see page 5 for details - byker community trust · visiting the great north museum, northumbria...

NEWSwww.bykercommunitytrust.org

Issue 20 - Summer 2018

WATCH IT TITCHMARSH, TAYLOR IS RIGHT BEHIND YOU SEE PAGE 5 FOR DETAILS

FREE EVENTS AND TRIPS THIS SUMMER SEE PAGES 4-9INVESTING IN YOUR ESTATE SEE PAGES 10-11

2 Freephone 0800 533 5442 www.bykercommunitytrust.org

LANGUAGES

Printed by: Statex Colour Print.

FRONT COVER PHOTO: Enter our free Byker in Bloom gardening competition and you could WIN £50 worth of intu vouchers

This information is about Byker Community Trust, which owns the Byker Wall Estate in Newcastle upon Tyne. If you would like this information in your own language, we will arrange for an interpreter to help you on freephone 0800 533 5442.

0800 533 5442

0800 533 5442

0800 533 5442

0800 533 5442.

0800 533 5442.

244 5335 0080

Answers to the spot the difference on page 19.

Our freephone telephone number

0800 533 5442is available for all enquiries and out of office hours emergency repairs. Option 1 for repairs (also out of hours emergencies)

Option 2 for all rent enquiries

Option 3 for all housing enquires

Option 4 for all business enquiries

USEFUL NUMBERSConcierge Service (Byker Wall residents) 0191 224 4395

Employment & Welfare Benefits 0800 533 5442

Housing Benefit / Council Tax (Switchboard) 0191 278 7878

Since July 2012, BCT has invested

£31m worth of improvements!

July 2012

£31mJuly 18

WELCOME TO THE SUMMER EDITION OF THE BYKER COMMUNITY TRUST NEWSLETTER

www.bykercommunitytrust.org Freephone 0800 533 5442 3

Jill Haley Chief Executive

After the cold and rainy weather during winter and spring, we have finally been blessed with some glorious sunshine.

Summer is one of my favourite times of the year and it is always a busy time for the team who are organising events and activities on the Estate during the school holidays. You will see inside this issue over six pages of free events and activities for children, families and adults of all ages that are happening right here in Byker or within walking distance. I hope you find the time to make the most of these events especially the fantastic Great Exhibition of the North event.

When the sun is shining, it is also a good time to enjoy our gardens and balconies, so you’ll see on page 5 details of our Byker in Bloom gardening competition. We have made it really easy for you to enter and if you impress our judges, you stand the chance of winning up to £50 worth of vouchers in different categories, so make sure that you get your entry in!

As you will read, we are pushing on with our investment programme, to make Byker even better. We have also appointed a new Customer Scrutiny Committee who will examine our performance service delivery and policies to ensure that we are delivering excellent customer services to you.

Work has commenced on refurbishing the old housing office on Brinkburn Street, where we are converting the disused building into four stunning

new apartments for rent. We are proposing to rename the building Ralph Erskine House. Just like the refurbishment of the hobby rooms, this is another great example of our commitment to bring disused buildings back into use and at the same time, meeting the demand for housing in the area. Of course, this is where it all started for the ‘New Byker’ as the office was once the former powerhouse where the great architect Ralph Erskine and his team were based.

We are proud to report that BCT has been listed 29th in the Top 50 Social Landlords in the UK, voted for by other Social Landlords. This builds on our achievement of already being awarded the ‘Greatest Neighbourhood in the UK and Ireland’ 2018.

On page 15, you will read about our new Customer Scrutiny Committee and page 18 provides dates of when your Neighbourhood Housing Officer will be carrying out their next estate walkabouts. Why not try to join them and tell us what we are doing right and likewise where you think that we could improve?

I hope you have a wonderful summer and that you join in with as many of the fantastic free events on offer. As always, if you have any feedback about this newsletter or the services we deliver, please do not hesitate to get in touch.


FREE SUMMER FARM TRIP

FREE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

Due to popular demand, we have organised another free trip to the farm for BCT tenants and their children this summer. Spread over 40 acres, Whitehouse Farm Centre is Northumberland’s largest family run farm. There is something for everyone! From meeting mini beasts and reptiles, being mesmerised by meerkats to having a hoot with the owls! You name it.

When: Tuesday 21st August 2018

Time: Leave BCT office at Raby Cross at 9.15am. Return 4pm. *Please note times are approximate. Where: Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth, NorthumberlandWho: Under 14’s, who will be required to have a responsible adult with them.

Includes free transport, free entry and packed lunch. You will need to pre-register for this event and it is limited to 50 people only.

How do I register? Only BCT tenants and their children, who have pre-registered for the event, will be able to attend. To pre-register, you will need to complete an application form which can be collected from the BCT reception at Raby Cross.

Once the maximum number has been reached, we will put any other applications onto a reserve list.

For more information, please contact Emma Leggott, Community Engagement Officer on 0191 223 8792.

There are FREE guided walks to explore some of the main attractions from the Exhibition of the North. Don’t miss out on this opportunity available to all BCT residents. Transport will be provided to and from the City Centre and there is a choice of trails and walks suitable for all ages and families. After the walk, feel free to stay and experience what the exhibition is all about. During the walks you will have time to experience and interact with the exhibitions.

Innovation Trail - ideal for groups with children or families. There are two options visiting three attractions. A shorter route approx. 2 miles or a longer route approx. 3.5 miles, both exploring the

Discovery Museum, The Mining Institute and Northern Stage.

Design Trail - suitable for adults. Includes two options, both visiting The Great North Museum, Northumbria University Sports Central, Seven Stories and The Biscuit Factory.

Art Trail - suitable for adults. A 3-mile walk visiting the Baltic Centre and Laing Art Gallery.

Are you interested? This offer is limited to 25 people. If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact Emma Leggott, Community Engagement Officer on 0191 223 8792.

5www.bykercommunitytrust.org Freephone 0800 533 5442 5

SAVE THE DATE! This year’s BCT tenants conference will be held on Wednesday 31st October.

Look out in the next issue of Byker News for further details.

FREE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

That’s why we’ve launched this year’s Byker in Bloom gardening competition and we’re inviting you to enter.Do you know anyone living on the Estate who you think should win? Why not nominate them?Winning categories include:• Best Front Garden, Best Back Yard, Best

Group Effort, Best Balcony and Best Newcomer.

• Prizes include: £50 intu vouchers for winning entries & trophies.

The competition will be open to anyone living in Byker.

Deadline for submissions is 20 August 2018.

To enter, simply complete one of the entry forms available from the BCT reception at Raby Cross. The closing date for entries is Monday 20th August 2018 and judging will take place week commencing 27th August. For more information or an entry form, please contact Lisa van Heereveld at BCT on 0191 223 8733 or email [email protected]

Good luck!

BYKER IN BLOOM COMPETITION With all of this lovely sunshine we have been having, we’ve noticed some gardens and balconies on the Byker Estate are bursting with colour and energy.

WIN £50

worth of intu

vouchers


WHAT’S NWow – there is so much going on this summer, where do we start?

BYKER WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATION EVENTWhen: Wednesday 15th August

Where: Priory Green 2pm - 4pm

What: St Michael’s Church are organising a nostalgic event for the whole family to commemorate World War I. Pop along to enjoy food, games, and entertainment.

BYKER SANDS 20 YEAR’S BIRTHDAY BEACH PARTYCongratulations to our neighbours at Byker Sands for the fantastic work they’ve been doing on the Estate over the past 20 years!

When: Wednesday 8th August

Where: Byker Sands 11am - 2pmWhat: Activities including crafts, sports, face painting, animals, dancing, and more. Registration not needed.

THE CYCLE HUB RIDES Did you know… The Cycle Hub provides free adult cycling training for all abilities? Training ranges from very basic to brushing up advanced skills. Free to drop-in. All bikes and helmets are supplied. Mon-Thurs 10am - 12.00pm and 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

There are lots of exciting activities planned for all ages right here on our Estate alongside other free events as part of the Great Exhibition of the North event (see overleaf for more details).Here is a round-up of some of the activities. All activities are free unless stated otherwise.

Byker Sands Birthday Beach

Party

We would love you to come and join us as we celebrate 20 years of working in the community

Wednesday 8th August 11am-2pm @ Byker Sands, Raby Cross, Byker, Ne6 2FF

Buffet Crafts Sports

Face Painting Animals Dancing

Very special guests and lots, lots more!!

FREE, just pop in!

Byker Sands

Birthday Beach

Party

We would love you to come and join us as we

celebrate 20 years of working in the community

Wednesday 8th August 11am-2pm

@ Byker Sands, Raby Cross, Byker, Ne6 2FF

Buffet Crafts Sports

Face Painting

Animals Dancing

Very special guests

and lots, lots more!!

FREE, just pop in!


WHAT’S N Calendar of events

BYKER WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATION EVENTWhen: Wednesday 15th August

Where: Priory Green 2pm - 4pm

What: St Michael’s Church are organising a nostalgic event for the whole family to commemorate World War I. Pop along to enjoy food, games, and entertainment.

Kids Kabin

Mondays: 6th & 20th August Priory Green 4pm - 6pmChildren aged 8-13 can come along to Kids Kabin to learn more about bike maintenance, pottery, cookery, crafts, and more!

Men’s Pie Club

Mondays 5.30pm - 7.30pm Foundation Futures, NE6 1DAMen’s Pie Club brings men together to meet new friends and chat to fellow pie-lovers. Learn to cook great healthy pies.

Pay As You Feel Supermarket

Thursdays 4pm - 7pm. Friday’s 10am - 4pm. Saturdays 10am - 1pm Byker Community CentreRun in partnership with Ugly Ducklings, this supermarket addresses food waste through providing food on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis.

Finn’s Cafe

Saturdays 10am - 1pm (last orders 12.30pm) Byker Community CentreThis volunteer-led community cafe serves a variety of home-cooked foods including fully cooked breakfasts for £2.50.

Knit ‘n’ Natter

Fridays 10am - 12pm Byker Community CentreSocial crafts event. Pop in with your knitting, crochet or other crafts and have a natter for £1.

Street food event

Saturday 11th August 12pm - 6pm Ouseburn Farm Open to all ages. Aims to bring together some of the North East’s finest culinary cooks and restaurants to celebrate everything about food.

StreetWise Summer Festival

Wednesday 15th August 6pm - 9pm Harbottle Park, BykerThe Streetwise Streetfest will provide music, game tournaments, and urban crafts for individuals aimed 12 - 17 years.

Family Games

Wednesday 15th August 10am - 12pm Byker SandsTry out new and traditional family games or make your own to take home. No registration needed.

Egh Radio festival 2018

Saturday 18th August 12pm start (11pm close) The Cluny, OuseburnFree festival to celebrate EGH Radio: a radio station for unsigned and emerging artists.

Trip to South Shields

Thursday 30th August 9.30am leave, 3pm return From Byker SandsByker Sands are organising a lovely trip to the coast! Tickets are £2. Please bring lunch.

Hat-Trick sport sessions Mondays 5pm - 6pm Dunn TerraceWeekly sports sessions on the Estate including football, dodgeball, handball and cricket.

Hat-Trick sport sessions

Thursdays 4.30pm - 5.30pm Priory GreenWeekly sports sessions on the Estate including football, dodgeball, handball and cricket. Premier League Kicks with Newcastle United Foundation

Tuesdays 4.30pm - 6.30pm Spires LaneFree football sessions for children aged 8-14. No registration needed.

When WhereWhat


GREAT EXHIBITION OF THE NORTH The country’s biggest event in 2018 includes a programme of amazing exhibits, live performances, displays of innovation, new artworks and unforgettable experiences over 80 days.

You may have already attended some of the free events since the programme was launched on Friday 22nd June, but just in case, don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

We have some programme brochures which are free to collect from the BCT office at Raby Cross. The brochures provide a full list of GetNorth events. It would be impossible to list them all in here but we’ve picked out some that we think you may be interested in.

Did you know… there are three walking and activity Trails? One of them is in the Ouseburn, right next to our Estate!

Find out how the people captured on film by Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen now feel about her iconic images, featuring their lives in the 1970s terraces of Newcastle’s East End before demolition made way for the Byker Wall Estate.

WHEN: Daily (closed Mondays) until 9 September – 10am - 6pm (Tues-Sun) open 1pm FridaysWHERE: Side Gallery

Drawing on Side Gallery’s own extraordinary collections as well as other key works, you’ll delve into a tradition that continues to shape perceptions of the wider North.

Discover reasons why the North has earned its global reputation for resilience and resurgence.

Consider the representation of women in the North East with a major exhibition curated by celebrated photographer Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen. You’ll even get a glimpse of the underground music scene of Gateshead and the little-known cave rave scene of the 1990s. Artists include: Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, David Blandy, Larry Archiampong, Chris Killip and Matt Stokes.

WHEN: Daily 10am - 10pmWHERE: BALTIC

The Great Exhibition of the North is a free, summer-long celebration of the North of England’s pioneering spirit.


THE BIG LATCH ON. Newcastle breastfeeding support with community organisations and health professionals.

WHEN: August 4th. 9am - 12pmWHERE: Exhibition Park, Newcastle

NEW TECHNOLOGIES. Robots, virtual reality, and more! Discover new technologies in the North of England at this free event. Suitable for all ages.

WHEN: 7 August and 6 SeptemberWHERE: Northern Design Centre, Gateshead

DIGITAL POEM - A poem that changes based on activities in the city!

WHEN: 7 August and 6 SeptemberWHERE: Outside Theatre Royal

LIFE IN A NORTHERN TOWN. The Newbridge Project Gateshead helps you explore what makes the North distinctive, using three different exhibitions.

WHEN: Mon-Sun. 10am - 6pmWHERE: Carliol House

GET NORTH FAMILY EXPO. Invent, play, and tinker with ideas. Includes robots, a gadget factory, simulators, and more. Ideal for kids aged seven to fourteen, but younger children will enjoy them too with help from grown-ups.

WHEN: 2nd – 9th August. 10am - 4pmWHERE: St James’ Park

POP-UP CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL. Get behind the scenes of one of the largest children’s hospitals in the UK with a series of interactive and virtual experiences exploring the human body and cutting-edge medicines. Try on uniforms and take part in activities. Created by NHS Newcastle.

WHEN: 16th July – 28th August. 10am - 3pm (closed weekends)WHERE: Newcastle University

OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE. What it’s like to work on top of one of the world’s biggest offshore wind turbines, without even leaving the ground? Wear a high-tech Headset which will create a virtual environment to experience what it’s like to be 110 metres above the waves.

WHEN: Between 22nd June & September 9th. Closed 23rd-27th July and 3rd-6th September. Open 10am - 5.30pmWHERE: Urban Sciences Building, Newcastle Helix. NE4 5TG

GREAT NORTH MUSEUM – WHICH WAY NORTH. The Great North Museum will have a special summer innovation display, including a fan map of the North, an exhibition on how the human body moves, and a treasure hunt!

WHEN: Daily 10am - 6pmWHERE: Great North Museum

BRIDGES FAMILY ZONE. Brand new animated adventure of the Tyne bridges.

WHEN: 4th Aug – 2nd Sept. 9am - 5pmWHERE: Sage Gateshead

LEGO TIMELINE OF NORTHERN INNOVATION Discover iconic buildings in the North through Lego. Includes designs of the Baltic and the Metro.

WHEN: Daily 10am - 6pmWHERE: The Mining Institute

CITY ARCHITECT FOR A DAY Have a go at designing your own 3D model of an imaginary Bridge over the Tyne or a carriage to take you from Newcastle to Manchester.

WHEN: Daily 10am - 6pmWHERE: Cooper’s Studios, 14 - 18 Westgate Road, NE1 3NN

INVENTION OF THE LIGHT BULB. Trace the evolving Northern story of the light bulb from its invention to the innovative use of graphene in next-generation lighting.

WHEN: Daily from 9.30am – various closing times closed SundaysWHERE: The Lit and Phil

WATERSCULPTURES. The UK’s largest water sculpture will perform hourly every day. After dark it will include a stunning lights display.

WHEN: Daily. On the hour between 10am - 11pmWHERE: Quayside


INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITYAs reported in previous issues of Byker News, we are committed to investing in our Estate. Since July 2012, BCT has invested over £31m worth of improvements, with a further £10m planned up to 2025. Over the next two pages, we outline some of the current improvements which are making Byker great.

Krystian joins the teamWe would like to welcome Krystian Szpunar who joined the BCT team as our Investment Programme Manager. He will work with our partners and contractors to ensure we deliver excellent customer service. You may see him out and about on the Estate, please give him a warm Byker welcome!

Work to link bridges completedRefurbishment works to the five link bridges connecting Headlam House, Felton House, Kendal House, Brinkburn Court and Graham House to the Byker Wall are now complete.

Brinkburn street conversionWork has commenced on converting 45 - 47 Brinkburn Street to transform the building into four stunning new affordable homes for rent.

Each self-contained two-bedroom apartment will include its own kitchen, bathroom and WC. The two adapted ground floor apartments have been specifically designed for wheelchair accessibility.

The building was originally built as a shop in the 1900’s and then, in 1969, became the powerhouse behind the redevelopment and rebuilding of ‘New Byker’ where designs for the Estate were created and developed by Ralph Erskine and his team.

The building has stood empty since October 2016 and BCT has committed investment to bring it back to use. The apartments are in a popular area of the Estate overlooking Priory Green. The contractor responsible for the works is Esh Property Services. The work is expected to be completed by November 2018.


INVESTING IN YOUR COMMUNITYTom Collins House & Mount Pleasant Upgrade

Work continues on the improvement of two sheltered courts. Tom Collins House and Mount Pleasant will benefit from the upgrading of communal areas,

including fire safety works, external repairs and improvements to communal gardens.

The schemes will also involve the redecoration and renewal of internal areas and external repainting in line with the original Ralph Erskine colour scheme. In addition, a sprinkler system is being installed at Tom Collins House and the external cladding of the building is being renewed due to its age and condition.

The £1.65m improvement works are being carried out by Esh Property Services and are expected to be completed this autumn.

Roof Replacement ProgrammeWe are currently appointing a contractor to re-roof 415 properties on the Estate.

The multi-million pound project will include re-roofing 381 properties which have original concrete tiled roofs from when the Estate was built, as well as 34 properties which have original metal roofs, located just off Walker Road.

All tenants living in these properties will be consulted over the coming months and we anticipate work will commence in the New Year.

Passenger Lift Replacement Surveys have been carried out to replace 13 lifts in the Byker Wall, from Northumberland Terrace to Byker Crescent, and in Kendall House.

Once a contractor has been appointed, we expect the work to commence in April 2019 and to complete the following summer.

All residents will be consulted prior to any work starting in their block and they will be advised on how long the lift is expected to be out of service while essential replacement work is carried out.

Heating improvements underwayNew programmers have been installed to every property to allow you to control the times and temperature of your heating system. Work has commenced to replace old or defective tanks, radiators and valves.

The two-year programme started in April 2018 and is being carried out by H Malones and Sons.

Byker apprentices learn valuable experienceTwo new apprentices from the Byker Estate are currently gaining work experience with Esh Property Services, who are the contractor currently carrying out improvement works to the two sheltered courts. Do you know anyone who is interested in helping transform the buildings on the Estate? Esh are providing various work experience opportunities including trainee positions at Tom Collins House. If interested, contact Emma Leggott at [email protected] or via 0191 223 8792.


FOUNDATION FUTURES The meeting was very positive and lots of ideas and suggestions were made. A new Youth Group has been set up that will continue to meet to take some of those ideas forward. As a result of the meeting, BCT funded a programme of activities for young people through the community engagement budget for a period of 12 weeks. Now, thanks to recent funding from the Mersten Foundation, the young people will be able to engage in various fun activities over summer.

Organised activities include bike rides with Newcastle Cycle Hub, visits to the Northern Stage in the City Centre and ten-pin bowling at North Shields. In addition, young people can visit the Foundation Futures hub at Dunn Terrace to participate in board games, arts and crafts, cooking sessions and more.Aside from providing fun and social activities, Foundation Futures is also working to help improve access to employability opportunities for young people.Examples of their work include supporting activities in conjunction with Bell Group, which involved painting and planting flower pots on the Estate, to accessing group sessions with Esh Property Services that taught young people about the world of construction and health and safety.The Youth Group is free to attend and meet at Foundation Futures on Dunn Terrace every Thursday between 4.00pm and 6.30pm. If you wish to attend, you are advised to contact Foundation Futures in advance, as numbers are limited.If you are interested in joining or learning more about what Foundation Futures do, please pop by their office at Dunn Terrace (see map on the back of this newsletter) or e-mail [email protected]

Earlier this year, Foundation Futures and BCT met with a group of children, young people and their parents to talk about what activities they would like to see happening in Byker.

14-year-old Luisa from Felton House was invited to the wedding for her outstanding work in the Byker and Walker communities and her contribution as a young person.Luisa has been volunteering with the Mission Initiative Newcastle East (MINE) group at St Michael’s Church. As part of the group, she organises a weekly home group gathering at her house, which is an opportunity for people to discuss scriptures from the bible while enjoying some nice food. “I couldn’t believe it when Byker reverend Phil Medley gave me a letter from the Royals inviting me to the wedding of the century”, said Luisa.“Everyone was really pretty and wearing beautiful clothes and hats. We were given a gift bag with a wedding-themed fridge magnet and we had a lovely picnic at Windsor Castle where we watched all the guests arrive.”

LUISA ATTENDS ROYAL WEDDING While most of us were glued to our TV screens as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle read out their wedding vows in front of millions of people, one Byker resident was actually there!


EXCITING TIMES AHEAD AT OUSEBURN FARM Ouseburn Farm Charity, which is located in the Ouseburn Valley, has thanked everyone that has helped them to secure £34,465 of National Lottery funding as part of this Year’s People’s Project.The farm was one of only five organisations shortlisted in the North East region and its ‘Growing Strong’ project, received a share of the £150,000 funding thanks to a public vote.The project aims to help adults with learning difficulties and disabilities to develop their skills and experience, helping them move into education, volunteering, training and employment. It will also improve access to the Ouseburn Farm site and bring people together for events and activities.Ouseburn Farm is free to visit and open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm and weekends 10.30am - 4.30pm.

MORE FOOTBALL SESSIONS IN BYKER The popular Byker Kicks football sessions have received a huge boost following funding from a football legend.Former Manchester United superstar Michael Carrick has agreed to fund, through his charity the Michael Carrick Foundation, a three-year programme which will be launched in Byker and North Shields this August.

The football sessions will continue to be delivered by the Newcastle United Foundation and aim to engage young people aged between 8 and 19 years old in playing and coaching opportunities.

Michael Carrick announced his retirement from the game at the end of last season and raised £1.5m from his testimonial at Old Trafford last year for his registered Charity. The money raised, plus future funds generated, will be used to finance football projects in the North East and Manchester.

Michael, who comes from Wallsend, is one of many Geordies to have progressed through Wallsend Boys Club. As a youngster, he was on the books at Newcastle United but never represented the club despite going onto enjoy a glittering career

with West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United where he won 12 major trophies. He is now part of the coaching staff at Old Trafford working alongside Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

The sessions start in August, every Tuesday 4.30pm-6.30pm at Spires Lane.


DAVID LEARNS HOW TO SURF THE NET USING DIFFERENT DEVICES The Learn My Way Course is an opportunity to learn more about navigating the internet and getting online. A new group of BCT residents have recently participated on the course. One of them is David Borwick, who has lived on the Byker Estate for almost a year. This is his experience…

“Learn My Way is a valuable opportunity to learn about getting online and navigating the internet. Everything is online these days, including banking and Universal Credit. It is so important to know how to navigate the web securely, knowing who you should and shouldn’t give credit card details to and what information you should or should not be disclosing.

“What surprised me is how different the experience can be of navigating a computer compared to a smartphone. Many participants, including myself, came onto the course thinking

they were quite good with technology because they’ve been using smartphones for years. But actually, using a keyboard and mouse is completely different!

“Smartphones are great, but you will need a computer for things like writing CVs. It is also useful for digging up old videos. I love that I can now view older matches from NUFC and watch episodes from Only Fools and Horses!

“I would recommend this course to anyone. The one-to-one support is great and it allows the coordinators to go at your own pace.”

Find out more about the Learn My Way Course via www.learnmyway.com or by contacting Emma Leggott at the BCT Office via [email protected] or 0191 223 8792.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD Then you might be able to help. The Food Newcastle Partnership are looking for people to share their thoughts on food, and adequate access to it, to help inform government food policy and set priorities.Consultation will involve participation in up to four hourly ‘conversations sessions’, taking place until December.

It is a brilliant opportunity to get involved in shaping the national picture around food. If you are interested in being part or would like further information, please contact Emma Leggott at 0191 223 8792 or email [email protected].

Are you.- Concerned about the amounts of sugar

and fat in food?- Looking to eat more healthily on a budget?- Unsure about how facilities like food banks

serve food needs?

RENT SURGERIES FOR BYKER TENANTS Rent surgeries are available for all BCT tenants to meet their dedicated Income Officer and discuss different ways to pay their rent, set up payment arrangements, discuss any concerns they have about their rent accounts and obtain any support or guidance they may need to ensure their accounts are not in arrears. Pre-arranged appointments are available every Monday and Wednesday between 9.30am and 1pm at Raby Cross or you can just drop in and wait.


GETTING INVOLVED - OUR NEW CUSTOMER SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

For more information about bins, waste and recycling please visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/bins

We are delighted with the number of expressions of interest for our Customer Scrutiny Committee (CSC). A committee of 9 has now officially formed and started to scrutinise the way we go about delivering services on the Estate. The CSC will have an opportunity to provide valuable and constructive feedback for our organisation, helping us put residents at the heart of our service delivery.

The diverse committee will hold us to account and scrutinise our performance and services. Our next newsletter will give an update on their progress.

One member of the committee, Steve Sheraton, is also member of the Byker Tenant and Resident Association (TARA) and he recently visited the environmental consultation session organised by Newcastle City Council (NCC) to learn more about waste management on the Estate. Steve commented:

“NCC recently held a public consultation on

the ambitions and potential outcomes of a new Waste Strategy Policy. I was tasked by the Byker TARA group to attend the presentation held at the Civic Centre.

“I had the opportunity to engage with one of the community liaison officers of NCC and highlighted the specific problems faced by Byker in terms of waste management.

“I was assured these issues and concerns would be addressed and explored in further detail by Environmental Services at their earliest convenience.”

WE’RE LOOKING FOR NEW TENANT BOARD MEMBERS – COME AND JOIN US!

We are particularly interested in candidates with the following areas of expertise:• Housing Regeneration;• Development, Construction and Surveying;• Corporate Finance and Accounting (including

Audit and Assurance); and• Customer Service Excellence and Customer

Engagement.

More information is available on our website at www.bykercommunitytrust.org To apply, please state which vacancy you wish to apply for and send your CV (no more than three pages) and a supporting statement (no more than 250 words) to [email protected] or you can drop it off at reception.The closing date for applications is Friday 17th August 2018. For further info on the roles and how to apply, contact Jaime: at 0191 223 8792.

We currently have vacancies for three Tenant Board Members and two additional vacancies for either Independent or Tenant candidates. Can you demonstrate the skills, knowledge and experience that will help us to improve BCT and the Board?


MEET THE TEAM - HELPING TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICESFour new members of staff have recently joined BCT. Their roles are all customer-facing so you will see them out and about on the Estate and in the office.

Lynsey Ward: Head of Housing and CommunitiesLynsey joined our BCT team to help us oversee effective performance and service delivery for customers. Lynsey manages the customer service and neighbourhood housing teams, focusing on achieving high performance. Her focus is on a wide variety of areas including tenancy and estate management, customer services and anti-social behaviour.Lynsey is currently looking at new ways we can involve more residents into shaping and improving our services. If you have ideas, please contact us at 0191 223 8792 or pop into the BCT office.

Yoyo Chow: Income Management and Welfare Reform AssistantYoyo is assisting residents with income

management and welfare reform issues. This means that if you have any queries about your rent, payments, and benefits advice, Yoyo will be able to help. If you need any additional support, she will also be able to signpost you to relevant organisations, To contact Yoyo, please call 0191 223 8792 or pop into the BCT office.

Lauren Jenkin-Black & Barbara Cristofaro - Customer Service Advisors.Lauren and Barbara joined BCT as Customer Service Advisors, and they are your main point of contact for any general enquiries or concerns about your Estate and neighbourhood. You can contact Lauren and Barbara by calling 0191 223 8792 or by popping into the BCT office.

Pictured left to right Lauren, Yoyo, Lynsey and Barbara.

CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER!Neighbourhood Housing Officer Jennifer Elliott has graduated with a Foundation Degree in Housing and Communities from New College Durham.

Not only did Jennifer return home with a degree, she also secured the award for Academic Achievement! Thanks to the course, Jen is now knowledgeable about housing policy, legal responsibilities, and how economic and social changes may affect you.Well done Jennifer!


NOTICE FOR ALL BIKERS We’ve noticed a few motorbikes and mopeds on the Estate. While we don’t oppose to people riding bikes, as long as they do so in a safe and controlled manner, the Police advise that any residents driving a motorcycle or moped in a careless or dangerous manner which is likely to cause any member of the public alarm or distress, risk having their vehicle seized.If caught, you will also be issued with a warning or a fine.If any residents living on the Estate witness any motorcycling offence, please ensure you report it. You can report any information anonymously and the more information you give us, the better.When reporting, please try and obtain as much information as possible e.g. type of vehicle, colour, registration, description of rider. To report an incident, please call us on 0800 533 5442 or dial the Police via 101.

LOCAL TARA LOOKING FOR NEW BLOOD!

After many years of good work, the TARA will vote to dissolve the group and dispose of its assets in a meeting to be held at the Chevron Room on Gordon Road on Monday 20th August.Vera Brown, Treasurer for the group, said: “It is with great sadness we have to fold, but we just don’t seem to have very much interest anymore. I would love it if some younger people came along and took over.”

If you are interested in taking over the TARA and would like to form a new committee with your friends or neighbours, why not get in touch? Funds are available and Byker Community Trust will help and support you with all you need to know to run a residents group. Please contact Emma Leggott for more information at 0191 223 8792 or e-mail [email protected]

The Gordon Road Tenants and Residents Association (TARA) has decided to dissolve.

Your bin collection day is: Friday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Green bincollection dates

(general household waste)

Blue bincollection dates(recyclable waste)

2018

3August

7September

5October

2November

7December

10

14

12

9

14

17

21

19

16

21

24

28

26

23

31

30

3028*

Please put your bins out by 6.30am on collection day and bring them back in after collection.

All waste must be in your bin. You may receive a fixed penalty notice (£200) if it is placed outside the bin.

For more information visitwww.newcastle.gov.uk/binsPhone: 0191 278 7878 (and ask for Envirocall)

www.facebook.com/NewcastleCityCouncil @NewcastleCC

*A waste collection will take place 2 days after your usual day.


!

Every couple of months, our neighbourhood housing officers carry out a series of estate walkabouts. Each officer is responsible for looking after particular areas of the Estate and you can contact them to discuss any issues you may have. Why not join them on their next estate walkabout? All estate walkabouts commence at 1.00pm and meeting locations are highlighted on the map on the back page of this newsletter.

Emma Foulis – Thursday 9th August at 1.00pm meet at Byker Community Centre

Shannon Emery – Thursday 16th August at 1.00pm meet at old housing office (Ralph Erskine House)

Bamburgh TerraceByker Crescent Carville Rise Cheviot Mount Chirton HouseFairless Gardens Felton Green Felton House Felton WalkGrace StreetHarvey Gardens

Headlam HouseHeadlam StreetJane StreetLong Headlam MichaelgateShipley RiseSpires Lane St Lawrence CourtThornbrough HouseWinship Gardens Winship Terrace

Avondale RiseBrinkburn SquareBrinkburn Street Brock Square Brock StreetDibley Square Dibley StreetGordon RoadGordon SquareNorfolk SquarePriory Green

Priory Place Raby CrescentRaby Street Raby Way RabygateShipley PlaceSt Michael’s MountThe Chevron

ESTATE WALKABOUTS – COME AND JOIN US

Craig Cross - Wednesday 15th August at 1.00pm meet at Foundation Futures

Brinkburn Close Brinkburn House Brinkburn LaneBrinkburn PlaceClive PlaceDalton CrescentDalton StreetDunn TerraceGordon HouseGraham House

Kendal Green Kendal HouseKendal PlaceKendal StreetLow FoldNorthumberland TceSalisbury HouseShipley WalkTom Collins HouseWolseley House

Areas covered are:

Areas covered are:

Jennifer Elliott – Wednesday 8th August at 1.00pm meet at BCT office, 17 Raby Cross

Ayton RiseBenson PlaceBolam CoyneChirton WyndCommercial RoadCushat CloseFinchale TerraceGarmondswayGlanton CloseHarbottle StreetHarriot PlaceHeadlam GreenHoulet GarthJanet Square Janet Street

Jubilee TerraceKirk Street Laverock Court Lilburn GardensManor House CloseMerle GardensOban Gardens Old Vicarage WalkRaby CrossRuddock SquareSt Peters Road The BrowVillage Place Wickham Gardens

Areas covered are:

Areas covered are:


£25 PRIZE WORDSEARCHComplete the wordsearch to win a £25 Eldon Square voucher to spend on whatever you fancy!

Send your completed wordsearch along with your name, address and a daytime telephone number to:Byker Community Trust News Competition, Byker Community Trust, 17 Raby Cross, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2FF. Closing date is Friday 31st August 2018.Please note: Competitions are only open to residents with no rent arrears.

Congratulations to Valentina, winner of the last wordsearch competition. Well done!

Name: Address:

Postcode: Daytime telephone number:

Garden CompetitionExhibitionNorthBikes

EventsFarmCustomerImprovementsOuseburn

CarrickFoundation

P D V L J H V A B H N S Z S P P H J L I J S W W P O O T W T J C U J Q S E D T I I Q C N C N Y U F Y T R X J D T W H K E L E X S W O C O M S I B O G U V P M G T M T U C V T S U J M C E W E N O O F V N E G S B I K E S U V P M A V A P D E X H I B I T I O N E X B M R B A N T X Z H D A R Z R N O C U M P T I K W H L V P O M C K R P N R B I X O K H M M K N B N S I I E H J O Z D B Y I L S B F X I B T D R O N V Q A I I B K C I R R A C R E W V E A V S V T Z K O F F D U A U P V F E O P G O N H F L B W N G L N G E H R

!

JUST FOR FUN Spot the differenceCan you spot 5 differences!

You can find the answers on page 2.

ALBION ROW

A193

SHIELDS RD

A193

COMMERCIAL ROAD

COMMERCIAL ROADR

ABY WAY

ST P

ETER

’S W

AY

WELBECK RD

DALTO

N ST

CONYERS R

D

SPIR

ES L

N

CYLDESDALE RD

HEADLAM ST

CHEVOIT

MO

UNT

RABY ST

RABY ST

BRIN

KBUR

N ST

BOLAM

WAY

1

2

34

6

7

155

11

12

14

13

8

16

10

9

S

N

EW

WALKER RD

17 Raby Cross, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2FF

Call: 0800 533 5442 Option 1: Repairs (also for out of hours emergencies) Option 2: Rent Enquiries Option 3: Housing Enquiries Option 4: Business Enquiries

How to contact Byker Community Trust 9am-5pm - Monday to Thursday, 9am-4.30pm Friday

customerservices@bykerct.co.ukwww.bykercommunitytrust.orgbykercommunitytrust@bykertrust

Start location of Estate walkabouts

Byker Community Trust Offices BCT Freephone 0800 533 5442Sure Start East Family Sands Centre Call 0191 275 9636 ACANE Community Centre Call 0191 265 8110 St. Michael’s Church Centre Raby CrossSt. Michael’s Church Headlam Street Byker Community Centre Call 0191 265 5777Byker Village Bowling Green Byker Primary School Call 0191 265 6906Foundation Futures (Dunn Terrace) Avondale House (Veterans’ Support)St. Lawrence’s Primary School Call 0191 265 9881St. Lawrence’s Church East End Library and Pool Call 0191 277 4100Climb Newcastle Chirton HouseOld Housing Office

1

7

15

16

8

9

2

10

3

11

4

5

12

6

14

13

‘Greatest Neighbourhood’ in the UK and Ireland

Academy of Urbanism

Awards 2018

see page 5 for details - byker community trust · visiting the great north museum, northumbria...

Documents