Tom Mason, Income Services Manager

www.silvahomes.co.uk www.silva.co.uk 7

Changes to cleaning

of communal blocks

We have listened to customer feedback and reviewed the
standard of cleaning in blocks of flats provided by a contractor,
and have decided to bring the service in-house.

The estate services team - who currently carry out If you have any questions please email
caretaking on estates - will now provide cleaning at [email protected].
blocks of flats. The aim of this change is to improve “I would like to say, since the Silva Homes’ team
the standard of cleaning. has been cleaning, it smells and looks great. The
The service includes weekly cleaning of communal smell is far less overpowering and such a better
areas, sweeping and/or mopping of the floors, smelling product. Also door frames and windows
removing cobwebs, wiping down handrails, and frames are being wiped clean. It generally
bannisters, and communal doors and entrances. smells and looks cleaner after you leave. Dan and
Danny have done a great job,
Please always keep communal halls clear also very friendly.” Great Hollands customer
of all items for fire prevention. “The new system is working well and has
certainly made a difference – it feels cleaner. All
The Neighbourhood Estate Action Team (NEAT) is now the window ledges and glass in doors are clean,
known as estate services. and what’s more the fact they are doing their
All customers in blocks of flats previously cleaned caretaking duties whilst waiting for the floors to
by the contractor have been sent a letter to dry, makes everywhere look better and is a good
provide information about this change. use of time.” Great Hollands customer

Parking schemes

Parking schemes have been set up in some garage areas due to numerous complaints from garage owners
and users who were unable to access or exit their garage due to obstructions from other vehicles.

How much money does Silva Homes make from the schemes? Andrew McDonald,
We do not profit from any of the parking control schemes. Housing Services Manager
What about the signage? Some are in the wrong place, and some
have been damaged.
If you believe a sign has gone up somewhere that it shouldn’t – for
example, on a privately owned home – please let Parking Control
Management (PCM) know (contact details are on our website).
For all signs up on Silva Homes’ land and properties, do not attempt to
remove or deface the signage. This is criminal damage.
If you witness someone behaving in this way, please report it.
Why PCM?
PCM already work with many local authorities and housing associations, and we
chose them as they are accredited and have a good reputation.
Vehicle ownership amongst households is increasing and households frequently
have two, three or more vehicles and vans, which the estate areas were not
designed for. We, and Bracknell Forest Council, have invested £1.2 million
creating 427 extra parking spaces in the borough, but we cannot solve all parking
problems.
Our motivation is to keep access to garages free, encourage better parking
behaviours and prevent the inconsiderate use of our land. For more information,
including parking enforcement locations, please visit our website.

8 FolFloolwlowuuss @silvahom

FREE

Summer of fun events

for all the family 11am to 3pm

refreshments - inflatables - circus skills - crazy golf -
kick about - and much more, depending on the venue and weather

(organised and funded by the Parish and Town Councils of Bracknell Forest)

Friday 27 July Tuesday 14 August

Warfield Memorial Ground Morgan Recreation Ground, Crowthorne

Wednesday 1 August Thursday 16 August

Wildridings Playing Field Braybrooke Recreation Ground

Tuesday 7 August Wednesday 22 August

Farley Wood Centre, Binfield Locks Ride Recreation Ground, Winkfield

Thursday 9 August Wednesday 29 August

Memorial Park, Sandhurst North Lake, South Hill Park

Tai Chi Ageing Seated
Yoga
Gentle exercises to improve Well
balance, coordination and Gentle and relaxing chair based
yoga class
muscle strength
Thursdays, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Tuesdays, 11am to 12noon Fit for All Great Hollands Community Centre
Great Hollands Community Centre
Get fit in a supported and beginner
friendly environment

Fit for All Wednesdays, 10.30am to 11.30am
Sandhurst Baptist Church
Get fit in a supported and beginner
friendly environment Thursdays, 10.30am to 11.30am For a full list of community
St Mark’s Church, Binfield exercise groups search online for
Mondays, 10am to 11.30am
Priestwood Community Centre Bracknell Forest Community Map

Tuesdays, 6pm to 7pm *Refreshments provided at this session
The Parks Community Centre

Fridays, 10.30am to 12noon
Great Hollands Community Centre

www.silvahomes.co.uk 9

Birch Hill resident
wins top award at
prestigious Chelsea
Flower Show

Congratulations to Liscombe House resident Gillian Parker,
who recently won a gold award at the RHS Chelsea
Flower Show.

Gillian’s horticultural story started just over two years ago and she said:
“Two years ago I wouldn’t have believed I’d even go to Chelsea Flower
Show, let alone come home with a gold medal.

“I started on the Help for Heroes recovery “From start to finish the project was amazing. I
journey just over two years ago. I was discharged started to feel part of a team and had a purpose
from the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) due again. The attention to detail and rules we had
to injury and trauma caused during service. In to follow were at times stressful but when it all
my rehab programme I found I got most pleasure came together it was amazing.
from horticulture. After taking City and Guilds in “Throughout the week at Chelsea I found a
practical horticulture I started voluntary work in new confidence, felt accepted, part of a team,
the gardens at South Hill Park. learned to laugh at myself and with others, and
“Feeling very vulnerable and scared of my own spoke to lots of people. The experience has been
shadow, I was shocked to be in the team to work life changing for me and I thank the residents
with Sparshot College in Hampshire and fellow of Liscombe House for their encouragement and
veterans from Help for Heroes on a recovery support to get me there.”
garden for Chelsea Flower Show.

If anyone is interested in experiencing and sharing the joys of horticulture,
you could also join in with Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare by contacting

07867 695931 or visit www.jealottshilllandshare.org.uk
or take part in Bracknell’s festivals.

10 FolFloolwlowuuss @silvahom

Fun and games Thank you to Margaret from Martins
at Bracknell Heron Tesco for her hard work,
Festival 2018 support and for bringing delicious
cakes and lots more
Great fun was had by all for the start of a week-long
festival in early summer.

Big thanks to our retirement living residents and
employees for getting into the spirit of the occasion
and making these events a great success.

Ladies from Broadway House enjoy the
sunshine and community event

Games galore Regenerating Before After
communal
area at

Carlyle Court

Before and after photos
of Carlyle Court new
planting scheme

Tenants and Leaseholders
Panel update

The Tenants and Leaseholders More information on this is on More information is published
Panel meets regularly with senior page 7. in Spotlight and on Silva Homes’
management to discuss policies We also heard about the new website.
and topical issues for Silva Homes homes that are being built in You can get involved in different
and the housing sector. Bracknell, Sandhurst and other ways. Contact the customer
In the last few months we areas, and Silva Homes’ strategic involvement team at customer.
have heard about the roll out plan, which includes investment [email protected]
of Universal Credit and how in existing homes, providing James Beasley, Chair of the
Silva Homes is helping support 1,100 new homes over five years, Tenants and Leaseholders Panel
customers. and improving online services.

www.silvahomes.co.uk 11

Time for a bit of fun
World Cup wordsearch
Find the 12 words in the box opposite, then
ARGENTINA ENGLAND ICELAND SWEDEN complete the form below and send your entry
BRAZIL FRANCE PANAMA TUNISIA to us.
COLUMBIA GERMANY SPAIN URUGUAY All entries will be judged and the winner will be notified.
Closing date 14 August 2018.
The prize is £25 Love2shop vouchers.
Competition open to tenants and leaseholders only.
Name:
Daytime telephone number:

Address:

Please give us your feedback on Spotlight.
What do you like or dislike and what would you
like to see next time?

Would you like any information about benefits or
Universal Credit? Yes No

Send your completed entry to the news group,
c/o Silva Homes, Western Peninsula, Western Road,

Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RF.

Congratulations to last edition’s competition winners: Mrs Weston, Great Hollands, and Mr Prior, Easthampstead.

Recipe... Vegetable and parmesan bake

How to make it Enjoy this healthy and filling vegetable and cheese bake
(you can also make it with gluten free ingredients)
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/
gas 7. Cut the aubergine What you need For the topping
lengthways into long thin slices
– once you have six slices, chop 1 large aubergine 1 large egg
the remainder. Brush the slices 2 tsp rapeseed oil, plus extra for brushing 150g pot bio yogurt
very lightly with oil, place on a 2 red onions, halved and sliced 15-25g vegetarian
baking sheet lined with baking 2 peppers (any colours), diced parmesan-style
parchment and cook for 2 large courgettes, diced cheese, finely grated
15 minutes, turning once, until 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2 handfuls rocket,
softened and pliable. Turn oven 400g can chopped tomatoes dressed with balsamic
down to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. ½ pint gluten-free vegetable stock vinegar, to serve
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large 1 thyme sprig, plus a few extra leaves for the top
a handful of basil, stalks chopped, leaves torn
and kept separate

non-stick frying pan and fry the cheese and 1 tbsp water.
onions until softened. Stir in the Spoon the vegetables into a
chopped aubergine, the peppers, shallow ovenproof dish, top with
courgettes and garlic, and cook, the aubergine slices, then cover
stirring, for a few mins more. Tip with the yogurt mixture and
in the tomatoes and a half a can scatter with thyme. Bake for
of water, then stir in the stock, 10 to 15 minutes until the topping
thyme and basil stalks. Cover and is set and starting to colour. Serve
simmer for 20 minutes or until with dressed rocket on the side.
tender. You can add a little more Try substituting any of the
water if the mixture is getting too vegetable ingredients with your
dry. Stir through the basil leaves. personal favourites.
Beat the eggs with the yogurt,

12 FolFloolwlowuuss @sil1v2ahom