spirit quarterly december 2011

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December 2011 Your latest newsletter on the Wood End, Henley Green, Manor Farm, Deedmore housing regeneration Inside..... 1 year in new home (Page 3) Tipton Way tribute (Page 5) FREE 2012 Calendar (Page 9) Street naming in memory of Roger Santa’s coming! Details of Xmas event on Dec 10th (page4) Redevelopment Q&A’s (Page 8)

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Your latest newsletter on the Wood End, Henley Green, Manor Farm, Deedmore housing regeneration.

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Page 1: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

December 2011

Your latest newsletter on the Wood End, Henley Green, Manor Farm, Deedmore housing regeneration

Inside.....1 year in new home (Page 3)

Tipton Way tribute (Page 5)

FREE 2012 Calendar (Page 9)

Street naming in memory of Roger

Santa’s coming! Details of Xmas event on

Dec 10th (page4) Redevelopment Q&A’s (Page 8)

Page 2: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

It’s a great privilege to be asked to write a piece for your community magazine so a big thank-you first of all.

Spirit Quarterly is one of the best community magazines I have come across and I do enjoy showing it off around the office when it comes

out. I also know that residents get involved in writing articles and deciding what goes into the magazine, which is great and reflects the level of involvement the community has with the scheme.

The HCA do regeneration work across the country and rarely do we find a community as involved as you are here. And I am not just talking about attending events – I mean really driving the regeneration and making sure all us “suits” deliver for you! I know it’s been a long journey for many of you and the HCA has only been involved for a few years but as we continue to support you and make sure we keep your scheme moving, I look forward to meeting more of you.

I am hoping to join you for the One Voice Conference and event in December so I may see you there… otherwise I wish you all a great Christmas and Happy New Year from the HCA.

If you would like to know more about the HCA and their work in Coventry visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/Midlands.

Best wishesLindsey Richards, Head of Midlands SouthHomes and Communities Agency

….a TRUSTed VoiceWith minds firmly turned to Christmas, I thought I would start with some festive cheer. Our fun-filled family Christmas extravaganza will be held on Saturday 10th December. We will be kicking off at 10.30am hearing about what’s going on

in the area, children’s activities and a chance to win a Xmas Hamper. So don’t miss out!

As more of us start to use Facebook to keep in touch with our friends and loved ones, Moat House Trust has been holding free social media training sessions for local residents. So if you’re a newbie or just want to brush up on your skills then get in touch with the Trust team. I would also encourage you to become a fan of the Trust and Spirit Quarters on Facebook for the latest on what is happening in our area. Just go to www.facebook.com and become a fan of Moat House Community Trust. There will be a prize draw when we reach 200 fans!

With 2012 around the corner, we have reached yet another milestone in Spirit Quarters with the street sign in place for the first new road. Tipton Way is by way of tribute to my friend and local community champion Roger Tipton who did so much for this area over many years.

Finally, it leaves me to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope to meet you on the 10th along with Santa!

Best wishesMartin Smith Chair of Moat House Community Trust

2

Welcome to the winter edition of Spirit Quarterly

Help with your first home

Go Ahead - Scheme starts with a 5% deposit from you. The mortgage is then arranged on 80% of the purchase price. The remaining 15% is an unsecured deposit loan provided by Artab Capital at a rate of 5.9% fixed for 12 years. This loan is repaid monthly or when you sell or transfer your home, whichever is sooner.

FirstBuy - A number of properties at Spirit Quarters can be snapped up with just a 5% deposit and a 75% mortgage – the remaining 20% would be provided as a five year equity loan by Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the house builder. Currently FirstBuy is being offered by developers at Spirit Quarters.

For more information on any of these schemes please contact the sales offices, open Thursday to Monday 10 -5pm:

Bovis Homes - 02476 010019Keepmoat Homes - 02476 618267Persimmon Homes - 08444 902009

Buying your first property can be a daunting process, especially if the finances don’t stack up. Here at Spirit Quarters there are number of finance packages which can help you get on the property ladder. Jumpstart - You can now own a brand new Bovis home but pay as little as 85% of the full purchase price upfront, with Bovis providing the remaining balance of up to 15%. No rent or interest to pay for the first 6 months, after which just 3% interest is payable.

First Step - Get 100% ownership of your new home by buying your brand new Keepmoat home for just 85% of the full purchase price. There will be no interest or rent on the outstanding 15% for up to 10 years, after which 3% interest is payable.

Page 3: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

3

Caroline Flavell was one of the first homebuyers to move into the new homes at Spirit Quarters. She moved in on December 2010 with her husband and two kids and has never looked back since! Here she talks about her first year in her new home.

“It was snowing the day we moved in – I remember because we had runners in every room protecting the new cream carpet. I was worried it would get dirty but it was ok in the end. On the day I moved in I received a beautiful hamper from Deedmore Residents Association. I know they say moving home is one of the most stressful days of your life, but for me it was a wonderful experience.

I’ve lived in this area all my life so when I moved away four years ago, it wasn’t long before I wanted to come back. My mum and my sister still lived in the area and I knew and loved the community around here. I’d been waiting for the new houses to come on sale for what felt like ages! As soon as it did, I was quick to get down to the sales office and have a look around. I fell in love with the sales home as soon as I got in and put a deposit down straight away. This was even before the new

What’s a Welcome Pack?

The Welcome Pack is a special hamper which has been put together by Deedmore Residents Association for all new residents moving into the area. It includes lots of useful bits like coffee, bin liners, biscuits and milk and is usually presented to new residents on moving-in day!

Caroline’s Top Tips for moving homes!1. Start collecting boxes well in

advance2. Pack and label boxes clearly3. Tackle one room at a time4. Arrange a parking space for your

removal van5. Make a plan of where the furniture

needs to go in your new home

houses had been built! From that day I watched my new home get built day by day as I’d come regularly to visit family.

“I grew up in this area so I knew I’d be happy here. The local schools are fantastic, I know all my neighbours (well nearly!) and it’s very peaceful at night. My kids regularly use the leisure facilities in the area and even though there is ongoing building work, the developers are so considerate it’s never been an issue.

“It’s coming up to my one year anniversary and I’m looking forward to decorating my house for my first proper Christmas. It’s been great living here, seeing some old and new faces and feeling part of a community again.”

My first year at Spirit Quarters

Page 4: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

Santa's coming!Saturday 10th December

At Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood CentreFun starts at 10.30am

Come along & catchup on what’s happening in your area!Register at 10:30am at One Voice for a chance to win a Xmas HamperFree buffet and activities for children.

Santa's Grotto, Carol singing, Christmas stalls, Information stands, Face painting, Arts and crafts.

Brought to you by Spirit Quarters, Coventry's New Place of Pride. For more information visit Spirit Quarters in Coventry on Facebook! www.facebook.com/spiritquarterscoventry or www.spiritquarters.co.uk

Community Trust Moat House

10:30amto

12:30pm

12:30pm to

4:00pm

4

Page 5: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

Santa's coming!Saturday 10th December

At Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood CentreFun starts at 10.30am

Come along & catchup on what’s happening in your area!Register at 10:30am at One Voice for a chance to win a Xmas HamperFree buffet and activities for children.

Santa's Grotto, Carol singing, Christmas stalls, Information stands, Face painting, Arts and crafts.

Brought to you by Spirit Quarters, Coventry's New Place of Pride. For more information visit Spirit Quarters in Coventry on Facebook! www.facebook.com/spiritquarterscoventry or www.spiritquarters.co.uk

Community Trust Moat House

10:30amto

12:30pm

12:30pm to

4:00pm

5

Tipton Way tribute for RogerFormer community champion Roger Tipton was remembered when the first street sign in Spirit Quarters redevelopment was set in place in his honour.

Tipton Way was named after Roger Tipton, who passed away in 2009 after serving ten years

as resident chair on the New Deal for Communities (NDC) Partnership Board.

Members of the Regeneration Action Team, a group of local residents involved in the housing redevelopment, decided to pay tribute to Roger by naming the first new road in the redevelopment after him.

Ian Tipton, a relative of Roger Tipton said: “To have this street named after Roger is a fitting tribute to the hard work he carried out in the community. He was a simple man who got immense pleasure from seeing positive changes to his local neighbourhood and his memory still lives on today.”

Roger played a key role in ensuring the redevelopment started after years of critical planning between partners and residents.

Kevin Roach, Project Director for Spirit Quarters, said: “Roger always worked closely with partners and residents to ensure the success of the regeneration in this area. He would have been extremely proud of what residents have achieved since he left us and that despite a tough housing market, we are all pushing ahead and creating an area where people want to come and live.”

Five new street names were picked last year when residents, including a group of 20 Junior Street Champions, were invited by Whitefriars and the Regeneration Action Team to choose names for the new streets being built around the former Deedmore Primary School site. Tipton Way was the first name to be selected, followed by Dragonfly Drive, Butterfly Walk, Kingfisher Close and Cray Fish Close.

Alan Tyrrell, a close friend of Roger and Chairman of Henley Green Residents Association said: “Roger was completely dedicated to serving his community and I know he would have been touched by this tribute. Having Tipton Way named after him is a truly memorable way to remember his spirit.”

Photo L-R: Ian Tipton and Alan Tyrrell set the new street sign in memory of Roger

Page 6: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

Spirit Quarters has joined the world of Facebook and Twitter to help keep residents up to date with the latest redevelopment news.

A Facebook fan page and a Twitter Account has been set up so residents affected by the redevelopment can hear all the latest news and events whilst catching up with their friends. It also means residents can feedback their thoughts or concerns using Facebook.

The social media approach also adds more ways for residents to engage with redevelopment partners.

Kevin Roach, Project Director for Spirit Quarters said: “Facebook is a great way for us to keep local people up-to-date with the redevelopment. It is also a new way to raise concerns you may have and talk about positive things in your neighbourhood.

“The beauty of using social media like Facebook and Twitter is that we can get messages out quickly to people and put to bed any rumours. I’ve also started a

Spirit Quarters blog to give updates direct from me”.

To become a Fan on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/spiritquarterscoventry or follow SpiritQuarters on Twitter.

All the different ways you can get find out about the redevelopment:

• Visit the Whitefriars Regeneration Team on Hillmorton Road

• Attend the Regeneration Action Teams (RATs) meeting held every six weeks

• Talk to the Moving Support Group at Tea and Talk• Read Spirit Quarterly magazine• Attend your local Resident Association meeting• Visit the Spirit Quarters website• Become a fan on Facebook• Follow us on Twitter• NEW- follow Spirit Quarter’s Project Director Blog

at www.spiritquarters.blogspot.com

Become a fan today!

6

Energy Efficient HomesFollowing the recent rendering programme to homes within Deedmore Road, Petitor Crescent and Monkswood Crescent area, a next phase of ‘making our homes greener’ is about to get underway.

Through a government programme to help reduce carbon emissions, Whitefriars homes in the neighbourhood

will be undergoing improvement works.

The Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) grant, available until the end of 2012, will improve the energy efficiency of homes in the area. The cash is coming from utility companies as part of their pledge to the government to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.

The £2m scheme will improve 283 homes in Wood End and will be carried out by contractors Wates Living Space with NPower providing the CESP grant.

The main work due to start early next year will be external

wall insulation. Double glazing will be installed where there is currently single glazing and some old boilers (G-rated) will also be replaced.

Trevor Passingham from Whitefriars said: “The CESP programme means we can make homes more energy efficient which means lower energy bills for our customers. We are currently in discussions with our partners to offer home owners the chance to join the scheme as well. We are working with our partners to do more of this work but unfortunately the grants available are only for certain types of properties in specific post codes.”

The work will be carried out to homes in the Hillmorton Road, Wexford Road, Lillington Road and Deedmore Road area and Officers will be visiting and consulting with residents during December and January on the works and timescales.

Tenants from pilot properties in Willenhall said: “The builders were very polite and professional and the work was completed to a very high standard. We have already noticed a difference in our heating bills which is fantastic.”

Page 7: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

Commitment to Community Safety

It’s been two years since the first Neighbourhood Agreement on Crime and Community Safety was launched during National Not in My Neighbourhood Week.

This year residents, agencies and West Midlands Police got together to refresh the agreement which details commitments made from both community, social landlords, council, fire service and the police in helping to keep crime out of the Spirit Quarters neighbourhood.

Martin Smith, Chair of Moat House Community Trust said: “I find it highly encouraging that all of our key agencies and resident representatives came together to refresh the WEHM Crime and Community Safety Neighbourhood Agreement.

“By working together we have taken huge strides in making our neighbourhoods safer and I’m particularly pleased that the police are committed to not only maintaining the number of police officers and PCSO’s within the WEHM area but have also reaffirmed their pledge to continue to address the resident priorities.”

The signed agreement between residents and agencies focused on the commitments and priorities for the local area. Moat House Community Trust will continue to monitor the agreement.

Adrian Murray, Police Sergeant for the Henley Ward said: “West Midlands Police is committed to neighbourhood policing and we will continue to serve and protect the people of the Henley ward.”

7

Demolitions done and dusted

Signing the agreement in 2009

Eyesore flats in the neighbourhood came crashing down recently.

Demolitions of the former Wood End Advice Centre building on Hillmorton Road and old flats in Corinthian Place in Manor Farm took place in October and November.

Both demolitions have been welcomed by local residents who live nearby and have often complained about the empty flats.

Joan Pinfield, a volunteer at Wood End Community Centre said: “My house is opposite the building so it will be wonderful to wake up and see the blue sky and green grass instead of those horrible grey flats.”

“Local people are pleased to see these flats go, they have been a real eyesore in Manor Farm,” said a Manor Farm resident.

For a FREE home safety check, fire safety advice

or information pack please contact West Midlands Fire

Service on Freephone 0800 389 5525

Page 8: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

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Questions & Answers In each edition of Spirit Quarterly, members of the Regeneration Action Team (RATs) will be putting the latest rumours and questions about the redevelopment to Project Director Kevin Roach. In this edition residents ask about issues on nuisance neighbours, improvement works and the development in Longford.

I live in Phase 1B and have heard that Whitefriars will be carrying out improvement works to my home - is this true and does it mean that my house will no longer be developed?

It is true that Whitefriars will be carrying out improvement works to the homes in Phase 1B.

This is because the Whitefriars Board felt it was unacceptable that residents should be living in homes that do not meet decent homes standards for another 5-7 years due to the delays in the Spirit Quarters programme. The board have approved a programme of improvement works and Whitefriars will be writing to all tenants in the New Year outlining the programme for the works.

This does not mean that Phase 1B, or any other area that is receiving significant investment, will not be redeveloped in the future. In the current economic climate partners do have a significant challenge ahead in making the financials stack up, but we are committed to delivering the master-plan that the community aspired to. This does mean we have to do things at a slower pace and be more innovative about how we deliver the redevelopment.

Because there are new homes for Whitefriars tenants being built in Longford, will I still be able to get my new home in Spirit Quarters?Yes – a great deal of planning has taken place with BKW to build a mix of homes within Spirit Quarters that meets the needs of the Community. Although there may be the odd occasion due to specific individual needs where there isn’t availability of a new build, we will be doing everything we can to re-house all tenants who wish to remain within the Spirit Quarters redevelopment.

The development called Windmill Meadows in Longford simply provides further options for residents to consider when thinking about where they wish to live.

Is it true Whitefriars won’t be re-housing nuisance neighbours into new builds?

Yes – if tenants or members of their family have a history of causing nuisance to neighbours or the community they will not be eligible for a new build home in the area. Nuisance neighbours includes those who are not looking after their current home.

This policy will only apply to the minority of residents that have no respect for their neighbours and the community in which they live. This has been fully supported by resident groups and will help create a peaceful neighbourhood where people are proud to live.

I’ve heard a rumour that Jephson Housing will be building new houses on the old Wood End Advice Centre site – is this true?No - this is not true. This land is still owned by Whitefriars and the flats have been demolished to improve the physical appearance of the area and will be redeveloped as part of the Spirit Quarters redevelopment by BKW as per the masterplan.

If you have any rumours or questions for the next edition of Spirit Quarterly please call 02476 587065 or visit us on Facebook

Page 9: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

Coventry’s new

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Page 10: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

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Page 11: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

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Page 12: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

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Page 13: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

13

Come and meet us at Tea & Talk -

every Tuesday at the Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre, 2 - 3.30pm

Call or text us on:Janet – 07943 428740 Ray – 07855 524476 Sandy – 07871 744434Diane – 07882 278516 Sheila – 07505 890225 Vicky – 07886 189752 Maree 07989 092384

LocalResidents

A support toWhitefriars

Who are theMoving Support Group?

Impartial

After-care

NW 1954

Arabic

Farsi

Vous avez besoin dʼaide dans votre propre langue

French

Kurdish

Polish

Urdu

Need help in your own language?

% 024 7676 7000

A group of local residents to help and support you through the rehousing process

L-R Janet, Sandy, Diane, Sheila, Vicky, Ray

A source ofinformation

Independentear

Can feedback toWhitefriars on

your behalf

Available at weekends and early

eveningsVoice fromwithin thecommunity

A t M o a t H o u s e L e i s u r e a n d N e i g h b o u r h o o d C e n t r e

2:00pm - 3:30pm ev

ery tuesday

Tea & Talk

Would you like to meet other residents?

Would you like to meet agencies like the police, Whitefriars and the wardens?

Would you like to find out what's happening in your area?

Sponsored by Moat House Community Trust and Whitefriars

Available from the 1st of DecemberGroup & O�ce bookings welcome — please contact Ann or telephone 024 76 619711

Come and celebrate Christmas with Moat House CaféEnjoy a Traditional Roast Turkey Lunchwith all the trimmings followed by Xmas Pudding (Cream or Custard) and a Tea or Co�ee

Vegetarian Option available £4.75

All this for

Page 14: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

14

Two people often described as ‘pillars of the community’ were awarded Good Citizen Awards by Coventry City Council this year.

Local residents Pat Watson and John Marriott regularly work over 40 hours at Henley Green Community Centre either in the

crèche or café or organising football tournaments and dances.

Both were founding members of the Craven Connection, a group that now runs their community centre and through their dedication and hard work, the community venue has gone from strength to strength.

Pat said: “It was a wonderful surprise to have been nominated for the award, let alone win it! I’m proud to have been working and supporting my community for the last 20 years. It really is a pleasure and I just wish more people would give up their free time and see the benefits themselves.”

John said: “I’m passionate about working for the community and it’s been extremely rewarding to be recognised as a Good Citizen in the city.”

Pat and John have volunteered hours of their time to ensure there is a much-needed community facility in Manor Farm. Following a suggestion from residents that chickens should be kept, John and Pat helped the idea take flight and worked with several local people to create a chicken coop. John was instrumental in the building of the coop, carrying out much of the work himself.

The community centre also shares some of its facilities with Henley Green Primary School, where pupils have been delighted to see the growth of their first batch of chicks. Pat is also Chair of Manor Farm Residents Association; the group who helped bring the children’s pirate play area to Hermes Crescent.

For more information about Henley Green Community Centre or to get involved please call 024 7661 8770.

Caring for their community

John Marriott at the Chicken Coop he built at Henley Green Community Centre

Page 15: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre is now the new home of the Midland’s only junior gym.

The SHOKK Gym, which used to be based in the Ricoh Arena, is specially equipped with machines which children as young as 8 can use. The gym is ideal for children as it uses conventional gym gear but with lighter weights and smaller frames.

The gym, located inside the Roger Tipton room, opened its doors for the first time on the 29th October where more than 30 children turned up to try out the facilities.

“We had a fantastic opening where lots of young people were excited about testing out the gym gear. Many of them had never been to the gym before so I guess you could say it was a Shokk to the system!” said Lee Greenhough, Duty Manager at Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre.

This December the Leisure Centre is offering a special Christmas deal to use the gym for the whole month for just £10.00. You must be aged between 8 and 16 for this offer. For more information please call 024 7684 1720 or email [email protected]

A SHOKK to the system

• The Shokk gym contains cardiovascular machines such as treadmills, cross trainers and water rowers.

• The Shokk gym also includes a range of resistance machines that train all muscle groups.

• Children will learn how to exercise correctly and safely while improving their overall fitness levels.

• The Shokk gym can complement other sports in school from Football to Swimming.

• All children receive a gym induction and program when they first start

• The Shokk Gym is always fully supervised by a gym instructor.

• There will also be circuit training and multi sports in the sports hall in some sessions.

• There are different challenges with prizes throughout the year - coming and find out how you can win.

SHOKKING Facts

15

Opening hours:4pm – 7pm Mon 4pm – 7pm Wed4pm – 7pm Fri 10am – 2pm Sat

Caring for their community

Page 16: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

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Sowe Valley ProjectOver 50 people turned up at a special event to look at ways of improving the environment in the Spirit Quarters neighbourhood.

Local residents were invited to put forward suggestions on how green spaces in Wood End could be improved and learn more about how the environment is going to change along the banks of the River Sowe.

The event was organised by developers Bovis, Keepmoat and Westbury (BKW) in partnership with the Sowe Valley Project at Wood End Community Centre. Visitors were also invited to build bird boxes and bird feeders to encourage more wildlife along the green space that runs next to the River Sowe.

Anna Squires, Sowe Valley Project Co-ordinator at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Local residents were able to learn more about how their local green spaces are going to change, in particular the wildlife along the River Sowe. The bird boxes created at the event will

provide safe nesting spots for small birds in the spring months and with the bird feeders will provide additional food during the winter.” Locals were also talking about the new green space in the redevelopment which will include a new natural play area, providing a recreational space for children and families, improvements to the footpath along the River Sowe and the introduction of a cycle way.

In addition, new seating and trail points will be erected along the valley and locals will have the opportunity to get involved in planting wildflowers, bulbs and trees which will transform the green space.

Richard Moore of Keepmoat Homes, said: “BKW are proud to support the Sowe Valley Project which is benefitting the locality. We are keen to involve the local community in the regeneration of Spirit Quarters and welcome their views on how we can further improve the area.”

Page 17: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

17

Goodfathers Go Camping

Fathers and male carers from Wood End with their children at the camping trip

Wood End fathers and male carers have been bonding with their children after going on a camping weekend to learn more about survival under the stars.

Twenty-two fathers and forty-five children spent two nights at the Rough Close Camp Site in August where they pitched their own tents and cooked healthy meals on an open-fire. The trip was organised by the Goodfather Group, an organisation which helps fathers and male carers in Coventry to improve relationships with their children through outdoor learning activities.

Tim Jacques, Secretary of the Goodfather group at Moat House Children’s Centre said: “We were really excited leading up to the trip. Many of the fathers, male carers and their children have never been camping before and it was a unforgettable adventure for them! We are very grateful for the support and funding we have received which made this possible for the children.”

The camping trip was funded by the Cook and Eat Well campaign, part of the Coventry Health Improvement Plan, and supported by Moat House Children’s Centre in Wood End.

Previous Goodfather outings include a three-day camping trip for fifty dads and children where families were taught basic bush craft skills whilst developing better relationships. If you would like more information about the Goodfathers call or email Tim Jacques on 07834547571 or [email protected]

Page 18: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

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DON’T KNOW YOUR FACEBOOK FROM YOUR TWITTER?

WANT TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PHONE, IPAD/TABLET OR LAPTOP?JUST WANT SOME HELP WITH IT?

Moat House Community Trust is offering free training for local residents

Wednesday 11th January 2012 9:30am -12:30pm

(light lunch provided)@ Moat House Leisure and

Neighbourhood Centre.

Places are limited, so sign up NOW by calling Diana or Arif on 02476 622964 or pop into our offices

at the Leisure Centre.

communications.com

Community Trust Moat House

NEW YEARNEW GADGETNEW MEDIA

Wood End Advice and Information Centre raised £132.60 for Macmillan Cancer Support on the World’s Biggest Coffee morning in October.

Staff put on sugary snacks and cakes for consumption to raise money to help the national charity which helps those affected by cancer.

Patsy Staple, Debt Administrator at the Centre said: “Thank you to everyone who came and supported this very worthy cause.”

Well done!

Sheila’s RecipeLamb and Lentil StewServes 4Ready in 1hr and 40 minutes

Ingredients1 tbsp Oil550g Lean Lamb, trimmed and diced1 level tbsp, flour600g Casserole Vegetables - carrots, swede, parsnips, onions, leeks.

400g Tomatoes1 lamb or beef stock cubeTbsp Mixed herbs1 clove garlic (optional)125g Dried green vegetables350g mashed potatoes to serve (or however many depending on how hungry you are!).Pinch of Salt and pepper

1. Heat the oil in a pan and cook the lamb in batches until brown on all sides, transfer to a large pan and stir in the flour

2. Cut vegetables into chunky pieces. Add to the pan with the tomatoes and herbs (and garlic). Dissolve the stock cube in 400ml hot water and pour in. Cover and simmer gently for 1hr 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra water if it starts to get too dry.

3. Meanwhile, rinse the lentils in a sieve under cold running water. Put in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for 10 minutes. Drain and add to the lamb stew for the last 35 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste

4. Serve with mashed, Jacket potatoes or rice!

Page 19: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

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Colour Santa in send us a photo on Facebook! Just become a fan of Spirit Quarters in Coventry and add your completed colouring to our wall.

Page 20: Spirit Quarterly December 2011

Spirit Quarterlyis brought to you by:

Edit and design by Purple Patch CommunicationsCoventry’s first communications social enterprise. Find us on Facebook and Twitter – just search for SpiritQuarters.

Christmas DinnerTuesday 13th December12pm @ Henley Green Community Centre£3.50 call NOW to book on 7661 8770 Community Christmas Carol ServiceThursday 15th December 20117pm until 8.15pm@ Grace Academy on Wigston Road

Manor Farm RAMonday 16th January @ 11am(generally 3rd Monday of every month)Henley Green Community Centre

Deedmore RAThursday 19th January @ 12.30 (generally 3rd Thursday of every month)Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre

Henley Green RAThursday 12th January @ 6.30pm (generally 2nd Thursday of every month)Henley Green CC or Watcombe Resource Centre

Wood End Residents Action Group AGMWednesday 11th January6.30pm @ Moat House Leisure & Neighbourhood Centre

Regeneration Action TeamThursday 19th January 2012Please call Sarah on 02476 587083 for details.

Dates for your diary

The next edition of Spirit Quarterly will be coming out in 2012 If you would like to contribute or get involved please contact the Spirit Quarters Regeneration Team (024 7658 7065) or Diana Khanom at Purple Patch (024 7662 2964).

Henley Ward Councillors Cllr. Ed RuaneTel: 07817 218137Email: [email protected] Cllr. Lynnette KellyTel: 024 7671 1682Email: [email protected]: @lynnettekelly

Cllr. Kevin MatonTel: 024 7646 1835Email: [email protected]: @Cllr_KevinMaton