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Your Treasure House Year

Clanmil Crusaders

CHRONICLEINDEPENDENT LIVING EDITION, YOUR MAGAZINE, YOUR CLANMIL

WINTER 2016

IN THIS ISSUE…

On behalf of everyone at Clanmil I’d like to wish you all a very happy, if slightly belated, new year!

Although it’s only February we’re already thinking about the summer with our Clanmil in Bloom competition. Not only have we got the results from last year on page 10, but we also have all the details about how to enter this year’s competition and new categories we’ve added on page 32.

There’s also news about options we’re currently considering for increased tenant participation on page 18. We really want to hear what you think would work best for the future, so please take some time to consider the options and let us have your thoughts.

We’ve got advice about money on pages 4 and 5 and about keeping your bones healthy and strong on page 12. And we want you to stay cosy and warm this winter with our Shutting out the Cold feature on page 8.

As always, we’d love to hear your views on this edition of the magazine. On page 20 we’ve included a short form to make it really easy to give us your feedback. Just fill it in and post it to us using our Freepost address. And don’t forget to send us your stories and photographs for the next edition.

04 We Need Your Vote!!

04 Help for Helen

05 Don’t Lose Out on Pension Credit

06 Protecting Your Personal Information

08 Shutting Out the Cold

09 Clanmil in Bloom

10 Fun And Friendship Through Creative Reminiscence

11 Christmas Comes to Dunville

12 The Health Hub

13 Templer Court

14 Clanmil Crusaders

16 Featured Scheme Gloonan House

18 New Ways To Get Involved

20 Your Views

21 Stay Safe Online

22 Around The Schemes

23 Give & Gain

24 Coffee Break Challenge

26 Clanmil Kidz

27 Sunny Savings

28 Dingbat Dilemma

28 We’re Joining Facebook

29 Knowing Me, Knowing You

30 Your Treasure House Year

32 Clanmil in Bloom 2016

35 John’s Wartime Efforts Honoured

36 Recipe

Welcome to the Winter edition of the Independent Living Chronicle!

Christine Ashfield Marketing and Communications Officer

Front Cover Cherrie McIlwaine with Pauline Hobson and grandson Ben. Pauline was winner of the Clanmil in Bloom best kept individual garden category.

Join the conversation 028 9087 6000 [email protected] @ClanmilHousing www.clanmil.org

08

12 HEALTH HUB

SHUTTING OUT THE COLD

Clanmil Housing Group | 3

Mullan Mews supports people with Dementia to remain at home within their community for longer and, to mark its special anniversary, tenants and staff enjoyed dinner and dancing at the Park Avenue Hotel.

The evening provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported the scheme during its first decade.

We are delighted to welcome Hearth Housing Association to the Clanmil Housing Group.

Hearth Housing provides social homes for rent in restored historic buildings and owns and manages more than 100 unique and architecturally significant homes throughout Northern Ireland.

In November Mullan Mews supported housing for people living with Dementia, which we run in partnership with the Belfast Heath and Social Care Trust, celebrated turning 10.

Mullan Mews Celebrates 10 Years

A WARM WELCOME FOR HEARTH

Hearth tenant James Galbraith looks on as Chair of Clanmil, Steve Amos and Chair of Hearth, Alistair Rankin give his Hearth home a fresh lick of paint to mark the new arrangement.

4 | Clanmil Housing Group

MONEYMATTERS

Clanmil’s Money Advice service is free and impartial. It is available to all Clanmil tenants who need help with financial problems.

Our Money Advice Service has been shortlisted for the 2016 Chartered

Institute of Housing’s Best Housing Story Award and we need your vote!

Here’s how the service recently helped one tenant…

Helen* has severe hearing problems and rheumatoid arthritis and relies on carers for help with getting up, washing, dressing and administering medication. She was living off her retirement pension and pension credit alone.

With no help towards housing costs, Helen had to supplement

her income through her modest and fast reducing savings. She was extremely worried about how she would cope financially in the future when her savings ran out, and so contacted our in-house money advice service.

Before contacting our Money Advisors, Helen had an annual income of £6,277.96. Our money advisors were able to identify unclaimed benefits for her, helping increase her

income to £20,877.48 for the year. This was a great relief to Helen and has made a major difference to her life, helping to eliminate her serious money worries.

If you think our Money Advice Service could help you, contact Eddie or Aidan on

028 9087 7047.

*Name has been changed to protect this person’s identity

Clanmil’s Money Advice Service provides real and meaningful support for tenants facing difficulties due to financial problems and since it started in 2014 the service has already helped hundreds of our tenants.

In the first nine months of 2015/16 our tenants have benefitted by over £300k through access to unpaid

benefits, charitable payments and written-off debt, alleviating considerable stress for families and individuals and helping improve tenants’ financial resilience.

The winner of the award will be decided by the public and we’re asking for your vote. Whether you’ve already benefitted from the service or not, it’s available

to all Clanmil tenants and we’d really appreciate your help in ensuring the work of our Money Advisors gets the recognition it deserves. Cast your vote online, at www.cih.org/ni/awards/vote Thanks to everyone who has voted so far! Keep an eye out for the results in the next edition of The Chronicle.

HELP FOR HELEN

WE NEED YOUR VOTE!!

Aidan Eddie


What is Pension Credit? Pension Credit is a government benefit which ensures pensioners have a minimum amount of cash to live on per week. This currently stands at £151.20 for a single person and £230.85 for a couple living together or married. These amounts increase if you are a carer or are in receipt of certain disability benefits.

If your income does not amount to this you could be entitled to a government top up.

Will Savings Affect this Benefit? You can have up to £10,000 in savings and this will not affect your eligibility. If your savings are over this, you may still be entitled as there is no upper limit on the amount of savings you can have.

There is also an element called Savings Credit. This is designed for people with an income higher than the basic state pension amount or for those who have savings.

Case study“Mrs Smith has a state retirement pension of £121.40 per week and a private pension which amounts to

£145.00 per calendar month. Mrs Smith lives alone and has savings of £24,000. She is receiving attendance allowance at the lower rate of care. After applying for pension credit Mrs Smith found out she was entitled to £30 per week in guarantee pension credit. This meant she could apply for full housing benefit of over £90 per week. Mrs Smith is now better off by £120 per week”

Common Reasons Why People Don’t Claim Their Full Entitlement There are many reasons why people don’t claim what they’re entitled to; • Being too proud to claim• Not knowing what your

entitlements are• Believing it is too difficult to

make a claim• Being wary of completing

forms and requests for personal information

• Thinking that the few extra pounds per week may not benefit them

Don’t let these put you off claiming!

Pension Credit AccessApplications for pension credit can be made to the Northern

Ireland Pension Service over the phone from the comfort of your own home.

An advisor on their dedicated help line will ask you a few basic questions regarding your current income and savings. One simple phone call could make a big difference to your income.

Added Extras of Pension CreditBeing awarded even the smallest amount of pension credit could help you access other benefits such as free dental and optical costs, grants from the social security agency and housing benefit.

Find Out if You are Entitled to Pension CreditFor a pension credit entitlement check, contact Eddie or Aidan, Clanmil’s Money Advice Team on

028 9087 7047 and they will be happy to help.

You can also contact the Pension Service directly. Call them free on

0808 100 6165.

DON’T LOSE OUTON PENSION CREDIT


With crimes like identity theft on the increase, it is has never been more important to keep your information secure.

Criminals can find out and use your personal details to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards and loans and get state benefits in your name.

Don’t panic – Here are some simple tips on how to keep your information secure:

• Store documents such as passports, driving licences, bank statements and utility bills in a safe place.

Shred or destroy documents that show any of your personal details.

• If you have to post personal documents, ask the post office for advice on the most secure method.

• Limit the number of personal documents you carry around with you and never leave personal documents in your car.

• Check bank and credit card statements regularly for unfamiliar transactions.

• Use different passwords and PINs for each of your accounts.

• Take extra care when using public computers to access personal information.

• Be careful when providing personal information online. Don’t make personal information available to lots of people, for example on social networking sites. For further information on this, visit the online safety pages at www.ico.org.uk

Be wary of anyone who asks for your bank or credit card details.

PROTECTING YOURPERSONAL INFORMATIONYour personal information is valuable, so you should treat it just as you would any other valuable item.

New boilers and flues weren’t all that was delivered to The Curzon apartments in Belfast this Christmas! Following the successful completion of heating upgrades at the scheme in the weeks leading up to the holiday, heating contractor CTS surprised tenants living at the scheme with a £10 gift voucher as an extra Christmas treat!

This brings a completely new meaning to the expression “warm Christmas wishes”!!!!

Curzon tenant, Margaret Stitt and Scheme Co-ordinator, Alison Graham with Tom McGreevy and Simon Hylands from CTS


Only use secure sites when shopping online – these usually display a padlock symbol.

• Regularly check your credit file for any suspicious credit applications. For more information of how to do this, click on www.ico.org.uk or ring 0303 123 1113 for a free copy of “Credit Explained”.

• Be cautious about providing any personal details to unknown people by phone, fax, post, email or in person. If you are suspicious, ring the organisation back on an advertised number or visit their website.

• Even if you know who is asking for the information, think twice before you answer their questions. If it’s not clear why they need the information, ask them.

• Buy a good anti-virus, firewall and anti-spam software package to help protect your computer against viruses and any spyware software, as these can be used to obtain your personal information.

• To avoid hackers, secure your WiFi so that anyone within range can’t connect to it. Make sure you enable the security

features on your wireless router.

• Do not click on a website link unless you are confident it is genuine.

• If you use a central or communal postal-delivery point, make sure the post box has a lock and collect mail as soon as possible. If your mail regularly fails to arrive, report this to Royal Mail.

• If you move house, redirect all your mail and inform your bank, utility companies and other organisations of your new address.

CTS CHRISTMAS GIFTS


Police Service of Northern Ireland

TEL: 0845 600 8000 (NON-EMERGENCY)

TEL: 999(EMERGENCY)

Clanmil Housing9.00am to 5.00pm

TEL: 028 9087 6000Outside Office Hours

and at weekend

TEL: 028 9042 1010

Firmus Energy

TEL: 08456 08 00 88 www.firmusenergy.co.uk

If you smell gas call

0800 002 001 (24 hour)

Northern Ireland Water

TEL: 08457 440088 TEL: 0300 2000 100Flooding Incident Line (24 hours)

www.niwater.com

Phoenix Gas

TEL: 0845 900 5253 www.phoenixsupplyni.com

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

TEL: 028 7134 7134(NON-EMERGENCY)

TEL: 999(EMERGENCY)

Northern IrelandFire & Rescue Service

TEL: 028 9266 4221(NON-EMERGENCY)

TEL: 999(EMERGENCY)

Winter is officially here! Follow these simple tips to keep your home cosy and warm during cold spells.Avoid putting large pieces of furniture in front of radiators. Leave as much of a gap as possible between furniture and radiators to allow heat to escape into the room.

Place draught excluders at the bottom of your doors to avoid cold air entering your room. You can easily make a DIY draught excluder by stuffing an old pair of tights or an old pillow case with socks.

Keep your curtains and blinds open during the day to let the sunlight shine in.

10% of heat is lost through the floor, so put down a rug to reduce heat loss.

Consider buying thicker curtains which will help reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.

Keep doors to unused rooms closed to ensure that cold air does not move around the rest of the house.

SHUTTING OUT THE COLD

CUT-OUT-AND-KEEP EMERGENCY CONTACTSKeep these emergency contact details close to hand so you can get the help you need in

any emergency situation this winter.


Clanmil in Bloom is an annual competition run by Clanmil to acknowledge and reward those tenants who take a keen interest in keeping the green spaces around their homes looking the very best they can. It gives tenants with green fingers and a passion for gardening a chance to showcase their handiwork.

The standard of gardens was extremely high and the judges had a very difficult time choosing the winners. So congratulations to everyone who entered this year’s competition, and a very special mention to our winners:

• Best kept independent living scheme/housing with care home – Cramsie Court, Ballymoney

2nd Place – Barbour Court,

Enniskillen

Joint 3rd Place – Glenshesk Court, Ballycastle and Raglan Place, Ballymena

• Best overall family development or single person’s scheme – Linen Court and Gardens, Belfast

• Best kept individual garden – Pauline Hobson, Diamond Court, Moy

• Best newcomer – Mullan Mews supported housing, Belfast

And thank you to Cherrie McIlwaine for kindly hosting the awards event. She said;

“Magical things happen when you make a garden. From the mystery of sowing a seed to the bigger picture of changing a landscape, gardening empowers people and transforms communities whether you are planting a window-box or a wide open space.

“Clanmil in Bloom is a blooming marvellous idea and congratulations to the winners and to everyone who got going and got growing.”

CLANMILIN BLOOM

Cherrie McIlwaine with Pauline Hobson and grandson Ben. Pauline was winner of the best kept individual garden category

Cherrie with Sophia Kyle from Linen Court and GardensCherrie with Cramsie Court scheme co-ordinator Lillian

McCullough and Mr and Mrs Southall who live at the scheme Cherrie McIlwaine and Steve Amos, Chair of Clanmil, with Mullan

Mews tenants Edith McNeill and Mabel Irwin and Housing

Support Worker Sinead Hyndman

The winners of this year’s Clanmil in Bloom gardening competition have been announced at a celebration event in Belfast Castle hosted by Cherrie McIlwaine, presenter of BBC Radio Ulster’s Gardeners’ Corner.


Reminiscence Network has delivered an exciting ten week project to people living at Hezlet Court in Coleraine, Cramsie Court in Ballymoney and Abercorn Court and Mews in Portrush.

The “Creative Reminiscence” project was designed to evoke memories of childhood and

life experiences and explore topics such as school days, home life, working life, weddings and dancing.

A wide variety of memorabilia and objects provided by RNNI and the tenants themselves helped revive many memories along with a range of BBC archive film footage.

The tenants were so excited and animated by every aspect

of the project. They dressed up, sang, took part in drama and produced beautiful crafts. The silk paintings of their childhood homesteads were particularly stunning and everyone who participated was rightly proud of their achievements.

Vera Ravenhill from Hezlet Court took part in a life story project over eight weeks based on her beautifully recorded memories of growing up in wartime. Gillian Rae, Scheme Co-ordinator at Hezlet Court said:“Deirdre from the Reminiscence

Network has the talent to draw on each person’s individual memories and interests and create a really fun and memorable experience for everyone. It was so nice to see the Common Room at Hezlet Court filled with laughter, fun and friendship every Wednesday morning.”

FUN AND FRIENDSHIP THROUGH CREATIVE REMINISCENCE

BELOW and RIGHT: Proud participants show off their stunning silk paintings


Christmas Comes to

DUNVILLEIn December, then Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey paid a pre-Christmas visit to tenants living at our new homes at Dunville Park and Link in Holywood.

The scheme provides 31 family homes and 6 apartments for active older people.

During the visit the Minister popped into the apartments to meet Linda and Leslie Taylor for a cup of tea and some Christmas cheer.

And the Minister wasn’t the only special visitor that afternoon! Santa and his elves also called at the new homes to deliver presents to children living at the scheme.

We hope everyone enjoyed the surprise and had a wonderful Christmas!

Minister Storey called with tenant Linda Taylor to wish her and her husband Leslie a Merry Christmas

It’s true that our bones tend to lose strength as we get older. But even in later life there is plenty you can do to slow down bone loss and avoid the bone-thinning disease Osteoporosis.

STAND UP FOR YOUR BONES A GUIDE TO BONE HEALTH

PLEASE NOTE the following is general advice. If you are under medical supervision, you may need to check with your GP or other health professional regarding this advice.

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become thin and weak and break easily.

Having Osteoporosis does not necessarily mean that your bones will break; it means that you may have a greater risk of fracture after even a simple fall.

The statistics for Osteoporosis are alarming. According to the National Osteoporosis Society one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 in the UK will fracture a bone, mainly as a result of Osteoporosis.

Despite these worrying statistics there is much that you can do to reduce the risk of developing Osteoporosis:

• Nutrition – Eating a variety

of foods and having a well balanced diet can assist our body in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Adequate intake of Calcium and Vitamin D are needed to maintain healthy bones.

It is particularly important for young people to get enough Calcium and Vitamin D to lay down the foundations of good bone health in later life.

• Physical Activity – Regular exercise can actually help to maintain and increase the strength of bone and reduce the risk of fractures. Weight bearing exercises and strengthening exercises will stimulate bones to grow and increase muscle strength.

• Alcohol – Drinking too much alcohol can damage the cells responsible for building new bone.

In order to protect your general and bone health, new guidelines suggest you should

not have more than 14 units of alcohol per week with 2 to 3 alcohol free days a week.

• Smoking – Smoking is known to have a damaging effect on bones.

Giving up smoking will not only be of benefit to your bones but also to your heart, lungs and overall fitness and well-being.

• Talk to your GP/Nurse about your bones – Bone health is quite often the last thing we think about until it is too late and we have fractured a bone. Talk to your GP or Nurse if you have concerns about your bone health or have a family history of Osteoporosis.

Yvonne Carson is a Senior Health Promotion Officer for Older People in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The Health Hub



In the grand wee town of LurganJust off the beaten trackThere stands a place called Templer CourtWhere the tenants have great craic

The Warden here’s a great wee girlYou really couldn’t beat herBut don’t call her the wardenShe’s the scheme co-ordinator

Jennifer is her real nameThat’s what she’s called by dayBut that changes at night timesFor then she’s know as May

She keeps us right and tells us offShe don’t take no lipAnd when things get out of handShe steadies the old ship

Lorraine is our domesticShe’s a really first class cleanerWhen she gets a mop in her handYou never saw anyone keener

But she has a fatal weaknessAs everybody knowsIf she knocks against the tableShe breaks half a dozen toes

Get yourself flat in thereYou’ll really be a winnerYou get your hair done on a MondayAnd then you get your dinner

After that your time’s your ownYou can have a nap, that’s fineOr go down to the computerWhere you can go online

Have a wee walk around the placeIf you’re feeling like a noseyOr if you feel like a soda farlTake a dander to the Kosy

Go down to the common roomAnd hear everyone complainJoan says it’s so cold in thereShe’ll never go back again

Friday is a good day tooYou get soup and a rollIf you’re lucky and there’s any leftYou might get a second bowl

There’s parties nearly every weekThey go on all night longWalter comes and plays for usAnd Joe gives us a song

And then you have our quiz nightsWhere the clever ones take partThe Bethal Singers come as wellThey’re always in great heart

The ladies too, excel themselvesThey set up a lovely trayThey feed us up on buns and cakeWashed down with mugs of “tay”

So get your form in right awayYou can’t afford to slackIf you don’t get in here this timeThere will be no going back

So to the tenants in Templer CourtWe wish you all good cheerHave a lovely ChristmasAnd a prosperous New Year

We’d love to hear from other talented wordsmiths out there. If you’d like to see your work in print – poem, limerick or short story – send it in and we’ll share it with all of our readers.

Thanks to Jim, who lives at Templer Court in Lurgan, for sharing another of his witty verses about life at this very popular scheme.

TEMPLER COURTBy Jim Casey


Now that all of your nominations have been received, it’s time to announce the winner of this edition’s good neighbour competition.

And the winner is ….. Janet McCloskey, from Abercorn Mews in Portrush!

Janet was nominated as Clanmil Crusader by her neighbours Mary Stephens and Mae Collins, and what a worthy winner she is. Have a look at the nominations and see why Janet has been named our first ever Independent Living Clanmil Crusader:

Mae said: “Regardless of her own pain Janet helps organise, cater and bake for events in Abercorn Court. She also makes lunches and dinners for any ill or frail

residents who need a warm meal, all for no financial gain. She is one in a million who deserves recognition.”

Mary said: “Janet helps everyone and anyone who asks and at times, they don’t even have to ask. Her baking is the lightest and most beautiful I will ever taste, as everyone here knows and she will bake you whatever you want. On our trips Janet keeps us well fed, even baking without eggs for neighbours with food intolerances. And when she can’t make an outing herself, she always sends a bag of delights for the rest of us.”

Janet was surprised at Abercorn’s weekly coffee morning where she was presented with a gift voucher

and a big bunch of flowers. And for nominating the winning neighbour, Mae and Mary were rewarded with gift vouchers too.

Clanmil Crusader is set to be a regular feature in the Chronicle, so if you have a neighbour who goes above and beyond, and who you would like to nominate, TELL US WHO THEY ARE! Both you and the person you nominate will be in the running for a prize.

Simply fill in the form opposite and post to:

Emma KernohanClanmil Housing3 Waring StreetBelfast BT1 2DX

Or email [email protected]

In the last edition of the Clanmil Chronicle we asked you to nominate a neighbour who you thought deserved recognition as a ‘Clanmil Crusader’ –someone who contributes to your scheme in a positive way.

Clanmil Crusaders


Your Name ................................................................................................................................................ Your Telephone Number ..............................................................

Your Address ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Name of Nominee .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address of Nominee .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

This person is my Clanmil Crusader because ............................................................................................................................................................................................

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Remember, only people who live at Clanmil schemes can be nominated.

Last summer we welcomed tenants to new homes at Glenann Court in Glengormley, a housing scheme for over 55s which sits in the heart of Glengormley.

The 21 apartments are very modern in design and have been built to high energy efficiency

and security standards and to the Lifetime Homes standard which ensures that they will continue to meet tenants’ needs as they grow older. There’s also on-site car parking at the scheme and a rather unique feature – a communal roof terrace.

Once everyone settled in, we thought it was time to celebrate! So in November Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg joined our tenants for a grand opening celebration.

Mrs Isobel English, who moved into Glenann Court in July, is delighted with her new apartment. She said: “It was a big decision to move house at this stage in my life

but already I feel that it was the best move I’ve ever made. My apartment is so much easier to manage than my old house and I’ve already got to know my neighbours. The security is a big plus too. You need to feel safe in your home no matter what age you are, but when you’re older the peace of mind that feeling secure brings is even more important. I can’t see myself ever moving from here.”

OFFICIAL OPENINGAT GLENANN COURT

Mrs Isobel English helps Cllr Thomas Hogg cut the ribbon to officially open the new scheme watched by Clanmil Chair Steve Amos and Vice Chair Joy Scott


Gloonan House opened in 1998 and provides 22 flats and a three bedroom house for people aged

over 55.

Caroline McWilliams is the Housing Officer who looks after the scheme while Yvonne Rock provides daily support for her tenants in her role as on-site scheme co-ordinator. Yvonne has been at Gloonan House for just over 6 years and is half of the dream team that also includes Linda Blair, Gloonan

House’s Domestic Assistant. Yvonne and Linda take great pride in making life at Gloonan House as enjoyable as it can possibly be for their tenants and Linda’s culinary skills ensure that the coffee mornings are famous. Her scones and traybakes are beyond compare!

There is never a dull moment at Gloonan House. From weekly lunch clubs and music nights to IT and tablet training, the weekly schedule of activities has been designed to ensure

that everyone can join in and stay active. The fabulous gardens also play a big part in life at Gloonan House with many of the people who live there lending Linda a helping hand to keep them Britain in Bloom ready.

Noel McNeill told us about life at Gloonan House. He said;

“Life at Gloonan House is great. We have a friendly kind SCO and a great domestic too. All of the neighbours pitch in and

The next in our series of profiles on Clanmil independent living schemes provides a glimpse into life at Gloonan House in Ahoghill, Ballymena. From quiz nights and lunch clubs to exercise classes and their monthly appearances at Treasure House, there’s always lots going on at Gloonan House. Read on to find out more…

FEATURED SCHEME

GLOONAN HOUSE


help one another. There is always something going on with lunch clubs, coffee mornings and monthly Treasure House outings which we all look forward to.”

Gloonan House is a well-established part of the Ahoghill community which is a strong contender in the Ulster in Bloom and Britain in Bloom gardening competitions each year. Tenants and staff take great pride in making sure the gardens are neat and tidy and resplendent with colourful blooms. Mina Wylie thoroughly enjoys pitching in to keep Gloonan’s gardens gleaming. She says;

“We thoroughly enjoy our gardens and everyone pitches in to help Linda keep them in great shape, and we provide ideas and support where we can. During the Spring, Summer and Autumn the blooms are resplendent and lawns and hedges are always neat and well presented.”

The neighbourly tenants, friendly staff and multitude of things to do help make Gloonan House a wonderful place to live.

The team at Gloonan is truly dedicated to ensuring that life is active and enjoyable for everyone who lives there and their hard work and commitment is very much appreciated by their tenants.

Great work ladies!

“We thoroughly enjoy our gardens and everyone pitches in to help Linda keep them in great shape, and we provide ideas and support where we can.”

TOP: Learning to surf the net the Breezie way with Supporting Communities.MIDDLE: Staying fit and active is an important part of life at Gloonan House.BOTTOM: Always a good spread of home-made treats at tea time.

Tenant Service AssessorsWHO IS INVOLVED?

Local tenants ; Contractor; Clanmil staff

THE ROLE Inspect a specific service that is delivered at a scheme /neighbourhood in partnership with Clanmil

staff and the service provider to identify areas of achievement and improvement

FREQUENCYAfter the service being assessed has been delivered, e.g. after our contractors have visited to

maintain landscaped areas around the scheme.

OUTCOMES Improved services

Value for moneyImproved and more positive relationships between Clanmil and our tenants


At Clanmil, we want the homes and services we provide to be the very best that they can be and we need your help to make this happen.

By getting involved in shaping the services we provide and how we deliver them, you can help us make improvements not only for you, but for everyone who lives in a Clanmil home.

We are currently considering four ways in which people who live in the homes we provide can get more involved in helping us improve our service to tenants:

To help you consider the options, here’s a bit more detail on how they would work in practice:

We would really like to hear what you think of these options. We want to hear:• which option you think would work

best in your neighbourhood• any concerns you have about how

these options would work in practice

• if you are interested in being involved in any of these options

Please email your thoughts, ideas or queries to [email protected].

We are just starting out on this process and it will be a while before any of these options are introduced. We will keep you up to date on progress through your Tenant Forum and this magazine.

1 2 3 4Tenant Service Assessor – reviewing the services we deliver in your area

Resident Voice – looking at one Clanmil service at a time and recommending improvements

Walk Around Team – appraising a specific neighbourhood

Innovation Panel – helping to assess and develop ideas for new services

1

OVER TO YOU

NEW WAYS TOGET INVOLVED

Resident Voice WHO IS INVOLVED? Tenants; Clanmil staff

THE ROLE Consider one service delivered by Clanmil in detail, thinking about how things are currently

done and how they could be improved.

FREQUENCYThe group will identify one area to improve each year

The group will meet four times a yearTenants will also work independently and liaise with Clanmil staff regularly.

OUTCOMESImproved services; Value for money; Give tenants more of a say.

Innovation Panel WHO IS INVOLVED?Tenants; Clanmil staff

THE ROLE The panel will consider new services Clanmil could deliver and assess their viability

FREQUENCY Twice a year

OUTCOMESInnovative new services designed around tenants’ needs

Walk Around Team

WHO IS INVOLVED? Local Tenants; Clanmil staff

THE ROLE Visit local neighbourhoods and inspect every aspect of the scheme.

REGULARITY One scheme/neighbourhood every three months identified through tenant satisfaction

surveys.

OUTCOMESIdentify issues and actions for specific neighbourhoods;Value for money


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We hope you enjoy reading every edition of the Clanmil Chronicle. However, we are always looking for ways to make the magazine more interesting and relevant for you.

If you have a few spare minutes, please let us know what you thought of this issue. Simply add a comment to the box below, stick this form in an envelope and pop it in the post to us here at head office using the free post address below -

I thought the Winter 16 edition of the Independent Living Chronicle was:

I would like to see the following subjects feature in future editions of the Independent Living Chronicle:

We’d also love to hear what type of stories and articles you would like to see featured in future editions of the Clanmil Chronicle -

To share your views with us, simply post this form to us here at head office, using our free post address:Clanmil Housing Association, FREEPOST BEL3106, Belfast BT1 2BR

YOURVIEWS



At Clanmil we encourage the use of technology and consider it an important part of our

active ageing programme. We run a number of projects to ensure our tenants can easily access the internet and make the most of its many benefits. While we want you to enjoy all the advantages of using the internet, it’s important to be aware of the risks posed by computer viruses and scams.

Sadly there are scammers out there trying to trick people out of their money and Age UK have reported that in the UK almost £670 million is lost each year by victims of online scams.

By taking a few simple steps you can stay safe online:

• Protect your device from viruses – They can slow it down and expose your security details. Protect your device by taking a few minutes to install up-to-date anti virus software.

• Protect your WI-FI connection- Secure your Wi-Fi with a password to make sure people living near you can’t access it.

• Be Aware of Email Scams - Think carefully before opening emails from unknown sources. Scam emails are extremely common, so remember - if it doesn’t look right, just delete it!

• Be safe when online shopping and banking - ‘https’ at the beginning of a web address and a padlock symbol means the site is secure. If neither of these is visible on a website, don’t use it! Only use reputable retailers when shopping online. That way you will have peace of mind that your information is secure. And try to stick to using one credit card online so it’s easy to cancel should something go wrong.

Social MediaFacebook and Twitter are just two of the many social networking sites available. They are great tools for keeping in touch with friends and family but always stay vigilant for scammers who may try to steal personal information on these networks. Make sure you use a strong password and change it every so often.

Ensure your security settings prevent strangers seeing your information and think carefully before publishing personal information such as your date of birth or mobile telephone number. Be aware of anyone online who asks you for personal information, as reputable companies and legitimate friends won’t ask for such information.

For more detailed guidance on how to stay safe online, download AgeUK’s Avoiding Scams booklet at http://bit.ly/1JA5j2e

STAYSAFEONLINENowadays more and more people own a computer, tablet or smartphone and are regularly enjoying the benefits of the internet and social media.

Giboney HouseEnjoying a tasty Christmas lunch at Giboney House, Housing with Care in Belfast

Supporting Communities

Tech savvy participants show off their certificates

following Breezie tablet training with Supporting

Communities

Stronge Court Christmas PartyTenants at Stronge Court enjoy their Christmas

party, where there was lots of food, laughter…

and dancing!

AROUND THE SCHEMES

Barbour Court Tenants at Barbour Court take part in an

intergenerational project run by Spring Chicken’s

where they were joined by year 13 pupils from

Portora Royal School for an afternoon of fun

and music.Bessiebell Bingo

Tenants at Bessie Bell Court in Newtownstewart

get together for an afternoon of bingo with their

friends and neighbours.

Templar Court

Story telling at Templar Court with Spring

Chickens.



Thank you to everyone who dug deep and helped boost the fund. Your donations will help towards eliminating homelessness in Belfast.

Now that we’re into a new year, it’s time to find a new cause to support. Following a staff vote we’ve decided that this year Clanmil Housing will proudly support Lighthouse Belfast, a local charity specialising

in suicide prevention and supporting those affected by bereavement.

We hope that everyone within the Clanmil community will get involved in fundraising for Lighthouse. If you have a money making idea or simply want to get involved, then let us know by contacting Jim Pow on

028 9087 6000

GIVE & GAINOver the past year we’ve been focusing our fundraising efforts on raising much needed funds for homelessness charity, The Welcome Organisation. Throughout 2015 our staff and tenants held a whole host of events, raising a grand total of £7763.06 for the charity!

A big well done to everyone at Abercorn Court in Portrush, who recently organised a charity fundraiser in aid of Cancer Fund for Children. The coffee morning at the scheme raised a massive £1,073! Congratulations to you all!

Cancer Fund for Children is a charity that helps local families living with cancer by providing short therapeutic breaks at their Daisy Lodge facility in Newcastle.


ABERCORN COURT FUNDRAISER

Here’s a great way to while away a chilly afternoon this Winter. Snuggle up somewhere nice and cosy, pour yourself a lovely hot drink and try to crack our Winter crossword.This one’s just for fun, so chill out and enjoy!

Across1. Time off from school or

work.5. Used to decorate a

Christmas tree.7. It's a season for giving

..........................10. Holiday celebrated on

January 1st.11. Strap them on and go

downhill on snow.13. I'm dreaming of a ...................

Christmas

Down2. Winter sport on frozen

water.3. African-American holiday

celebrated in the winter4. Famous Snowman6. Flakes that fall from the

sky.8. The month following

January.9. Jewish holiday celebrated

in December.11. Santa's Helpers

COFFEE BREAK CHALLENGE1 2

3

4

5

6 7 8

9

10 11

12

13


Clanmil Housing @ClanmilHousing Apr 29

Well done to the "Christmas cooks" at Somme Park, Derry who provided a fab festive lunch for tenants today #Xmas

Clanmil Housing @ClanmilHousing Apr 29

Staff and tenants getting into the Christmas spirit @UlstrFolkMuseum

Clanmil Housing @ClanmilHousing 18 Nov 2015

Thanks to @ThomasHogg88 who officially opened our new Glenann Ct apts for over 55s in Glengormley today #HousingDay


Independent Living winners for this years Clanmil in Bloom.

Clanmil Housing Retweeted

NIFA @NIFA 17 Dec 2015

Minister Storey opens 37 @ClanmilHousing homes in Holywood in time for Christmas @dupoline bit.ly/1mpm9qX


Tenants & their families celebrating together. 10 years of Mullan Mews supported housing for people with dementia.

Clanmil Housing @ClanmilHousing 22 Dec 2015

Festive fun for tenants and staff at today's Christmas lunch at Bessie Bell Court in Newtownstewart.

TWEET TALK

Follow us on Twitter @ClanmilHousing to keep up to date with all our Clanmil news.


CLANMIL KIDZ

MOVIE MUDDLE

WINTER WORD SEARCH

Calling all movie buffs! If you’re a fan of the big screen and enjoy nothing more than kicking back with a big bucket of popcorn in front of the latest Hollywood blockbuster, test your cinema credentials by have a go at guessing the mystery movie.

Think you know what is it? Send us your answer to be in with a chance to win a £20 Toys R Us voucher if you’re 8 or

under, or if you’re aged 9 – 15, a £20 gift card for Newlook or GAME.Email your answer to [email protected] or post it to:Emma KernohanClanmil Housing3 Waring StreetBelfast BT1 2DX

Good Luck film fanatics!

Now that Winter has well and truly arrived and you can’t get outside to play as often as you’d like, spend that extra time indoors finding the Winter Words in our Winter word search puzzle. Our fabulous prizes will help warm you up!Send completed puzzles to:Emma KernohanClanmil Housing3 Waring StreetBelfast BT1 2DX

You could win a £20 voucher for Toys R Us if you’re 8 years old or under, or a £20 voucher for Newlook or GAME if you’re aged 9 to 15.

Happy searching!

BOBSLEDBOOTSCOLDCOATEAR MUFFSGOOGLES

HATICEICE SCATESMITTENSSCARFSHOVELS

SKISSNOWSNOWMANSNOWMOBILESOXSWEATER

S M B Y T L S D S E L E P C N D R P

B O O T S E R L L T C U Y J A M P S

V F B K O E U I E E E F Z B M Y J S

U H S B T M B C U V E S O X W C Q X

L C L A T O S Y B T O A F Y O O P R

B A E D M C Z A D L G H R N N L X G

N W D W S N E T T I M Z S M S D O L

S T O I Y I C E S K A T E S U G Z C

G N S W J Q U T F T O K T B G F O K

S W Z C S I K S A O H J Y L S A F X

J P O W A J K M U L A G E T T P T S

E W Y N L R G O J X T S K A Y B A A

I F L S E F R O N Y A Z H B B O T


While running may not be for everyone, we know that many of you enjoy a good walk and we would love to hear from anyone who is up for the 8 mile challenge as part of our Belfast City Marathon 2016 Team.

All finishers will receive a medal and a t-shirt!

The walk is non-competitive and is designed for ramblers and

hikers. Just note that all walkers must complete the course within 6 hours.

If you decide to join us we’ll ask you to try and raise funds for our nominated charity for 2016 – Lighthouse. You’ll find more details about Lighthouse and its work on page 23 or at www.lighthousecharity.com

The Marathon will take place this

year on Monday 2nd May, with a 9am start at Belfast City Hall and finishing at Ormeau Park.

We would be thrilled if some of you could join us on what is a great day out in Belfast.

If you are interested or would like further information please contact Jim Pow at Head Office on 028 9087 7040 or [email protected]

Come and join TEAM CLANMIL for 2016’s Belfast MarathonEach year Clanmil staff take part in the Belfast Marathon, competing in the 8 mile Walk, Team Relay, Fun Run or even the entire 26 miles! This year we would like you to join us!

Residents at 10 of our independent living schemes will have noticed solar panels being installed on the roof of their scheme over the last few months. These panels are a significant investment by Clanmil, and represent our commitment to reduce communal energy consumption in our schemes.

They have been installed at:

Ardanskea CourtChurch MewsCurzon ApartmentsGloonan HouseGreenville CourtHelzet CourtMillers GroveSemper BuildingSomme ParkSydenham Court

Solar panel systems, which convert sunlight directly to electricity, are a great way to

harness the natural power of the sun. The electricity generated is fed directly into the communal electricity supply and will therefore directly affect service charges for residents where panels are installed. Fortunately the sun doesn’t even have to be shining for the panels to work; daylight is enough!

Unfortunately, not all schemes are suitable for installation of panels. Roofs have to face predominantly south, for instance, and need to be able

to support the weight of the panels. A detailed review was undertaken before selecting schemes for investment.

Clanmil Housing has an on-going commitment to energy reduction in our independent living schemes. We have converted communal lighting in some schemes to super low energy LED lights that cost less both to run and to maintain, and we will continue to convert lighting to LED on an on-going basis.

SUNNY SAVINGS


Are you up for a challenge? Just say what you see to solve each of the puzzles below. Then send your answers our way and

we’ll enter you into a prize draw for a £30 Marks and Spencer voucher. Send your competed entry to:

Emma KernohanClanmil Housing Group3 Waring StreetBelfast BT1 2DX

Name ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

DINGBAT DILEMMA

NOONT READING S KY

1. 2. 3.

WISH GROUNDLONDON C A N C A N

4. 5. 6.

QUICKDRAW p i g p i g p i g

1. 8. 9.

Its official! Clanmil Housing is joining Facebook! We are currently in the process of setting up a new Facebook page which we’re planning to launch in February 2016.

Facebook will provide us with another way to communicate with you and we will be posting regularly with pictures, competitions and news to keep

you up to date with everything that’s going on here at Clanmil. Of course, you will be able to post your comments too and we’re looking forward to lots of news from around our schemes.

Once we’re up and running, we’d love as many of our tenants as possible to follow us on Facebook. Simply like our page: Clanmil Housing.

WE’RE JOINING FACEBOOK

KNOWING YOU...Knowing me,

What made you decide to work in social housing?I didn’t really choose! I was looking to start a career in HR and that led me to Clanmil and social housing.

What do you like most about your job?The people and the variety. I love the people I work with, and the people that I provide a service to. We have some really dedicated and committed staff here at Clanmil, who make it worthwhile coming to work every day. My role calls for me to work as an HR generalist so I get experience across the board and that’s one of the reasons I love it here at Clanmil. Working for a big company where I would be pigeon holed into one aspect of HR would bore me!

What has been your worst job ever?I worked in the Child Support Agency for two years, chasing absent parents for their child maintenance payments. It wasn’t so much being yelled at down the phone that was the problem. I didn’t take it personally and understood the frustrations of the parents I was dealing with – by the end of the call they were normally apologising to me! What I disliked was more about the culture of the organisation. It just wasn’t the place for me!

What is your greatest achievement to date?Becoming a mummy!

What is your favourite film and why?I’m not much of a film buff but loved Taken with Liam Neeson because it had me terrified and on the edge of my seat the whole time. It really was a hiding behind the cushion one!

When you’re not in the office what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?I love spending time with my husband Jarlath and my daughter Meabh – doing the usual family stuff like swimming, going to the park, taking walks and chilling at home.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?Eating pizza in bed!

Which super hero power would help you do your job better?The ability to read minds and understand everybody who I come in contact with! But then that would take away the challenge that I really enjoy in my job. So maybe not!

She’s a familiar face here at Clanmil’s head office, although most of you have probably never had the pleasure of meeting our lovely Human Resources Officer, Claire Rodgers! Claire has worked at Clanmil for 15 years and is a friendly and caring colleague whose in depth knowledge of all things HR is something that we all rely on. When she isn’t looking after us, she loves spending time with her husband and daughter doing all of those little family things that mean so much. Read on to find out more about our wonderful, fun-loving, kind-hearted Claire…



One of the main events last year was the 1940’s day in August. Everyone who went along thoroughly

enjoyed themselves and some of you even got into the spirit of the day by dressing up in 1940’s attire!

Hazel Moore, from Bessiebell Court in Newtownstewart told us how much she enjoyed the 1940’s event. She said:

“I loved dressing up and remembering back to the 40’s! It was wonderful listening to the lovely music, and eating spam fritters - I have really fond memories of those!”

Joan Mc Curdy, also from Bessiebell Court said:

“I didn’t live during the 1940’s, but the day at Cultra gave me a real sense of what life was like during that time. It was also a great day’s craic.”

Treasure House gives you the opportunity to enjoy lovely days out with friends and

neighbours where you can take part in a whole host of activities.

Elizabeth Orr from Barbour Court in Enniskillen told us her best bits from the past Treasure House year. She said:

“I love being able to get out and about with my neighbours from Barbour Court. This year, I really enjoyed learning about the history of the emigrants. I also love taking home all of the wonderful things we make in the arts and crafts sessions as I can show everybody what I’ve made.”

These sessions give our tenants the opportunity to get to know their neighbours better and to meet lots of new people.

YOUR TREASURE HOUSE YEAROver the past year, our Big Lottery funded Treasure House project has provided lots of you with unforgettable days out. From soda bread making, reminiscing sessions and crafts to the two big celebration events, the wide range of events is what makes our Treasure House project such a hit! Read on to find out more about what’s gone on this year and hear what our tenants have to say about it all…

Colourful costumes helped create the 1940s atmosphere.


Patricia Ormsby from Barbour Court in Enniskillen told us about the social side to the Treasure House Project. She said:

“It’s great to be able to meet other people from neighbouring schemes. There are always new faces and it’s a great way to socialise. I particularly enjoyed the last trip we went on; the colourful Irish Dancing was lovely to watch.”

Another tenant Anne Boyd who frequently attends the Treasure House Project told us:

“The highlight of Treasure House for me is that it allows me to meet new people and get to know them through chatting. Going along to the different sessions each month is also a good chance to catch up with friends who live at different schemes.”

Another Treasure House highlight from last year was the Christmas event which took place at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Jimmy Stewart, who lives at Glenshesk Court in Ballycastle went along to the afternoon, dressed as a very special guest. He said:

“I enjoy all of the Treasure House trips, and the bus journeys to and from the

museums but most of all I enjoyed Christmas at Cultra. I played Santa for the rest of the guests, which was just a treat! The organisation was excellent and everyone played a part to make the afternoon a success, especially Emma our Scheme Coordinator who guided me expertly through all the activities. May it all be repeated again next year!”

Tenants from Cedar Court in Newtownabbey recently enjoyed an owl session at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Sadie Marshall told us all about the afternoon:

“I didn’t really know what to expect when we went along to the owl session at the museum, and I was a little bit nervous. When we got there I couldn’t believe how beautiful the owls were and being able to hold them gave me a great sense of achievement.”

Tenants from Greenville Court in Belfast are also keen Treasure House participants and look forward to going along each month. Mrs Wilson remembers the best bits from the past Treasure House year:

“We really look forward to the first Wednesday of every month because that is the day we go to the Treasure House Project. There are lots of varied and interesting topics to learn about and the staff there are brilliant as they are all so helpful and inspirational. We all, of course, have favourites; including the Takibuti day at the Stranmillis Museum and our trip to the Ulster Folk Museum

where we learned about ancient remedies. The Victorian day was also a smash hit - the list could go on. Suffice to say that we enjoyed every single subject.

One of the best things about this excellent programme is that it takes place in our wonderful museums and we get to see what they have to offer. We are so lucky to have them. We look forward to many more great days out. Thank you Treasure House.”

If you are interested in taking part in the Treasure House Project speak to your Scheme Co-Ordinator who will be able to tell you all about upcoming events. We love seeing new faces at the sessions!

Christmas crafts caught everyone’s imagination at the Treasure House festive event.


Do you have green fingers? Now that the days are getting longer why not Spring into action and enter our 2016 Clanmil in Bloom competition?

CLANMIL IN BLOOM 2016Each year the standard of entries to our gardening competition gets higher and higher, so we’re extremely excited about the glorious gardens coming our way this year. We’ve even added some new categories to help make things really interesting!

One of our new categories will focus on native planting. If you’d like to give this a go, get in touch for a free Grow Wild seed kit.

So start work on your winning garden now!

To enter, simply fill out the form on the opposite page and return by 31 March 2016 to:

Clanmil in BloomClanmil Housing Association3 Waring StreetBELFAST BT1 2DX

or to your Scheme Co-Ordinator. You could be in with a chance to win one of these great prizes!1. Best overall independent living

scheme/housing with care home - £150

2. Best overall family development or single persons’ scheme - £150

3. Best kept individual garden - £50

4. Innovative Garden of the Year: for excellence in environmental sustainability - £50

5. Native planting initiative: for excellence in use of native plants - £50

6. Community Participation Award: for excellence in engaging with the wider community through Clanmil in Bloom - £50

7. Best non-traditional garden: For gardens that create a little oasis for residents to enjoy - £50

8. Best newcomer - £50

Community Associations will receive cash prizes. If there is no Association at winning

schemes, groups can claim their prize value in spring/summer flowering bulbs.

After 31st March, entrants will have almost 4 months to work on their gardens to make them picture perfect. Judging will take place throughout July and August 2016. Please note that we would require at least 1 tenant to chaperone judges through the scheme when judging is taking place.

Prizes will be presented at a special celebration event in the Autumn. A maximum of 4 people from each participating scheme will be invited to come along and celebrate their wonderful gardens.


CLANMIL IN BLOOM ENTRY FORMI/we would like to enter the following category for Clanmil in Bloom 2016:

Best Overall Independent Living/Housing with Care Scheme

Best Overall General Needs Scheme

Best Kept Individual Garden

Innovative Garden of the Year

Native Planting Initiative of the Year

Community Participation Award

Best Non Traditional Garden

Best Newcomer

If you would like to enter our Native Planting Initiative category, you can request free Grow Wild seed kits by ticking the box below and telling us how many packs you would like.

Send me some Grow Wild Seed kits Number Requested: .....................................

Contact informationName: ........................................................................... Address: ........................................................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................... Postcode: .................................................................. Telephone: ...........................................................

Finance Information (Tenants Associations Only)

Tenant Association Name: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Name on Account: ..............................................Bank Account Number: ................................... Bank Account Sort

Code: ................ Garden Centre you will use: ...................................................................................................................

Judging DatesJudging will take place on the following dates in Summer 2016. Please tick all dates which are feasible for you.

22nd July 2016 29th July 2016 5th August 2016

FOR CLANMIL USE ONLY- please forward to Philip Whyte

Date received: ............................................................. Received by: ...................................................................... Ref:...............................................................

Our new heating contractor CTS also updated the Forum on repairs to heating systems and feedback to

date. Overall, the service so far from CTS has been good.

We were delighted to update the Forum on the winners of Clanmil in Bloom 2015. Photographs from the event and details of our winners can be found on page 10.

We discussed tenant participation and new ways in which we hope to engage with

our tenants in 2016. We want to develop our services and increase customer satisfaction by working with our tenants to improve our services and help make our schemes better places to live. We’ve outlined these new ways of engaging on pages 18 and 19.

Finally, we discussed standards of service for our independent living tenants and for tenants at schemes where planned maintenance works are being carried out. Our new standard of service documents will detail just

what you can expect from us as your landlord. Our Housing Team are currently working on these and aim to publish them by March 2016.

We love to see new faces at our Tenant Forum meetings and to hear new ideas. If you would like to become a member, or even come along to one of our Forum meetings to see what it’s all about, let your scheme co-ordinator know or contact Niamh Quinn, Senior Housing Officer on 028 90 876000 or [email protected]

Like so many of us, you may find it difficult to manage your money and make ends meet. It is important, however, that you keep paying your rent regularly. If you don’t, you may risk losing your home. If you are worried about paying your rent, getting into arrears, or are having money difficulties, don’t ignore the problem. Simply contact us and we will help you in any way we can.

We can help to set up an affordable payment agreement or refer you to our in-house Money Advisors.

For help and advice on paying your rent, contact our Income Recovery Team or Money Advisors on

028 9087 6000

TENANT FORUM UPDATE

RENT FIRST - DON’T RISK LOSING YOUR HOME

At the last meeting our new gardening contractor, R& M Contracts outlined to the Forum what tenants can expect from their service. We are excited about this new partnership and have agreed performance targets with R&M to ensure our gardens bloom over the spring and summer months.

Clanmil is delighted to partner with Cruse Bereavement Care who will be delivering Bereavement Awareness Sessions to staff and tenants at our independent living schemes. Following these sessions, those interested will have an opportunity to train and become Bereavement Champions, providing support and signposting to others who experience bereavement.

Talk to your scheme co-ordinator for more information about the sessions and the dates when they’ll be taking place at your scheme.

CRUSE BEREAVEMENT TRAINING



Along with other veterans John received the very handsome Medallion of the Insignia of Chevalier

de la Legion d’honneur by post in October 2015 from the French Ambassador to Ireland, Jean-Pierre Thebault.

We asked John to share his wartime memories with us…

I joined the Royal Navy in 1940, when I was 18 years old. After I completed my training I was drafted to HMS Volunteer, one of the V and W class destroyers. The ship became a member of one of the convoy escort groups operating from the base in Liverpool and for the next three years we escorted convoys across the North Atlantic, to and from the USA and Canada to the UK and later, on to the North Russian ports of Murmansk and Archangel.

I left Volunteer at the end of March 1944 when I was sent to join H.M.N.S. Sumatra, an old Dutch naval cruiser. We left Portsmouth and sailed up north and for a solid month we lay off the West coast of Scotland in the area off Oban. No one was allowed ashore and although we weren’t told anything we all guessed something big was afoot.

Then, probably around 4th June, we set sail and headed south for Normandy, arriving there for D Day. There we helped bombard the German coastal defences at Sword beach. Then, along with a lot of other older merchant ships and naval vessels, Sumatra was deliberately scuttled in fairly shallow water to help form a temporary breakwater to create calmer inshore conditions for the army men

and their equipment to land. This all took time and was a tricky manoeuvre as the ships had to be carefully placed in the right positions and right places. Fortunately it was all accomplished despite opposition from the German coastal defences but with several near misses!

After a few days we were transported back to the UK and then off to another posting, this time a shore job for a while before heading for the Far East to take part in minesweeping for Japanese laid mines but that’s another story!

Following the war, John trained to become a teacher and spent the majority of his 30 year career at Gilnahirk Primary School where he was Vice Principal for many years.

Congratulations to Mr John Cumming, who has lived at Cook Court in Newtownards for the past 23 years, and who was recently awarded France's highest honour, the medal of the Legion d'honneur, for his role in D-Day.

JOHN’S WARTIME EFFORTS HONOURED

HNMS Sumatra

Ingredients

• 25g butter

• 3 leeks, washed and sliced

• 350g tub fresh cheese sauce

• ½ bunch chives, chopped

• 200g cooked chicken, torn or cut into bite-sized chunks

• 3 tbsp milk

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 320g pack ready-rolled shortcrust pastry

• plain flour, for dusting

• 1 large egg, beaten

Method1. In a large pan, melt the butter

and cook the leeks over a low heat, covered, for 10 mins until really soft. Remove from

the heat and stir through the cheese sauce, chives, chicken, milk and mustard. Mix well and spoon into small dishes or ramekins.

2. Un-roll the pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a saucer to cut circles for the pie tops. Place on top, trim to fit, crimp the edges and brush with egg to glaze. Wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 2 months.

3. To cook from frozen, heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Remove the cling film, cover with foil and put on a baking tray in the middle of the oven. Bake for 15 mins, then reduce the temperature to 190C/170C fan/gas 5 and bake for a further 45 mins, removing the foil for the final 30 mins. Serve with green vegetables.

4. To cook from fresh, heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Cook for 45 mins, until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the filling is piping hot.

Enjoy!

Do you have any easy, tasty recipes that you would like to see featured in the next edition of the Clanmil Chronicle? Send them our way! We’d love to hear from you and there’s a £30 supermarket voucher up for grabs if your recipe is featured.

While the weather is chilly, whip up this simple, yet warming and delicious pie to help keep away those winter blues. Comfort food at its best!

CHICKEN AND LEEK POT PIE

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