Residents and staff of Robert Kett Court, Housing with Care Scheme in Wymondham, have picked up their third Community Garden Award; becoming stars of BBC Radio Norfolk.

The award is part of Broadland Housing Association’s (BHA) annual gardening competition (currently in its fifth year), which gives Broadland tenants from across the region the chance to showcase their gardening skills in a number of different categories.

Karen Buchanan from BBC Radio Norfolk celebrated the hatrick of awards by hosting her Wednesday gardening programme live from Roberts Kett Court. Karen and special guest presenters; Will Giles (Gardening Author and Owner of the Exotic Garden in Thorpe) and Martyn Davey (Head of Agriculture at Easton College) visited all the gardens, residents and staff during the two-hour show.

Commenting on the award-winning gardens Karen Buchanan said: “We wanted to show our support for the excellent work that goes on in our community. We often feature the good work going on at places such as Blickling Hall and Felbrigg Hall and get top tips off the head gardeners there, but we wanted to celebrate the passion, hard work and care that residents and volunteers at Robert Kett Court have shown and continue to show.

“They really are an inspiration for any gardener and an inspiration to us all of what can be achieved when you work together. What's more, they clearly have plenty of fun doing it!"

Robert Kett Court is one of a number of Housing with Care Schemes, jointly provided by Broadland Housing Association (BHA) and Adult Social Services in the Greater Norwich area and may be suitable for older people requiring a higher level of care and support.

Anyone who would like to visit their local scheme or to find out more about services in their area should contact BHA Customer Services on 0303 303 0003.

Broadland Housing Associations' Oakes Court, Housing with Care Scheme in Downham Market, held a celebration yesterday to mark the grand unveiling of two new gardens at the complex, which have received a complete garden make over.

New pathways with level access mean that the new gardens are fully accessible for all tenants and the design by CGM Landscapes, incorporates raised beds and a sensory garden in the extra care unit, designed to stimulate all of the brain’s five senses.

The event was attended by The Mayor of Downham Market, Cllr John Fox and his wife Margaret.  Social Club volunteers; Cyril and Daphne Hodson were on hand to assist with the cutting of the ribbons, along with Lucy Keegan, a resident of the extra care unit.

Tenants have named the garden ‘Tranquility’ and while officially announcing the new name, The Mayor commented: “It’s wonderful to have such a great open space for all of the staff and residents to enjoy and I truly hope it is a place of tranquillity for you all for many years to come”.

Oakes Court is one of a number of Housing with Care Schemes, jointly provided by Broadland Housing Association (BHA) and Adult Social Services in the West Norfolk area and may be suitable for older people requiring a higher level of care and support. It offers the chance to continue living independently within your own self- contained property, as a tenant in your own right. Unlike ordinary sheltered housing, housing with care offers 24 hour care and support on site, provided by a designated team of care workers.

Anyone who would like to visit their local scheme or find out more about services in their area should contact BHA Customer Services on 0303 303 0003.

Our 2010 Annual Tenants Conference was held on Saturday 22 May at Dunston Hall near Norwich. It was great to see so many of you, with over 180 tenants turning up on the day, making it another record breaking attendance.

There was a lively buzz about the place with the marquee packed to the rafters as tenants were given the opportunity to share their views in a number of workshops regarding: Tenant Involvement, Service Charges, Repairs and Anti Social Behaviour. The actions resulting from your feedback will be detailed in a further report in the Autumn edition of Door to Door.

Our maintenance partner Mears, joined us in the exhibition area and there was almost a stampede to their stand to grab the host of freebies on offer. Norfolk Credit Union and Meridian East staff were also on hand to provide tenants with advice on financial matters and access to employment and training. Tenants also got the chance to speak with representatives from all of Broadland’s frontline teams. The award for the member of staff who had the most fun, clearly goes to Maureen McDonald-Cooke from our Dereham Office (pictured above taking part in the Drama Workshop). Maureen previously worked for Norfolk Constabulary and clearly likes to be in charge.

Despite a turbulent and challenging year for many businesses in the East of England, Broadland Housing Association has emerged as one of the region’s best employer’s after it was recognised in the 2010 Best Companies Accreditation.

Best Companies Accreditation awards an elite ‘Michelin style’ star rating system for organisations that demonstrate high levels of employee engagement. Based on staff feedback, organisations receive a Best Companies Index score, which determines their star rating, compared to a fixed standard. One star for first class, two stars for outstanding and three stars for extraordinary performance.

Broadland Housing Association achieved the ‘One to Watch’ accreditation, which identifies the organisation is working towards achieving the high standards set by the best of British businesses.

Sarah Mortimer, Head of Marketing at Broadland Housing Association commented: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the ‘One to Watch’ status at only our first time of participating in the survey.  Our involvement with Best Companies has been highly beneficial in terms of enabling us to benchmark against similar organisations and we will strive to build on our performance in future rankings.”

This year, 1,086 organisations from the private and public sectors across the UK, applied for the Best Companies Accreditation and out of these entries, Broadland Housing Association achieved 655 in the Best Companies Index.

Broadland Housing held its 2010 Tenants Conference on Saturday 22nd May at Dunston Hall in Norwich.

To view the presentation Michael Newey, Group Chief Executive, gave at the conference please click the image below. This presentation also contains the voting results.

Broadland Housing Association kept families entertained in the half term holidays by offering free cinema tickets to all their tenants and children, to watch The Princess and the Frog at the Majestic Cinema, in King's Lynn.

In return, tenants were asked to listen to a presentation by Chief Executive, Michael Newey and participate in a brief interactive quiz before the film started. The questions related to use of the internet, social networking and tenant preferences on the ways in which they would like to be more involved with the Association.

It provided an excellent opportunity to consult younger families on how they would like to be communicated with.

To view the responses, please click here.

The Kickz project is running both term time and holiday courses.Football in the Community based at Norwich City Football Club is a football and Sports charity that aims to improve the health, social esteem, and skills of Children across Norfolk & North Suffolk.

For more information click here or call FitC on 01603 761309.

As an extension of the highly successful ‘Kickz’ project, Football in the Community (FitC) have launched ‘Goalz’, providing 16 to 19 year olds sport and education sessions, coaching qualification opportunities and are working to improve learning and employment opportunities for young people in our communities.  These courses are running in Bowthorpe, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Thetford and Dereham throughout 2010.

For more information click here or call FitC on 01603 761309.

Broadland Housing Association (BHA) kept the families entertained on October 29th by offering free cinema tickets to all their tenants and children, to watch Fantastic Mr Fox at the Odeon, Riverside, Norwich.

This pilot initiative proved very successful and BHA will now be rolling these kinds of events out to other areas of the region including Dereham and Great Yarmouth.

Not only did the tenants get to watch the film and enter plenty of competitions but every child received a ‘Film Feast’, which included a drink, sweets, popcorn and a toy.

In return, BHA asked all tenants to listen to a presentation by CE Michael Newey and participate in a brief interactive quiz before the film started. The questions related to use of the internet and social networking. It was an important opportunity for the tenants to get involved and feedback on how they like to be communicated with. The responses were shown on the big screen instantaneously through the use of interactive handsets.

Fantastic Mr Fox is a children's book written by Roald Dahl, which has now been adapted to the big screen. The story is about Mr Fox and how he outwits his farmer neighbours to steal their food right under their noses. The film features the voices of George Clooney as Mr Fox, Meryl Streep as Mrs Fox and Bill Murray as Badger.

Sarah Mortimer, Head of Marketing at BHA, comments: "We know it can be hard to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays, which is why Broadland Housing Association offered our tenants the opportunity for some peace and quiet for a couple of hours! The event went really well and we received some excellent feedback from the 100 tenants who attended. For some of the children, it was their first trip to the cinema, which made the event even more worthwhile."

During October Half Term the customers at Shipfield housing scheme and residents in the NR3 area of Norwich enjoyed a ‘Fun Day’ that was organised in conjunction with North City SureStart. We had the marquee on the green where the children were entertained by Mr Jugglefun who made them laugh at his Magic Show and also taught them circus skills. The PCSO’s from the local Safer Neighbourhood team seemed to be having more fun than the kids and were showing off their hula hooping skills. SureStart play workers got messy with the kids with their special blend of ‘gloop’ and shaving foam, there was barely an area of each child that didn’t get messy!

The Pre-School Learning Alliance baked some amazing cakes and were selling these as well as tea and coffee to keep us refreshed throughout the afternoon. This kept us all going long enough to have a go at the Football in the Community ‘SpeedKick’ to see who could score the fastest kick of a football. Five top prizes were awarded to the children for their efforts. Everyone who attended the day were put into a free prize draw and had the chance to win book tokens, as well as DIY vouchers, a teddy bear and a doll. As well as donating prizes, Mears staff, were on hand throughout the afternoon, to carry out routine repairs in tenants homes.

Despite having a busy shift, Sprowston Fire Crew came down later in the day to show the children around the fire appliance and tell them about the work they do, as well as offering practical advice on fire safety in the home and free fire safety checks for our more vulnerable customers.

Although the weather could have been better, it did not deter anyone from having a good time and through consultation, we got some good feedback with regards to the future use of the Residents Room at Shipfield as well as on the potential re-development work of one of the other shop units at the scheme.

Many thanks to everyone who helped out on the day and volunteered their time.

The second Broadland ‘Senior Tenant’s event’ took place on Thursday 22nd October at The Elms, Unthank Road, Norwich. The event had a 40’s/50’s theme with some tenant’s accepting the invitation to attend in dress of the period. The Elms Hall was decorated with bunting and posters from the era kindly loaned to Broadland by the Gressenhall Museum, Dereham, as part of their reminiscence pack. Entertainment was provided by the band Chantel, back by popular demand, with master of ceremonies tenant Richard Headicar doing a fantastic job keeping the day running smoothly and presenting his 40’s and 50’s quiz ‘Loggerheads’.

Prizes for the quiz and raffle were kindly donated by: Carewatch, Stannah, Invicta, MEARS, John Lewis, Jarrolds, Odeon and Broadland Housing Association.

If you attended the day please complete the Senior Tenant Event Evaluation form and email it back to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FREE short courses running from December 2009-March 2010
Organised by Wymondham Learning Initiative
for Broadland Housing Association

Setting up your Community Group
Date/time: 9 December 1.00-4.00 Venue: The Elms, Unthank Road, Norwich

This course aims to give you some key skills and information needed to set up and manage your community group effectively. Learn more about committee members’ roles and responsibilities, legal requirements, running successful meetings, record keeping and partnership working.

Gently Does IT
Dates/time: 12, 19, 26 Jan and 2 Feb 2010 10.00-12.00
Venue: The Elms, Unthank Road, Norwich

A series of 4 sessions for the complete IT novice. You will start with learning how to use the mouse, get to grips with some computer jargon and learn how the screen is arranged.

1st Time Online and Internet Email
Dates/time: 9, 16, 23 Feb and 2 March 2010 10.00-12.00
Venue: The Elms, Unthank Road, Norwich

A series of 4 sessions to learn how to browse and search the Web effectively and use Web based email programmes such as Google Mail and Yahoo! Mail. Learn how to send and receive emails, attach files and open email attachments.

These FREE events are being coordinated by Wymondham Learning Initiative. To book your place or register your interest and learn more contact
Karen or Louise, who will be happy to help you.

Wymondham Learning Centre, Wymondham High School,
Folly Road, Wymondham NR18 0NT

Phone: 01953.600737
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.wymondhamlearning.org.uk

Inside Housing have reported that almost 1,500 tenants have applied for a seat on a new body being set up to give them a voice at a national level.

You can read the article in full by clicking here.

Wednesday 23rd September saw the first of Broadland Housing’s Repairs and Maintenance forums, held at The Elms in Norwich. Repairs and maintenance issues are frequently raised at the area forums held around the county and it was identified that there was sufficient need to justify holding a focus group specific to these issues.

The meeting was chaired by Peter Brown, Head of Responsive Maintenance and Facilities Management and was attended by other relevant members of staff from Broadland as well as from our repairs partners MEARS. The meeting was well attended by tenants who were given the opportunity to shape the format of future meetings and decide what issues should be on future agendas.

On the agenda for the next meeting is the discussion of reactive repairs, as well as an overview of the ‘Fault Locator’ system that Broadland use to register repairs.

An exact date for the next meeting has yet to be decided however, it will take place in December at the Carrow Road offices of Broadland Housing. If you would like to attend the next meeting please contact the Resident Participation Team on 01603 750295 / 01603 750236 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) published three consultation documents earlier this summer to seek views on how they should regulate affordable housing providers.  There was a general document called “Building a new regulatory framework” and two supplementary papers focusing on viability and governance.  These documents can be found on a web site set up by the TSA called http://www.nationalconversation.co.uk/

A copy of Broadland Housing Association’s response to the 47 questions asked within these three documents is available on the link below.

In preparing this response to the three discussion documents prepared by the Tenant Services Authority, the Association undertook a series of four tenant focus groups in Lowestoft, Norwich, Dereham and Kings Lynn. We also undertook a board members’ focus meeting, which not only considered the documents, but also the feedback from the tenant focus groups. In addition we consulted a large number of senior managers within the organisation.

There was obviously a range of opinions generated within the discussions held and this highlights the challenges faced by the TSA in formulating a series of standards.

View the Response

Broadland Tenant, David Empson, will be exhibiting his artwork at St. Stephen’s Church in Norwich which will form part of the Heritage Open Days. His artwork ranges from water pastels to oils. Proceeds from sales will go to St. Stephen’s Church. The exhibition runs from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September 10am – 4pm (Sunday 12noon – 4pm).

St. Stephen’s Church on Rampant Horse Street in Norwich (NR2 1QP) is both family friendly and has full wheelchair access.

For more information on St. Stephen’s Church – visit http://ststephensnorwich.org/

Our 2009 Annual Tenants Conference was held on Saturday 9 May at Caistor Hall near Norwich. It was great to see so many of you, with over 170 tenants turning up on the day. There was a lively buzz about the place as tenants were given the opportunity to share their views in a number of workshops regarding; planned repairs, energy saving, finding work, accessing benefits and support, rent issues and involvement opportunities. The actions resulting from your feedback will be detailed in a further report in the Autumn edition of Door to Door.

Partnering organisations Mears, Invicta and the Norfolk Credit Union were all on hand to speak to tenants directly, along with representatives from all frontline departments of Broadland Housing and Meridian East.

The grand finale of the event saw tenants; Jess Lince, Joan Salzedo, Pauline Taylor and Mavis Green each win £50 and £100 worth of shopping vouchers in our prize giveaway and one lucky tenant, Sheila Cann, walked away with the first prize of one free month’s rent.

A presentation was also made to Broadland Housing Chair, Caroline Pickering, who will be stepping down from the role later this year. On behalf of the tenants, the board and all Broadland staff, we would like to thank Caroline for the difference she has made during her time as Chair.

Good Neighbour Winners
Mr and Mrs Murray of Nightingale Cottages were recognised as Good Neighbours of 2009 at the event and we also made a special trip to The Cedars, the following week to make a presentation to Mr P Russell, who was also recognised as a Good Neighbour of 2009.
 

Sponsors
We would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting the event:

The Broadland Housing Association Tenants Conference 2009

It’s all about you and your home!
Caistor Hall, Near Norwich, Saturday 9th May
10.30am – 12.45pm followed by lunch

Tenants’ choice is the theme for this year’s conference. We need your help to make sure we’re providing you with the kind of choices that make a real difference to your home and life.

What happens at the conference?

• Join in workshops
• Meet the people who work at BHA
• Meet other tenants and neighbours
• An exhibition which will include our maintenancecontractors, our training and employment service partner, information about shared ownership and much more.

Fun and FREE

• FREE buses from your local BHA office
• FREE lunch
• FREE childcare – let us know if you need it
• Everyone’s welcome

Workshops are a great way to find out more. You can join in or just listen in. The workshop topics include:

1. Planned Repairs
2. Accessing Benefits and Support
3. Looking for work?
4. Energy Saving
5. Opportunities to be involved
6. Rent Issues

FANTASTIC FREE PRIZE DRAW
You will be automatically entered into a free prize draw to win:

1 x Month free rent
2 x £100 vouchers
2 x £50 vouchers

Draw to be made on the day and is open to residents only.

Learning something new
Broadland Housing Association has been working in partnership with Wymondham Learning Initiative, Flagship & Saffron Housing Association to provide FREE courses to tenants.

Engage with the whole community – 15th & 16th April 2009 at Attleborough Community and Enterprise Centre
Would you like to know what young people in your community think and what their opinions and ideas are?
Want to be able to communicate better with them? Yes? Then this course is what you’re looking for.

Click here for more info

Have your say - 15th & 16th April 2009 at Attleborough Community and Enterprise Centre
Are you aged between 16-25? Want to get involved in your community?
YES? Then come along to our FREE two day session to learn how to voice your opinions with confidence and conviction both when speaking and in writing

Click here for more info

If you would like to attend a course please contact Karen or Louise at Wymondham Learning on 01953-600737 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
If you would like assistance with transport please contact the Resident Involvement Team on 01603-750295

Many thanks

Social housing tenants will have the chance to hop on board a pink camper van on Friday 6 March 2009 to talk about the issues that affect them, such as anti-social behaviour or repairs and maintenance.

The Tenant Services Authority's (TSA) roaming van, complete with film crew, is making its final stop in Norwich as part of the TSA's National Conversation tour of England

The camper van will be making the following stops:
10.00 am Lefroy Road Shops, Mile Cross Estate NR2
11.45 am Shipfield Estate NR3
2.15 pm City Hall NR2
3.15 pm Lowry Close/Tills Road Sprowston NR6

The TSA camper has toured the country tour as part of the largest tenant consultation to ever be held. It has given tenants the opportunity to have their voices heard and tell the TSA what issues are most important to them, such as anti-social behaviour, repairs and maintenance, and whether their landlords listen to them. Tenants have also been able to say a 'piece to camera' which can then be uploaded onto 'YouTube'.

TSA Chief Executive Peter Marsh said: "The National Conversation is about us asking tenants what they want, to help us understand what matters most when setting standards for landlords. The camper van will be travelling up and down the country, from Cornwall to Carlisle, Margate to Middlesbrough. I'd like people to hop on board have their say. Tell us face to face what matters most to you.

"We want feedback from all kinds of tenants, of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. Please help us make sure all tenants get the excellent service they deserve from their landlords today and in the future."

Tenants and prospective tenants of housing associations, councils, co-ops, ALMOs and shared owners are all invited to take part in the TSA's National Conversation between now and the end of March.

There are a number of ways in which tenants can take part in the National Conversation. These include:

By questionnaire
They can do this online or have a paper version sent.

Come to a regional event
We’re holding two half-day events in every region of England.

Landlord events
Lots of social housing landlords are running events with their tenants. Tenants can contact their landlords direct to find out if they’re holding one and where and when it is.

Hold their own local conversation
Tenants can hold their own event with neighbours. A resource pack is available to help tenant run these events.

Take part in a forum
We’re running some forums on the National Conversation website.

For more information, visit the National Conversation website at www.nationalcoversation.co.uk

An Employment Fair aimed at helping people back into work or even to retrain for a better career.

Wednesday 22 April 2009
10am - 7pm

@ Number Ten Bowling
Barnard Road, Norwich, NR5 9JB

Click here for more info

BROADLAND HOUSING CREATES NEW TRAINING PARTNERSHIP WITH MERIDIAN EAST TO TACKLE BACK TO WORK AGENDA IN NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK

Broadland Housing, one of the largest traditional housing associations in Norfolk and north Suffolk, has joined forces with specialist employment and training support services provider, Meridian East. The move will see Meridian East becoming a subsidiary of Broadland Housing dedicated to tackling unemployment amongst disadvantaged and vulnerable people in the East of England.

The initiative will enable Broadland Housing to meet its ambitions under the Government’s worklessness Agenda by giving tenants access to Meridian East’s extensive range of training, consultancy and employment services. Meridian East’s association with Broadland will provide the organisation with potential new clients within the housing sector and strengthen its funding and resourcing facilities.

Meridian East was established in 1983 and since then has developed a wide range of training and consultancy services and programmes designed to help people overcome skills, health and other social barriers which prevent them from accessing employment. It delivers this by working closely with local authorities, PCTs, mental health trusts, colleges and Job Centres across Norfolk and Suffolk. The organisation, which is wholly grant funded, employs over 60 staff, including trainers, consultants, employment activity workers, learning support assistants, and work & learning coaches in ten offices across Norfolk and Suffolk. [Meridian East has helped people to overcome significant and complex barriers to access work in areas of their vocational interest, last year alone assisting over 500 people to move into work experience and employment].

The new partnership, which is operational from the 1st of October 2008, will see the Director of Meridian East, Suzi Heybourne, joining Broadland’s Executive Team. She will be responsible for the delivery of Meridian East’s frontline services and the development of new employment and training initiatives in the East of England. Michael Newey, Broadland’s Chief Executive, will become the new Group Chief Executive, and Anna Simpson, Broadland’s Finance Director, will become the new Group Finance Director. Alan Holland, the founding Chief Executive of Meridian East who has led Meridian East for the past 25 years, retires at the end of September.

FITC Launch New “KICKZ” Project

At the recent Norwich City v Birmingham City game Football in the Community and its partners launched the new national football project Kickz.
Football in the Community and Director Delia Smith were pleased to accept a cheque for £100,000 from Andy Parrott of the Football Foundation, together with its partners including representatives from Norfolk Constabulary Kevin Wilkins, Assistant Chief Constable, Jim Smurden, Superintendent for Great Yarmouth Police and Martyn Hooton, Police Inspector for Gorleston Police.
The Kickz program is currently active in Premier League clubs and 11 Football League clubs and offers 12 to 18-year-olds the chance to take part in a positive activity three nights a week, 48 weeks of the year.

The programme aims to ‘build safer, stronger communities through the development of young peoples’ potential’. FITC and their partners will be launching the Kickz project at the ‘Cage’ in the heart of the Cobholm estate based in Great Yarmouth on Tuesday, September 23, from 5 to 7pm with the help of Norwich City player Lee Croft.

As well as football coaching and competitions, Kickz offers a range of other positive activities including basketball, street dance, boxing as well as music and arts workshops. Developmental and educational sessions are also run, dealing with issues such as healthy lifestyles and the dangers of getting involved in drugs and carrying weapons.

Thanks to the funding and support pledged from the Football Foundation, Norfolk FA, Active Norfolk, Youth Inclusion Support Panel, FITC, Connexions, Prince's Trust, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Tony Wright, Broadland Housing Association, Community Connections, Wherry Housing Association, Cliff Park School Sport Partnership, and Great Yarmouth Sports Trust the project will provide much-needed activity and support in Cobholm and the surrounding area of Great Yarmouth.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “Football Clubs are perfectly placed to offer something back to some of the most marginalised members of society. Through Kickz they can help young people get involved in their community and learn self-respect, personal achievement and a sense of responsibility.”

Kickz also aims to break down barriers between young people and local police officers. The funding announcement follows successful pilots at Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Brentford and Manchester City, which police say have contributed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the community.

Jim Smerdon, Superintendent for Great Yarmouth Police, said: “We are really pleased to be working with NCFC and their partners. We hope this project has a positive impact and makes a difference to peoples’ lives.”

FITC Director Ian Thornton said: "We are very pleased to receive support from the Football Foundation and all our partners to deliver this nationally-recognised project. We are looking forward to making a positive impact on the local Cobholm Community.”

If you would like to find out more about the Kickz program please visit www.fitc.org.uk or call 01603 761122.

Residents celebrate official completion of new affordable homes in Dereham

Residents of a new affordable housing scheme in Dereham have celebrated moving into their new homes with Carol Bundock, the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, and Bryan Gunn, patron of Broadland Housing Association, who planted a tree and joined them for a BBQ and entertainment in the communal gardens of the new development.

The £6million development of 65 apartments, houses and adapted bungalows by Broadland Housing Association provides new homes for over 250 people from the Breckland area. Many of the new residents had been on the housing list waiting for suitable homes for some time and during the celebrations expressed their delight and relief about moving into their new homes.

The new homes, 45 of which are rented and 20 of which are for part buy/part rent (shared ownership) have been built using a modern method of structural timber frame construction which provides high insulation properties and keeps space heating costs as low as possible. The new homes achieved an Eco Homes “Very Good” rating.

Plans for the new town centre homes, on a site formerly occupied by a disused night club which had been burnt down by vandals a few years earlier, attracted considerable opposition from Dereham residents. However, consultation with the neighbouring private owners, the installation of high level safety fencing for the Cricket Club, the inclusion of large open spaces for the community within the design of the scheme and concerns about the lack of affordable homes in Dereham and the potential impact on the town’s future if young families are forced to move away, positively assisted the Planning Committee in the approval of development.

Today, the scheme, which has been designed to a traditional plan of crescents and green areas, in keeping with Dereham’s architectural heritage, enhances the town centre and contributes to the ongoing regeneration of this important Norfolk market town.

Michael Newey, Broadland’s Chief Executive, said: “The opening of these new homes in Dereham has been the result of 19 months of dedicated work. The demand for good quality, affordable homes in the area is very high and these homes at Dereham represent an important step towards meeting this need. The new homes have been sensitively and appropriately designed to contribute positively to the appearance of Dereham, as well as provide good homes at affordable rents to local people who are in housing need in the area. I warmly welcome the new residents and hope they will be very happy in their new homes”

Commenting on the opening Paul Claussen, Breckland Council’s Executive Member for Economic and Housing said: “There is a high demand for affordable homes in Dereham and this development has made strong inroads into addressing this need. I am particularly impressed with the quality and the energy efficiency levels anticipated at these new homes, as well as the care that has been taken to ensure the layout and design of the buildings are sympathetic to the area.”

Speaking at the event, Carol Bundock, Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk commented: I am delighted to be here at the official completion of these new homes in Dereham. This area has been in need of a development that provides housing that is both affordable to run and rent for some time. It is hoped that new houses will provide its residents a sense of community and assist those desperately in need of affordable housing the opportunity to stay in Dereham and continue to contribute positively to the area.”

BROADLAND HOUSING ASSOCIATION APPOINTS A NEW HOUSING DIRECTOR

Jenny Mayne has been appointed Director of Community Services for Broadland Housing Association. She will take responsibility for leading the delivery of first class housing services for tenants who live in Broadland’s 4000 affordable homes in Norfolk and north Suffolk. As a board member she will also support the Association’s overall objective to bring major quality of life improvements to socially and economically disadvantaged people by delivering high quality affordable homes and related services to more people in the region.

Jenny, who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, has a significant track record in the affordable housing sector. She joins Broadland from South Norfolk Council where she was Head of Strategic Housing since 2005 and was responsible for implementing major changes to the way services were delivered and achieving significant improvements which contributed to South Norfolk being assessed as “excellent “ in its last Audit Commission Inspection. During her time at South Norfolk Jenny was proactive in tackling a number of key housing issues for the district council. She introduced the council’s Low Cost Housing Project which aims to deliver small rural housing schemes and ensure villages remain vibrant places to live . She also took a robust approach to a key community cohesion issue by putting plans in place to deliver a small number of authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers.

Prior to South Norfolk, Jenny worked at Bristol City Council as an Area Services Manager providing housing services to 3000 council tenants in one of the city’s most deprived wards. She was the council’s lead officer working with a resident-led group to deliver a £20 million Estate Improvement Project funded through the government’s “New Deal for Communities” programme. Jenny has also worked for for Knightstone Housing Association in Bristol, Threshold Housing Association in London and for the London Borough of Camden.

Jenny, originally from Co. Down, is a graduate of the University of Sussex and lives in Norwich.

Michael Newey, Chief Executive said, “Jenny’s appointment reflects the Association’s commitment to providing its residents with the best possible service. Out of several outstanding candidates, she excelled as one whose abilities most accurately reflect the values of Broadland Housing Association and the needs of our customers.

“I am truly excited about the skills and knowledge she will contribute to the Association. She is the right person for Broadland, its employees and tenants and I am confident she can help us achieve our desired goals.”

Jenny is looking forward to the challenges of her new role: “Having spent over 25 years working in the social housing sector I am passionate about providing good housing and services that people want , knowing it can make such a difference to people’s lives and the wider community. Broadland Housing has achieved a great reputation among its partners, stakeholders and tenants in this region so I am delighted to be joining the Board and I believe I can make a real contribution to its ongoing development.

NEW AFFORDABLE ECO HOMES OFFICIALLY OPENED IN NORTH NORFOLK

HALL CLOSE, BODHAM

Councillor John Perry-Warnes and Caroline Pickering Chair of Broadland Housing Association have officially opened a new affordable housing scheme in Bodham, between Holt and Cromer in North Norfolk. They celebrated the event with a tree planting ceremony followed by afternoon tea and entertainment for the children in the village hall.

The scheme, which comprises 10 new homes – eight for affordable rent and two for part-buy part-rent – cost just over £500,000 to develop and was completed in February 2008. The scheme was originally conceived in 2003, but potential land identified for the new homes fell outside the development area for the village’s local plan and there was some opposition to the proposal for the new homes. However, a local housing needs survey, undertaken by Norfolk Rural Community Council for North Norfolk District Council, highlighted that the village was susceptible to becoming unsustainable because families and young people were moving away due to a lack of suitable affordable homes.

Detailed discussions with planners at North Norfolk District Council were initiated and further consultation with the local community to refine the plans was undertaken and, with strong support from the Chair of Bodham parish council and the ward Councillor the scheme was progressed under the Council’s Exceptions Policy, which means the homes were developed for occupation only for people in housing need who can prove a strong connection with the local area

The new homes have achieved an Eco rating equivalent of “Very Good”. They have been built using a modern method of construction with high levels of insulation, making them extremely affordable to run.

The installation of mains gas to the scheme, which has enabled neighbours in nearby private properties to connect to the supply, has tackled the issue of fuel poverty which affects so many rural communities.

The new development has also provided a number of other benefits to the wider community. At the consultation, neighbours reported that the access road was prone to flooding. When Broadland’s technical team investigated they identified a problem with the village hall car park’s soakaways which they were able to resolve when the new homes were being built. The Association has also assisted the Parish Council to access funding to enable it to complete the village sports ground’s pavilion and is working with the council to help purchase additional land to develop more community facilities for the village.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Perry-Warnes said: “I am delighted to be here at the official completion of these new homes in Bodham. We need more schemes like this in north Nofolk where so many rural communities are in danger of losing young families and people who have grown up there but can’t stay because of a lack of suitable accommodation. The history of this scheme’s development at Bodham is a great example of how communities, their representatives and housing providers can work together to tackle problems and give a village a chance to retain its unique character and help it prosper for years to come.”

Caroline Pickering, Chair of Broadland Housing Association said: “The demand for good quality, affordable homes in Norfolk is very high and these homes at Bodham represent an important step towards meeting this need. I warmly welcome the new residents and hope they will be very happy in their new homes.”

Michael Newey, Chief Executive of Broadland Housing added: “It has been a great pleasure to work with the people of Bodham to help them expand their community sensitively and appropriately by providing good homes at affordable rental rates to local people who are in housing need and want to stay in this area. These new homes mean that young people in particular who want to stay here and carry on contributing to Bodham’s thriving community, now and in the future, will be able to afford to do so.”

2008 Tenants Conference a big hit!

A big thank you to all of you that attended this year’s tenants conference. Despite it being the hottest day of the year, a great number of you turned up to share your views and help us ‘shape the future’ direction of Broadland.

The funny looking calculator (pictured) is the interactive voting handset that all tenants were armed with, allowing them to anonymously cast their vote throughout the day!

The children made the most of the sunshine, by taking part in an outdoor circus skills workshop and picked up some new tricks along the way.

Everyone enjoyed a thought provoking drama production from the ARC theatre company, requiring a great deal of audience participation. Presentations were made to our 2008 Good Neighbour and Community Champions.

No one went away empty handed; as the Energy Saving Trust were giving out free energy efficient light bulbs, helping us all to do our bit for the environment!

Thanks again for your support and we look forward to seeing even more of you next year!

BROADLAND HOUSING LAUNCH NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH NORFOLK CREDIT UNION

April 1st sees the launch of a new partnership between Broadland Housing Association and Norfolk Credit Union Ltd. This partnership will give Broadland tenants the opportunity to access affordable and sustainable credit, in the form of low interest loans, with a view of steering them away from other high interest door step lenders who can charge anything up to 600% interest on small loans!!!

As well as affordable credit, tenants will also be encouraged to open and make regular payments to savings accounts, again underwritten and administrated by the Norfolk Credit Union.

The official launch will take place at midday on Tuesday April 1 2008, in the boardroom of Broadlands’ Carrow Road head office. The occasion will be marked with the signing of a ‘memorandum of understanding’ between Broadland Housing and Norfolk Credit Union.

A leaflet has already gone out to Broadland tenants informing them of this exciting new service, to which there has been an overwhelming response. A number of tenants will be attending the official launch, many of whom wish to sign up for savings and loans on the day!

This new partnership comes at a time when Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards Service has launched it’s biggest ever crackdown on loan sharks by setting up a specialist Illegal Money Lending Enforcement Team.

Alan Squirrell, president of Norfolk Credit Union, said he’d seen an increase of people with debt problems coming to his organisation and asking for help. “Some of the stories I hear are horrendous. And it is not just loan sharks, there are legal lenders that charge more than 300% interest,” he explained. “If we drive out illegal or very high cost money lenders, then we need to offer an alternative means of help”.

“We are delighted with our new partnership with Broadland Housing and the interest shown by their tenants shows there is a real need for this type of service”.

Michael Newey, Broadland Chief Executive, said “as an organisation we are very concerned about tenant welfare and debt management problems and we want to do all that we can to help. Getting into debt, may mean that tenants are at risk of losing their home further down the line and this is something that we want to avoid. Encouraging our tenants to save money and offering affordable loans is therefore a thoroughly worthwhile exercise, if it helps people to sustain their home”.

NORWICH’S BIGGEST DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE, ENERGY EFFICIENT, AFFORDABLE HOMES IS OFFICIALLY OPENED

The Rt Hon Charles Clarke officially opened an £18.7million development of new sustainable, energy efficient homes at Elizabeth Fry Road in Norwich for Broadland Housing Association. The scheme is the largest development of affordable housing in Norwich for many years and provides 148 homes for 600 people for local people.

The new homes replace houses that had been built in the 1920s as homes for heroes after the First World War. But by the end of the last century their concrete block construction was obsolete and they were increasingly inefficient to maintain. The result is a total transformation of the area, the construction of the biggest new social housing scheme in Norwich for many years and new affordable homes with some excellent eco-friendly features.

The homes are built using Kingspan Century’s TEK Building System, a modern method of construction comprising structural insulated panel technology and timber from sustainable sources. This system was specified for its outstanding thermal credentials which deliver significant energy efficiencies and low heating costs (typical space and water heating costs for a two bedroom house at the scheme will be as little as about £4.00 per week.) and reduces carbon emissions by about 14% compared to traditionally built homes. Major components for the homes were manufactured off site which minimised the impact of the construction process on the local environment.

These factors, combined with arrangements for minimising water use, fuel sources for heating, the use of low energy lighting internally and externally, the provision of cycle storage facilities, the provision of recycling facilities inside every home and the protection of ecological features at the site, meant the new homes have received a Building Research Establishment EcoHomes environmental rating standard of “Very Good”.

The site also includes pilot installations of photovoltaic cells which use the power of the sun to generate electricity. These will be monitored with a view to installing them at more homes at the new development in the future.

The new scheme provides a much wider and appropriate mix of one, two, three and four bedroom accommodation. 143 of the homes are for affordable rent while three two bedroom houses and two three bedroom houses are for shared ownership.

Speaking at the event, Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP said:” I am delighted to have been invited to officially open these new affordable homes in Norwich and to help the new residents celebrate the completion of this excellent development. I am really impressed with the environmental credentials of these homes and I believe the organisations which have worked together to deliver a scheme like this for the people of Norwich have really set the standard for all residential developments in our region – in both the private and social housing sector. However, this scheme is not simply an eco homes showcase: These are real homes for real people, designed to remain affordable for life for the residents and deliver significant environmental benefits to our city and its future residents. “

Michael Newey, Chief Executive of Broadland Housing Association said: “I would like to thank Mr Clarke for joining us at this event and helping us to welcome our tenants into their new homes as well as celebrate the completion of the redevelopment of the former “concrete homes” site here in Earlham. This scheme has transformed this part of Norwich and fulfilled a real need for good quality affordable housing in our city. We have also been able to provide our tenants with sustainable homes with high environmental performance which means that the cost of running these homes will be affordable for life. We are delighted that Broadland tenants will be the ones to benefit from living in homes like this and we hope they will be really happy here.”