HARCA Life Autumn 2017

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:38 Page 1
AUTUMN 2017


Life










































































- Festival Photos




- Annual Report




- Chrispmas Dates

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:38 Page 2
CONTENTS





USEFUL CONTACTS
Head Office: 167A East India Dock Road, E14 0EA 0800 035 1991 Office open weekdays 9am to 5pm.
Email: [email protected] From a mobile it may be cheaper to call 020 7510 0500.
Estate parking enquiries 0845 463 5050 If your vehicle has been ticketed or if a vehicle is parked in your bay.
Neighbourhood centres
Aberfeldy 020 7515 6794 St Pauls Way Centre 020 7510 5600
Bromley by Bow 020 8709 9700 Linc Centre 020 7538 5748
The Cabin 020 3069 7401 Teviot 020 7987 5764
Burcham Street 020 7093 3549 Trussler Hall 020 7510 9770
Hind Grove - please contact Teviot 020 7987 5764
ANTI SoCIAL BEHAvIoUR CoNTACTS
Poplar HARCA ASB team 0800 035 1991 Out of hours, please call the police on 101
9am - 5pm (Mon - Fri) Always call 999 in an emergency
Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) http://content.met.police.uk/Borough/TowerHamlets/contact
Bow East 020 8721 2807
Bow West 020 8649 3521
Bromley-by-Bow 020 8721 2041
East India and Lansbury 020 8721 2806
Limehouse 020 8721 2852
Mile End East 020 8721 2848
Emergency services 999 In emergencies when a crime is happening, someone suspected of a
crime is nearby, or if someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.
Police 101 When situations do not require immediate response
[email protected] www.met.police.uk
NHS 111 When you need medical help, fast but it's not a 999 emergency
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 Call anonymously with information about crime
Tower Hamlets Council contacts
General enquiries 020 7364 5020 @towerhamletsnow www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
Emergency out of hours 020 7364 7070
Adult social care 020 7364 5005 Information, advice and assessment for people with learning disabilities,
physical disabilities, older people and support for carers
Children’s services 020 7364 5006 Social services and education including child protection
Council Tax 020 7364 5002
Environmental Health 020 7364 5008 Information and advice regarding food safety, health & safety, animal wardens
Healthline 020 7364 5016 To find a GP and other health services
Bidding for advertised homes 0845 270 2400 www.thhs.org.uk
Housing Benefit 020 7364 5001

Housing Benefit fraud hotline 020 7364 7443 24 hour answer phone
Parking 020 7364 5003 Street parking, paying/appealing a fine, reporting abandoned
vehicle, permits and information on mobility services
Pest and noise nuisance 020 7364 5007 Pest control advice and get help with problems, complaints or enquiries
concerning residential and commercial noise.
Streetline 020 7364 5004 Commercial waste service, dumped rubbish, Enviro-Champions, fly-posting, graffiti, litter and
litter bins, pavements, potholes, recycling, rubbish collection, street cleaning and street lighting
UK Power Networks – for electricity power cuts 0300 3163105 0333 3232105 from a mobile
National Grid for Gas Emergencies or if you smell gas 0300 111999


@poplarharca Poplar HARCA Official



2

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:38 Page 3
CONTENTS



























SUMMER FESITIVALS 16-18




Editorial 4

News & Events 5 - 8

Your Home 9 - 10


Annual Report 12 - 13

Community 14 - 20 CrackedIT – 22

Health & Wellbeing 21

Employment & Training 22

ASB 23

Green 24 - 25


Naturewatch 26

Get Involved 27 - 31 SWING’S THE THING - 20


Resident editorial board


oplar’s been brimming with activity over the Fran always enjoys her nature walks, especially in
Pfestival season. Richard grabbed his best linen the Summer (p.26), spoiled only by inconsiderate
suit to compère at the Chrisp Street Country Fair rubbish-dumpers destroying not only the view, but
& Ceilidh, and we both enjoyed joining in the also our wildlife habitats. Read about how to get
summer fun at Langdon Park and St Paul’s Way. rid of unwanted mattresses, wardrobes and tables
Check out photos from all the festivities on pages for free on page 10.
16-18. Summer may be over, but there’s always
When he wasn’t centre stage, Richard found time something exciting going on. Check out the back
to research wacky old-but-current laws - did you page for Christmas dates for the diary.
know it’s illegal for a woman to eat chocolates on Stay safe and warm over the coming months, say
the tube? Nope, us neither. Read his piece on hello if you see us out and about.
pages 14-15. Fran and Richard



3

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:38 Page 4
EDITORIAL





he tragic fire at Grenfell Tower is still very raw, and our thoughts
Tand prayers continue to be with all those affected. Our Teams
have been working hard to reassure and raise awareness of how to
avoid a fire starting, and what to do if it does. Make sure you stay
up-to-date with the fire safety advice on page 5.
In the face of adversity is when strong local communities grow
stronger. Here in Poplar, Community Heroes have been going out of
their way over the Summer to do their bit (and then some) - from
painting planters to baking for dough - raising money for charities
(page 7). Page 27 lists loads of different opportunities to get involved.

Poplar HARCA’s Annual Report will be on the website soon. Some of
the key stats and value for money highlights are on pages 12-13. I’m
proud our repairs performance continues to be excellent because I
know it’s a priority service for residents. Regenerating our area to
provide more and better homes is also progressing well, with
hundreds of new and affordable homes on our Aberfeldy and Leopold
estates by the end of this financial year.
Your views are important, and we always want to know what we’re
doing well – and not so well. HARCA staff have been door-knocking
across the neighbourhoods to ask you to tell us what we could
improve on. Read about what Aberfeldy residents told us on page 9.
I hope you’re putting all our Chrispmas events in your diary (check
them out on the back page), and I look forward to seeing you there.

Best wishes,





Steve Stride @stevestride_PH



H
AUTUMN 2017 Editor Design and production
Life Hannah Douse Syed Pasha
Mahbub Rahman



HARCA Life is published four times a year. The next issue is due out in December
2017. If you would like to contribute something, such as a story, poem, photo,
letter or recipe, please get in touch before 1st November 2017. Send submissions
to [email protected] or phone 020 7510 0848.



HARCA Life editorial group
- Festival Photos
- Annual Report Fran Jefcoate and Richard Caley
- Chrispmas Dates
HARCA Life is published by Poplar HARCA, 167A East India Dock Road, London E14 0EA
Cover image by Rehan Jamil
For large print, audio or braille phone 020 7510 0535
Haddaad Jeclaan lahayd akhbaar ku qoran Soomalli fadlan soo wac 020 7510 0535







4

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:38 Page 5
NEWS & EVENTS



































Science hits the streets




cience superstar Professor Brian Cox and 250 schools, a health centre and mosque with new
Sstudents from across the UK hit St Paul’s Way networks and relationships between agencies and
earlier this summer. They took part in the sixth local residents.
annual Science School and checked out the St Lord Andrew Mawson (part of the project team) is
Paul’s Way Transformation Project, joining up hoping to replicate the model in 10 communities in
physical improvements including new homes, the north of England.



ollowing the awful Grenfell fire, we’ve been more vigilant
Fthan ever in checking that corridors and escape routes are
Fire Safety kept clear of rubbish and making sure that we get the word
out about ways you can keep yourself safe. You can always get
the latest fire safety information on our website, or call us on
0800 035 1991 to request a copy of the fire safety booklet.




on the Money







Taking HARCA Life digital has saved residents
£32,000 a year.
It’s online at poplarharca.co.uk/community,
or old school copies at our centres.
Tell us about anyone who needs it delivered:
[email protected]






5

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 6
NEWS & EVENTS


























Love to sing? Free on Monday evenings?



Poplar Singers rested vocal chords over the Summer, but rehearsals begin again
on 2nd october. There’s some big Christmas gigs lined up and so
the more shower-singers joining them the better!
Monday Evenings: 6:30-8:30pm @ Brownfield Cabin

Email: [email protected]
Tune in to what they’re up to:
@PoplarSingers











































vis it







6

NEWS & EVENTS
HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 7

































volunteers aged 14-19 - The Community Heroes - spent the
Holding 20summer holidays at Spotlight Centres in Lansbury, Mile End,
Bromley North and Poplar.
Out for So far they’ve spruced up the Bow Brew flower garden, planned the
Aberfeldy Big Fun Day designing the banner and offering ideas on
getting young locals involved, and raised £76 for Great Ormond Street
a Hero Hospital by selling tasty homemade bakes.

Wanna be a hero? [email protected]



































We all want some figgy pudding…



We can (almost) hear those sleigh bells ringing! Christmas Lunch on 7th December.
Grab your most outrageous Christmas jumper Book tickets at your local centre from 13th
and kick off the Christmas season at the Elders November.



7

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 8
NEWS & EVENTS





































We’re all going on



a summer holiday



40 children took part in this year’s Summer Scheme.
1They fed animals at London Zoo, learned to swim at
Poplar Baths and canoed down the Limehouse Cut. To
celebrate (or commiserate!) the end of the scheme, they
strutted their stuff at a UV dance party, busting shapes
learned at a top street dance workshop.

Check out the photos and what else the Team is up to:
Poplar HARCA Communities & Neighbourhoods



































8

YOUR HOME
HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 9




Visitor Visitors parking on our estates need a scratch card or they risk
getting a ticket.

Scratch Scratch cards are available to anyone living in one of our homes,
they’re valid for 12 hours and a book of 10 costs £35.00 (free to
tenants and resident leaseholders who are over 60, and to Blue Badge holders).
Cards Questions? poplarharca.co.uk/homes/report/car-parking






Knock Knock



berfeldy residents were asking ‘who’s there’ recently
Awhen HARCA staff knocked on every door on the
Aberfeldy Estate.
Speaking with 273 households about where they live and
how Poplar HARCA can improve has given us loads of ideas
on what we should prioritise.
Moving services online so that information was immediate
and accessible was a popular comment.

What Aberfeldy Residents told us:
• 86% our homes meet our needs


• 72% we feel safe on our estate
• 72% we are proud of our area

• 61% we know what’s happening on our estate



Service charge challenges




hen leaseholders want to challenge Poplar HARCA about service charges they can apply to
Wthe First Tier Tribunal. Cases often raise common issues that leaseholders query with us so
we thought it may be useful to tell you what recent Tribunals have decided:
Leaseholders in Southcott House didn’t think they were liable to pay the charges we billed because
they were over 18 months old, nor that the charges were reasonable. They also queried our parking
policy. The Tribunal decided that parking was not within its remit, that Poplar HARCA had correctly
served a valid notice informing the leaseholders of the delay to billing, and that the charges were
reasonable. Read the decision here:

decisions.lease-advice.org//app/uploads/decisions/act85/11001-12000/11963.pdf
A leaseholder in Pigott Street alleged a conspiracy by HARCA to defraud leaseholders, that charges
were too high and that the way charges are apportioned is not reasonable. The Tribunal found against
the leaseholder on all counts. Read the decision here:

decisions.lease-advice.org//app/uploads/decisions/act85/11001-12000/11665.pdf
Your lease sets out your rights and responsibilities, and Poplar HARCA’s. There’s also loads of
independent advice online at lease-advice.org.





9

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 10
YOUR HOME




A load of








rubbish







ven rubbish has its proper place.
EDumped anything can be a fire
safety risk. So help keep everyone safe,
your neighbourhood looking its best,
and save on service charges by
disposing in the right way.

Tower Hamlets Streetline (two free
collections a year) – 020 7364 5004

Homestore (reusable items in good
condition) – 020 8519 6264











































10

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 11






e5 Roast house




at Poplar Union









e5’s new cafe & coffee roastery opening at


Poplar Union arts & events venue in East

London, bringing a mission to support

refugees and community events.



Serving organic breakfast and lunches

inspired by flavours from the

Mediterranean and Levant regions,

including wraps and sandwiches, fresh

salads, meze plates and flatbreads.


Late opening Friday and Saturday evenings, with

selected wines and beers.



Coffee roastery on site.



Opening hours (from September)
Tues-Thurs: 8am-6pm
Fri-Sat: 8am-10pm

Sun: 9am-6pm
Closed Mondays
















@e5Roasthouse @PoplarUnion

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 12
ANNUAL REPORT




ANNUAL REPORT AND VALUE FOR MONEY UPDATE



A sneak peak of the highlights in our annual

report and value for money statement



Thinking back to the beginning of the year, in A er a very di cult year which saw changes to services
many respects the UK housing world is now a as a result of nancial constraints, s ll 76% of tenants
very di erent place. said that we provide Value for Money services. To ensure
compliance with the Homes and Communi es Agency
In addi on to the general elec on and the
resul ng minority Conserva ve government, there has Value for Money Standard we have carried out a Value for
been the awful tragedy at Grenfell Tower. Issues of re Money self-assessment. The resul ng report is published
safety and likely regulatory changes came into sharp focus on our website
at our recent board mee ngs and strategy days, and will www.poplarharca.co.uk/who-we-are-documents-and-
do so for the coming months and years. publica ons/value-money.
We also won awards during the year. We started o
The Aberfeldy New Village project con nues to move
along at a quick pace. Phase 2 is complete delivering in style with the Guardian Public Service Award for
219 new homes and phase 3, which will deliver 344 Transforma on followed later by a hat trick of accolades:
new homes, retail space and a community and health 24 Housing’s Innova on of the Year, a Women in Housing
centre is on site. The nal phase of our Leopold Estate award and a 4th place ranking in Inside Housing’s
regenera on scheme which replaces old concrete bison Innova on Index.
blocks with 362 energy e cient modern homes is almost As always, my thanks go to all those who live and work
complete with 191 of the homes built by year end. in our area who share our purpose and contribute to
our achievements. In par cular, I thank our sta , my
Value for Money has always been a key priority for fellow Directors, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets,
Poplar HARCA, especially given the income pro le of A
our residents and the nancial pressure some will face. other partners and our contractors for their con nued
Being held to account by residents who scru nise what commitment to what Poplar HARCA wants to achieve.
we do and how we do it has kept us grounded in terms of
ensuring we maximise the impact of every pound. Dr Paul Brickell - Chair









HERE ARE JUST A
FEW EXAMPLES 10,000 15,269
OF WHAT WE DO: people coming
together at training & engagement
sessions delivered
our events








750 210 £1m
worth of people
people into jobs or amenity/open
achieving qualifications spaces looked after hours generated
by volunteers







12

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 13
ANNUAL REPORT



RENTED STOCK OTHER MANAGED HOMES
OWNED AT 1/04/17 OWNED AT 1/04/17


Bedsit 154 Leasehold 2,814
1 Bedroom 1,285 Including Right to Buy/Acquire sales
2 Bedroom 2,145 Shared Ownership 123
Total Rented 3 Bedroom 1,566 Total Homes Intermediate Rent 28
Homes 5,561 Managed 8,854 A ordable Rent 128
4 Bedroom 328
5 Bedroom 63 Market Rent 200
m 6+ Bedrooms 16




POPLAR HARCA 60%
BOARD MEMBERS 50%
w AGE RANGE,
ETHNICITY 40%

& GENDER 30%
20%

Age range

Ethnicity 10%
Gender
18-25 26-45 46-64 65+ Asian Black White Female Male



RENTED STOCK
AVERAGE RENTS
Total Rented
Bedsits 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom 5 Bedroom 6+ Bedroom Homes

£94.38 £112.56 £121.39 £133.67 £147.55 £164.66 £163.32 £124.24






REPAIRS % COMPLETED
ON TARGET 2016-17

99.4% Completed 100% 16 Days
within target
of tenanted homes days average time to
with a valid gas re-let empty homes
safety certificate at during 2016-17
31/03/17







96% 99% 88%

satisfaction with of repair of correspondence

completed repair appointments kept answered on target






13

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 14
COMMUNITY




WHY DO WE SO OFTEN RELY ON LAWS AND

REGULATIONS THAT ARE SOMETIMES




HUNDREDS OF YEARS OLD?




here has been a lot of publicity over recent months with the successful
Tprosecution of Charlie Alliston following the death of Kim Briggs. Kim died after
being hit by the “illegal” bike ridden by Alliston. But the Prosecutor had to rely on
a Victorian law passed in 1861 (Offences Against the Person Act – Manslaughter
and causing grievous harm by wanton and furious driving).
In the next edition, I plan to explore and highlight a subject that is so often now in
the public eye: The rise of the number of people using pedal power in our Borough
By Richard Caley and the risks and rewards that brings.
Editorial board member
Whether you love them or hate them, the bicycle is not only here to stay, but is
going to be used by more and more of us over the coming years. Everyone has their
own thoughts on this subject, and a lot of us have extremely strong views and
opinions.
So, thinking back to this Victorian Law that proved so effective got me thinking! If
this Law still exists in today’s world, what other ancient English rules still exist and
how many of us break them without even knowing?



Did you know…









It is illegal for a One for Tower Hamlets’ Highways
lady to eat Division: London Hackney Carriages Also, on the subject
chocolates on (black cabs) must carry a bale of hay on transport: it’s
public transport. and a sack of oats by law. actually against the
law to fall asleep on
a bus. One of the
Bus Companies
Forget about National Service, A man is actually prosecuted
all English boys over the age of allowed to urinate in a nun who fell
14 are supposed to carry out 2 public, as long as it is asleep and missed
hours longbow practice a week on the rear wheel of her stop – she had
under the supervision of the his car, and his right travelled too far on
clergy. I can feel the ASB team hand is on the her ticket.
shuddering from here! vehicle.



Another one for ASB, and for a couple of HARCA residents I know for who
this is the bain of their lives: beds must not be hung out of windows.




14

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 15
COMMUNITY







But it’s not just this country
that has some weird and

wonderful laws that defy

logic or common sense.





Here are a few of my favourites

from around the world:


In Italy, a man can be arrested for wearing a skirt


In Scotland, it is against the law to be drunk in possession of a cow

In France, it is a crime for an owner of a pig to call his swine ``Napoleon”


In Greece, if a man is caught kissing a woman in public the death penalty may be enforced


In Singapore, the sale of chewing gum is forbidden

In Alabama, it is against the law for a driver to wear a blindfold when operating a vehicle


In Alaska, it is considered a crime to push a live moose out of a moving plane


In Florida, it is illegal to tie your elephant to a lamppost

In Arizona, donkeys are not allowed to sleep in bath tubs


In Baldwin, California bicycles must not be ridden in swimming pools

In Connecticut, you cannot be stopped by the police for travelling at speeds in excess of 65 MPH


In Delaware, it is an offence to pawn your wooden leg


In Georgia, all citizens attending Church must carry a loaded rifle

And what about this one – Did you know that in Israel it is unlawful
to ride a bicycle without a licence. How stupid is that... or is it?
Something to talk about in the next publication of HARCA Life.



All these laws are very real and could be enforced by the authorities, so be aware - particularly
if you’re traveling the world.

But on a serious note, and remembering the opening of this article - if you’re on a bike, ride
safely. If you’re in a car, just remember cyclists can be very vulnerable on the roads around us.




15

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 16
COMMUNITY




CHRISP STRE







hrisp Street Market was transformed into a Country Fair on 10th September to
Ccelebrate the end of the Great British Summer. There were traditional games,

fairground rides, delicious food stalls and a visit from Vauxhall City Farm. The day was














































































16

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 17
COMMUNITY




ET FESTIVAL







made extra-special with a ceilidh dance extravaganza featuring local band The Muckers.
A huge thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make the event happen, and to

everyone who came and got involved with the day’s fun.














































































17

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 18
COMMUNITY































Langdon Park Festival


angdon Park showcased local
Ltalent at the annual Summer
Festival. The always impressive
Spotlight IMD dancers showed
off their best moves, and
Spotlight Sounds performed tracks
from a new album. Headliners
Sunday Assembly performed a
medley of favourites rounding off an
entertaining day out.



























St. Paul’s Way Festival


00 people were at the St Paul’s Way Festival this
6year, enjoying Bhangra Kings’ drumming and
dancing, waffles for the foodies and, to work off the
waffles, a sports competition for the fitness fanatics.
Using the Force for fun, even a Star Wars Storm Trooper
got involved in local merriment.

FESTIvAL FUN
18

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 19
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY


Founder Penny,

volunteer Lisa and
regular Mumtaz tell us
more about Poplar’s
HotSpots Menopause & Women’s
Wellbeing group



Penny, you started ‘Hot Spots’. What’s it all Lisa, you volunteer for Hot Spots. Who can get
about? involved?
Menopause is a major phase of women’s lives, All women, any age. It would be great to get some
and it can be really difficult. As women we talk younger women along, they’ll experience it one
about everything but ‘that’, and yet we all go day and their relatives could be going through it
through it. now. There’s so much wisdom to share.
Hot Spots provides a space where women can What does the future hold?
come together to share experiences. It’s an We meet once a month, and we’re looking at
opportunity to talk about where we’re at in our running wellbeing workshops in the evenings or
lives, feel listened to, find ways to cope and learn on Saturdays. Lisa is putting together a quarterly
from each other. It’s all a bit ‘Loose Women’.
newsletter about what we’re up to and women’s
We also invite professional speakers, covering wellbeing info.
everything from Mindfulness to Stress Hot Spots meets 12.30-2pm, first Friday each
Incontinence. We’ve got great support from local month at The Cabin. Chat to Jayne 0203 069 7401
GP Dr. Sarah Pitkanen from the Aberfeldy
Practice. It’s a great opportunity to chat with a
doc over a cuppa.

Why did you start the group?
I was only 37 years with 2 boys when things
started changing. Suddenly I was on a
rollercoaster - I felt like I was a failure, I was
grieving. People call it the change, but what was I
changing into? How do you explain what you feel
when you don’t know what you’re feeling? How
do I tell my partner? My kids? There were no
answers, it was all just ‘go home dear and get on
with it’. I couldn’t have waited for it to go away,
it’s my life. So I set up Hot Spots.

Mumtaz, what have the sessions meant to you?
What would I have done otherwise?
People get so ashamed, hiding it, being
told to ‘get on with it’. But talking is what
we need. Before I found this group, I
thought this isn’t normal. I wanted to be
back to how I was. Women are busy, we
live longer, we have to look out for and
after ourselves. Information’s out there,
but it’s about changing things for
ourselves.



19

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 20
COMMUNITY









































SWING’S THE THING







round 3,000 people came to shake their thang at Swing East in Chrisp Street Market in July. Locals
Awere joined by Swing aficionados from across the UK, jumping and jiving to some of the biggest names
in Swing. There was a vintage market, food and plenty of family fun.


























he great news is that we’ll be Rocking around the Chrispmas Tree in
TDecember.
Bands playing rock & roll and rockabilly will get you in the Christmas swing and
you can pick up some great Christmas pressies at the vintage market. There’s a bar
and hot food to keep you going!
The event takes place on Sunday 10th December 12 noon to 6pm. Follow them on
Twitter @SwingEast or keep an eye on www.MyPPLR.com for more details.



20

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 21

HEALTH & WELLBEING


Healthy




Poplar Week















oplar’s blood was pumping and its sweat was on Ex-Poplar resident, and one of the world’s top
Pfor Healthy Poplar Week (17-23 July). We’re freestyle footballers, Jamie Knight, showed-off fancy
hoping you joined in with at least one of the footwork in a Chrisp Street kick about.
activities from chair disco to karate, boxing to The one-day-extravaganza Healthy Poplar Festival at
healthy cooking. Mayflower and Bygrove primary Bartlett Park rounded off a frenetic week.
schools enjoyed a surprise visit from Moses Adeyemi
(winner of Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ and Healthy Poplar Week was organised by WellOne.
founder of The Silver Line Programme). Moses Find out more: www.wellone.co.uk
popped down to deliver an active assembly. @WellOnePoplar


Last of the Summer Salads





heck out this barley & bulgar
Cchopped herb salad - packed
with vitamins & minerals,
healthy fats and protein, slow
releasing energy and serious
amounts of delicious!
Barley & Bulgar chopped
herb salad (Serves 6)

INGREDIENTS
150g pearl barley METHoD
150g bulgur wheat 1. Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the barley.
½ cucumber, finely chopped 2. Cover and cook for 25 mins, or until tender.
4 tomatoes, finely chopped 3. Meanwhile, pour boiling water over the bulgur wheat to just
150g fresh spinach cover, and set aside.
2 tbsp porridge rolled oats 4. Drain the barley and bulgur well and tip into a bowl. Add the
1 lemon, juiced remaining oil, the onions, and plenty of seasoning.
2 tbsp olive oil 5. Mix well and chill until you’re ready to serve (up to 24 hrs ahead is
1½ red onions, halved and sliced fine, or at least 1 hr). Remove from the fridge 30 mins before you
3 tbsp mixed seeds want to serve.
2 garlic cloves, crushed 6. Toss through the remaining ingredients and serve on a large
¼ tsp ground cloves platter or in a bowl.
small bunch of dill Cooking hack: most supermarkets sell a pre-packed and
small bunch of mint pre-cooked barley and quinoa mixed with lentils, 250g each pouch.



21

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 22
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING















































CrackedIT














alent Match connects experts such as am aware of my competition. The best thing
TCommunity Links and West Ham Community about the programme for me was learning
Sports Trust with young people entering the world something that I could use anywhere around the
of work. world. Everyone needs their phones repaired at
some point or another. I definitely see myself
Eight work-hungry young people learned how to
repair iPhones, bagged an ASDAN qualification building my own business or being a part of Apple
and loads of transferable skills on a 5-day Talent as a repairs person.” Sultan Khan.
Match boot camp with social enterprise Cracked “The Cracked IT programme was exciting as I saw
IT. The iPhone-repairers then sold their newly an opportunity to learn a new skill and start my
acquired skills at Spitalfields Market. Two have own business. I started the course with no real
now set up their own websites, and another has knowledge on how to fix an iPhone, but by the
secured paid work experience - superb! end of the week I was able to fix 6 different

“The programme has allowed me to build-up my iPhone models and was also running a stall in
confidence and open-up my own home based Spitalfields Market.” Hamid Shujon Miah.
business using social platforms such as Facebook, Know someone who could benefit from work
WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram. I have also support? poplarharca.co.uk/you/employment-
gained various skills around market research so I training



22

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 23
ASB



Sub-letting



Doesn’t Pay


ohammed Rohim and Afsana Begum
Millegally sublet their 2-bedroom flat in
Maidstone House for £400 per month while
also claiming Housing Benefit. When caught
out, they tried to cover it up by threatening
the people they had let the property to.

A High Court Judge gave Poplar HARCA
possession of the property, and it will now be
re-let to a family needing a home. The Judge
criticised the pair and family members for
‘lying under caution, verifying false witness
statements and…lying under oath’.
You can read the full judgement online at
http://www.bailii.org/cgi-
bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/201
7/2040.html&query=(poplar)+AND+(begum)
If you suspect someone is sub-letting a Poplar
HARCA tenancy email [email protected].
You can stay anonymous - or get £500 for one
call or email if it leads to the property being
recovered.




e want everyone to be
Remember, Wsafe and feel safe on

Bonfire Night, so fireworks
Remember and bonfires are not allowed
anywhere on Poplar HARCA’s
estates.

We do extra bulk rubbish
clearances and patrol in the
run-up to November 5th.

You can do your bit by
removing items from
communal areas and
balconies. Dispose of bulky
items safely - check out page
10 to find out more.
Report antisocial behaviour to
the Police on 101, and if
there’s an emergency call 999.






23

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 24
GREEN


Bee Conscious







ema Kana is now a beekeeper at Brownfield We also helped
HCommunity Garden – who produce the build hives… from
famous Poplar Honey. flat packs! In the
garden there were
A hive of excitement, Hema was buzzing to tell us
her story. two European
hives which hadn’t
Why beekeeping? been touched in

I visited an apiary in Montenegro in 2015 and did years. We wanted
a tour of the hives and some honey tasting. It was to bring the apiary
fascinating. I’m interested in the back to life by moving the bees into national
health benefits of honey – I also hives.
use it in facemasks. How did you move the bees?
Tell us about the course. You move the queen and the workers then follow.

Thanks to HARCA, the She’s a little hard to spot but you scan through
Greening Brownfield the frame until you find her and mark her with a
Garden and Leaders in yellow pen.
Community (LIC), What’s the hardest thing you’ve done?
we’ve learnt about
colony Getting stung! I think this makes me a proper
management, beekeeper now.
the different What was the best moment?
roles of bees, The first time I properly inspected a busy hive - it
and hive diseases. was amazing to see everything in action. I took
Bees can be a real some of the honeycomb home and got the feeling
problem if they that I want to do this forever. I’m so attached to
swarm in urban the hives, I just don’t want to leave them!
areas so you have
to know what Follow Hema’s journey on her Instagram page
you’re doing. @_beeconcious

















Bartlett Park makeover


In 2015 you told us what you wanted at Bartlett Park.
Since then we’ve been working with Levitt Bernstein on it for you. The new design includes:
• Car-free canal-side making it easier to get on the water • Changing rooms • Community garden
• Loop path • Dog walking area • outdoor gym • Play area • Trees and wildlife-friendly planting
Work starts Spring 2018. Questions? [email protected]


24

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 25
GREEN



Market Day



arket Day at the Teviot Centre’s Garden
MCafé offered local entrepreneurs first-
hand trading experience, selling hijab items,
arts & crafts and confectionery. Manorfield
Primary School’s Gardening Group sold
produce grown in the school’s garden, and
local beekeepers sold golden Poplar Honey.

Leaders in Community keep The Garden Café
customers fed and watered Monday - Friday,
8:30am - 4pm.

To rent a stall at the next event:
020 7987 8796 / [email protected].

Green




Fingered


reen thumbs-up to
GMorgan Stanley
and Trees for Cities
volunteers who helped
our local gardeners
prepare for this year’s
growing season.


What’s cooking?





new community training kitchen at
ALimborough House is the latest
addition to the Green Hub’s greenhouse,
and food and ornamental gardens.
Leaders in Community (LiC) and Women's
Environmental Network will be serving-up
healthy cooking training, and LiC’s Food for
Thought mentoring classes.
50 young people ‘Cooked Up a Life Plan’
learning budgeting, interview, and personal
presentation skills with mentors from
Barclays and KPMG. The group are
planning a recipe book, with tips and
advice for young people starting-out on
their careers.
Find out more 020 7987 8796 or
[email protected]



25

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 26
NATUREWATCH



































eaves have started to change too, mainly because of the easy
Lfrom many shades of green to pickings in an urban environment.
the wonderful colours of Autumn, The local streets are littered with
there’s a chill in the air as the days chicken bones, our waste but a
grow gradually shorter and wildlife tasty meal for some creatures.
is busy fattening up or storing food
for the leaner times to come. We have so many lovely green
There are still plenty of food spaces in Tower Hamlets, full of
By Fran Jefcoate sources for our furry and many natural wonders and our
gardens no matter how small
Editorial board member feathered neighbours at the
moment, we are so lucky to have provide food and shelter for all
such a variety and wealth of plant manner of insects, birds or mice to
life in our gardens, parks and other pass through. Ponds, canals and
green spaces; trees bearing fruit two rivers bring an even greater
and nuts, bushes laden with bright wealth of wildlife to our doorstep.
berries, grasses and many other As these green jewels in our
plants providing seeds. community become surrounded
by the high rise development, they
All this food means we have plenty become ever more precious not
of birds and small mammals living only as places for nature but for
among our estates and streets, not each and every one of us to enjoy.
all of them so welcome. There are
a lot of people that don’t dispose Show that you value green spaces
of food waste responsibly, be it by helping to keep them clean and
discarded half eaten takeaways or tidy. If you are going for a bike
rubbish bags beside bins instead ride, a game of football, a stroll
of in them. Our carelessness not with your dog, stop for a moment
only makes our estates and streets or two, take a breath and take in
untidy but it attracts the less your surroundings but most
desirable wildlife such as rats, gulls importantly please put your
and pigeons. We have many foxes rubbish and leftover food in a bin.



26

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 27









I’ve lived in the area for 7 years but only since
volunteering do I know so many more people.
When I’m out and about people say ‘I see
you everywhere!’ It’s a great feeling.
– Mahbuba, Linc Centre volunteer



























Got some hours you want to do something with? Maybe make
new friends? Learn new skills? Get yourself some wellbeing?
Volunteering with Poplar HARCA comes with support and training,
travel and lunch expenses, celebrations, get-togethers and trips.
Come on - be inspired and inspiring - what’s stopping you?
Current opportunites:

Children & Young People Workshop Assistant @ Poplar Union
Café Volunteer @ Bow Brew, St Paul’s Way
Volunteer Events Facilitator @ Poplar Union
Front of House Volunteer @Aberfeldy
Front of House Volunteer @ Teviot
Scenic Poplar Tour Leader
Community Festival Volunteer

Centre Host @ St Paul’s Way
Communications Volunteer
Radio Producer @ Spotlight
Lansbury Micro Museum Support @ Chrisp Street Market
Youth Support @ Spotlight
Find out more

18+ – call Terri on 0207 536 8865 or
www.poplarharca.co.uk/volunteer

Under 18 – Call Thom on 0207 536 8862







27

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 28


































































AUTUMN TERM S



11 SEP15 DEC 2017 8 6

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 29

GET CREATIVE







Beats & Lyrics with Taku & Gareld Youth Theatre with HighRise Theatre

Got an idea for a song but don’t know where to start? Your Theatre, Your Rules! Come and be part of
Have you got the rhythm but don’t know how to make east London’s most exciting and ground-breaking
beats? Come and work with resident producers Taku & Theatre group.
Gareld who will put you on the right track! Lansbury Spotlight
Lansbury Spotlight Wednesdays 5–7PM
Mondays 6–8PM




GET ACTIVE







Girls Football with Spotlight Basketball with London Lions

Girls only! With 2 amazing outdoor pitches to play on. Get coached by London’s leading basketball team
Get a team together and play to win! London Lions! Go through drills, training and matches.
Poplar Spotlight Get involved now to start your own team!
Saturdays 2–3.30PM Poplar Spotlight
Mondays 5–6.30PM GIRLS ONLY
Bromley North Spotlight
Wednesdays 5–7PM


GET INSPIRED







Girls Only with Spotlight Spotlight on YOU with Guest Speakers

Dedicated GIRL TIME at each centre. This Every week we tackle a new topic, invite guest
is YOUR chance to get involved, take part speakers or have debates about current aairs.
in creative activities, trips and condence Whether its Social Media, Donald Trump or the price of
building sessions. milk we’ll talk about it and make sure you’re informed!
Mile End Spotlight Lansbury Spotlight
Mondays 46PM Tuesdays 6–7PM
Bromley North Spotlight Mile End Spotlight
Wednesdays 4–6PM Fridays 6–7PM
Lansbury Spotlight Bromley North Spotlight
Fridays 5–7PM Saturdays 34PM


Spotlight is a creative youth service designed to inspire, and it’s all free for 11–19s!
Pick up a programme from your local Spotlight centre for more information:

LANSBURY MILE END BROMLEY NORTH POPLAR
SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT


St Paul’s Way
The Workhouse,
Langdon Park,
Ian Mikardo,
30 Hay Currie St, Community Centre, 60 William Guy Gardens, Poplar High Street,
Talwin St, E3 3LF
E14 0AF
E14 6GN
83 St Paul’s Way, E3 4AJ
07957 346 273
020 30 111 333
020 7510 7799
07814 174 720
Find out more at wearespotlight.com @weare_spotlight

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 30
GET INVOLVED




ere is another chance for under 7s to have fun and colour in this picture. Please send to HARCA
Life word search competition; C/O Communications Team, 167a East India Dock Road, London
HE14 0EA, or take a photo and attach in a Twitter message to us (@PoplarHARCA), by 1st November
2017. The prize is a £20 voucher for the Early Learning Centre. Please let us know if you want your entry
returned. The winner of the Summer competition was Safiya Saleh. Well done!














































































Name: Age: Phone (parent/carer)

Address:


30

GET INVOLVED
HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 31



ind the words in our grid below to win £25 worth of Love2Shop high street vouchers which can be
spent at 85 leading retailers. Send this page to the address below, or take a photo and attach in a
FTwitter message to us (@PoplarHARCA), with your circled answers no later than 1st November
2017.HARCA Life word search competition; C/O Communications Team, 167a East India Dock Road,
London E14 0EA. The winner of the Summer competition was Ayyan Rashid. Well done!






























































Find and circle the following hidden words in the grid above


BLACKBERRY FIREWORKS COBWEB
CHESTNUTS SPARKLER HALLOWEEN
SCARECROW PUMPKIN HARVEST

LEAVES APPLES WINDY



Name: Phone:

Address: Postcode:


31

HARCA LIFE - Automon 2017 OUTPUT.qxp_Layout 1 20/09/2017 12:39 Page 32































CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON



st
Friday 1 December

3:30pm-6pm




CHRISPMAS



th
Saturday 9 December
11am-4pm




SWING EAST AND


THE CHICKEN SHACK PRESENT

ROCKIN’ AROUND THE



CHRISPMAS TREE


th
Sunday 10 December

12pm-6pm







Chrisp Street Market,
London, E14 6AQ Another great event by


@Chrisp_Street

www.chrispstreet.org.uk