Summer 2010 Issue 35

News and views for residents of Bro Myrddin Housing Association

sgwrs

New rents for 2010/11

Page 5

How to be energy wise

Page 4

Let nature do the recycling

Page 7

Summercompetitions

Page 8

Welcometo your new and

improved Sgwrs!

Sgwrs was created some14 years ago and althoughduring that time we havemade some minorchanges, the new editorial

team were challenged to come up with acompletely fresh look – and we hope youlike it.

We aim to provide a selection of topicsin each issue, but what we would reallylove to know is what YOU would like tosee in future issues of Sgwrs.

Anything that interests you couldinterest us too – maybe an article from alocal or national newspaper you’d like toshare, seasonal gardening tips, praise forsomeone who’s gone out of their way to

give a good service: there’s really nolimit.

The more involved you are with Sgwrsthe better we can make it for you!

We are also interested in short storiesyou could share with residents andchildren. So, start getting creative andsend them in to us!

All your ideas and suggestions arewelcome, so we can make sure you getthe most from your newsletter.

Aled ReesEditor

PS We hope you like our new look! Letme know what you think.

These are the people you need to contact when you have a repair to report.You can contact the Maintenance department any time during working hours –

8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:00pm on Friday – by simplycalling 01267 232714, then selecting option 2.

Paul DaviesHead of PropertyServices

Keith JeremySenior TechnicalOfficer

Alan DaviesTechnical Officer

Christine ThorntonTechnical ServicesAdministrator

Meet the Development & Maintenance team

How to get in touch

IT’SALL FORYOU!

In thisissue

Sgwrs is published by: Bro Myrddin Housing Association Ltd

Designed and produced by:Andrew Buchanan CommunicationsTel: 0117 968 2300

Editor: Aled Rees

Email: sgwrs@bromyrddin.co.uk

Web: www.bromyrddin.co.uk

Phone: 01267 232714

Write to: Bro Myrddin Housing Association,Cillefwr Industrial Estate,Johnstown, CarmarthenSA31 3RB

If you have an emergency in your home whenwe are closed, there are two numbers to ring:

� For GAS emergencies, call Transco on0800 111999.

� For all other out-of-hours emergencies(including gas and oil fired heating systememergencies) call Carmarthenshire CountyCouncil’s Careline 01558 824283.

Please note that the officewill be closed onThursday, 16th Septemberfor staff training. Weapologise for anyinconvenience.

On August bank holiday,the office will be closedon Monday, 30th August,and re-open on Tuesday,31st August.

Emergency numbers Closures

2 Sgwrs Summer 2010

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� Development update

� How to text us

� Saving energy� Electricity use� Participation

� New rents� DIY tips� Red Cross

� Protecting kidsfrom the sun

� Sangria recipe

� How tocompost

� Low energybulb disposal

� What’s on� Competitions

for all readers

44

33

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55

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77

You may be surprised to seestaff at the Bro Myrddin officedressed more casually thanusual on the last Friday ofevery month.

But there is a very goodreason for this as we are

doing it for charity.At the start of the year it

was suggested that once amonth we should help raisemoney for a nominated charityby holding a dress down day.

Needless to say, this has

been very successful andpopular among staff.

So next time you see us inour jeans and T-shirts, it’s notbecause we’ve run out ofclean clothes, but becausewe’re doing our bit for charity.

Lammas Street, CarmarthenThe refurbishment of our old offices to providetwo houses and three flats is nearingcompletion. The new homes will be available forletting from early August. The scaffolding hasrecently been removed and the paintedproperties now blend in well with the surroundinghomes.

Heol Llanelli, PontyatesWith additional funding from the Welsh AssemblyGoverment, Bro Myrddin has worked inpartnership with Sauro Homes to provide two, 4-bedroom seven person houses for two largefamilies.

Work is progressing well and they will becompleted later this year.

Refurbishmentof our old officesto provide twohouses andthree flats isnearingcompletion.

Bro Myrddin will soon beable to accept credit anddebit card payments forrent, either in the office orover the phone.

If you are interested, orwould like furtherinformation about Callpay,please give us a call andspeak to a member of theHousing department.

For all Housingqueries, call us on01267 232714 and

select option 1.

Callpay –pay yourrent using acredit ordebit card

You can now communicatewith the Bro Myrddin officeby text messaging. Thenumber is 07797 801628.

If you prefer this methodof contact and would like usto use it when appropriate,just fill in the enclosed cardand return it to us – nopostage needed.

Would yourather textthan call?

Sgwrs Summer 2010 3

If you would likethe newsletter inanother format,such as largeprint, braille oraudio tape, pleasecontact yourhousing officer.

dressingdown

to raise cash

new homes are coming...

Turn the thermostat downReducing your temperature by 1ºccould cut down your heating bills and

save you a lot of money. If you have aprogrammer, set your heating and hotwater to come on when required.

Is your water too hot?Your cylinder thermostat should be setat 60ºc\140ºf.

Close your curtainsThis will stop heat escaping throughwindows. Check for draughts around

windows and doors.

Don’t leave appliances on standby

And remember not to leave laptopsand mobile phone chargers on charge

unnecessarily.

Washing clothesOne full washing machine, tumbledryer or dishwasher uses less energy

than two half loads.

Boiling waterOnly boil as much water as you need,but remember to cover the element if

you are using an electric kettle.

Don’t be a dripA dripping hot water tap wastesenergy and in one week enough hot

water to fill a bath. Fix leaking taps andmake sure they are fully turned off.

See the lightUse energy saving light bulbs. They last10 times longer than ordinary bulbs.

And turn off lights when leaving a room.

be energyaware:

save money

For more information on how youcan be more energy efficient inyour home please visit:

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

You can now borrow an energy monitor freefrom libraries across Carmarthenshire.

Energy monitors can be used at home tohelp save energy and money bills as they showhow much electricity you are using and what it’s costing.

Householders typically save between £25 and £75 off a £500electricity bill after using a monitor, by simply changing theirbehaviour at home.

For further information please contact the council on 01267224902 or email them on sustainability@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Participation update Here are some ways residents arebeing encouraged to have a say:

� A database has been set up soresidents who have shown an interest ingetting involved can be contacted.

� The Residents’ Forum continues tomeet regularly. The last meeting was on7th July.

� A new resident involvementleaflet has been sent to allresidents and is also given toall new residents.

� An anti-social behaviourtraining course hasbeen held for staffand residents.

� Two pilot estate walkabouts havebeen planned at more remote estatesoutside Carmarthen town.

� A welcome pack has been preparedfor actively involved residents.

� A ‘reader panel’ has been formed allowing residents to

comment on documentsfrom their own

homes.

4 Sgwrs Summer 2010

Monitor yourelectricity use

Maisonettes1 bedroom/2 person £53.242 bedroom/3 person £60.02

Flats1 bedroom/1 person £52.601 bedroom/2 person £56.922 bedroom/3 person £59.08

Bungalows1 bedroom/2 person £60.692 bedroom/3 person £65.452 bedroom/4 person £66.973 bedroom/5 person £74.10

Houses1 bedroom/2 person £57.582 bedroom/3 person £62.892 bedroom/4 person £64.413 bedroom/4 person £67.883 bedroom/5 person £70.764 bedroom/6 person £77.074 bedroom/7 person £89.005 bedroom/9 person £90.196 bedroom/8 person £97.786 bedroom/9 person £100.156 bedroom/10 person £102.58

Every year the Welsh Assembly reviewshousing association rents.

This year all Bro Myrddin’s rents forassured tenants increased by 2% from 5thApril.

The weekly rents shown in the table onthe right are the maximum charges foreach property type (with some exceptions)and we have written to all residents sayinghow much their rent will be.

As well as the rent, we ask you to pay acharge towards the cost of services tocommunal areas, such as heating, lightingand gardening. We know exactly what

Brush paintingPreparing the paint and loading the brushIf necessary, stir the paint (read the label on the tin),then transfer some to a paint kettle.

Load the brush by dipping the tips into the paint.Overloading the brush leads to dry paint forming in theupper part of the bristles and hardening. Over time thiswill ruin the brush.

Dab off the excess to prevent drips by pushing thebristles against the inside of the kettle.

Applying the paintApply the paint to the surface using up and down strokes.

Spread the paint by brushing at right angles. Then lay off (finishwith light strokes) in the direction of the grain or the longest sideof the part you are painting.

Blend each new section with the previous one by workingback towards it when laying-off.

Roller paintingCutting in with a brushPaint the edges first, initially using a large brush. This is ‘cutting in’.Don’t be tempted to use a small brush on a large surface. Paint aband around the edge of the surface and around other obstructionslike switches and sockets. These are the parts you can’t do with theroller.

Loading the tray and rollerPour some of the paint into a roller tray. Load the roller by rolling it in thepaint. Then roll it on the grid of the tray to spread the paint evenly over the roller.

Roller painting methodWork in bays about one metre square. Roll onto the surface in a tight W motion,keeping the roller fully in contact with the surface to avoid skipping or skidding.

these cost and pass on a share to you asa support charge.

Because services vary from one site toanother, we have not included these here.

The cost of providing emergency alarmsystems and for cleaning residents’windows are shown separately as asupport charge. Previously they have beencontained in your service charge. Again,because the services vary, we have notincluded the charges here.

If you would like to know moreabout how your rent is set, we willbe happy to tell you.

£NEW

RENTSFOR 2010/11

PAINTING

Sgwrs Summer 2010 5

There are times inlife when we all feelvulnerable and needsome extra support. Are you:� having difficulty maintaining asafe and secure home?

� in need of someone to helpliaise with social workers, healthworkers and other professionals?

� having financial difficulties, orin need of benefits advice?

� needing the loan of awheelchair or other medicalequipment?

� about to leave hospital and inneed of some support to regainyour independence?

� looking to move to secureaccommodation better suited toyour lifestyle, but needing help todo this?

� feeling isolated?

To find out how the British RedCross could help, please call:

01554 757086. Allinformation is confidentialand all support is free.

TOPDIY

TIPS

TOP

10

6 Sgwrs Summer 2010

Sun caretips for

protectingyour children

1. Cover upOn days out, put kids in T-shirts andwide-brimmed hats.

2. Make sure the kidswear hatsWide-brimmed hats cut out around50% of UV radiation to the eyes,face and neck.

3. Use plenty of factor15+ sunscreenGo for the highest SPF you can find– at least 15+ and preferably 30+.Put the sunscreen on 15-30 minutesBEFORE kids go outside.

4. Keep reapplyingsunscreanAfter the kids have first gone out, putmore sun cream on 30 minutes later.

5. Pay attention to verylittle onesBabies burn even faster than childrenand toddlers, keep babies under 6months out of the sun completely.

6. Invest in some shadesEncourage kids to wear sunglasses .The best style is wraparoundbecause they cut out more UV lightand also offer a high level of UV.

7. Buy a parasol for thebuggyThey usually don't cost much extra,but the protection they give from thesun is worth far more.

8. Get undercoverOn sunny days, try to organiseoutdoor activities in shady areas, andtry to spend some time in the shadebetween 11am and 3pm.

9. Lead by exampleChildren will copy the behaviour ofthose around them, so if they seeyou covering up and putting onsunscreen, they're more likely to dothe same.

10. Don’t ignore cloudsJust because it's not sunny doesn'tmean you can't burn. The UV rayscan still pass through the clouds andburn skin just as easily. Don't takeany chances!

Method1. In a large bowl or pitcher, stir together chilled

orange juice, white grape juice and cranberryjuice.

2. Add the lemon-lime beverage; stir gently.

3. Fill each of 10 glasses about two-thirds fullwith ice.

Divide fruit among glasses.

Pour juice mixture into glasses.

Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

4. Makes about 10 servings.

Keep cool and enjoy thisrefreshing mock sangriaIngredients 2 cups orange juice, chilled

1 cup unsweetened whitegrape juice, chilled

1 cup reduced-caloriecranberry juice

1 1 litre bottle fizzy diet lemonand lime, chilled

Ice cubes

Assorted fresh fruit slices

Fresh mint sprigs

how to

compost

great, FREE way of improving your garden.If you have claggy, clay like soil (sticks

together when wet), compost will helpbreak it up and improve drainage bycreating small gaps in the soil for water toescape.

If you have sandy soil, your compost willhelp stick it together and also help holdmoisture for your precious plants.

When a bulb breaks, although it’s unlikely to causeharm, it is always best to minimise exposure tomercury and broken glass.

The best thing to do is to vacate the room andventilate it for at least 15 minutes. Use rubber

gloves to clean up, and put all particles andglass fragments in a plastic bag – don’t use avacuum cleaner. Wipe the area with a damp cloth, and then

add that cloth to the plastic bag centre. All localcouncils have an obligation to make arrangementsfor the disposal of household hazardous waste at acivic amenity site or household waste recyclingcentre.

The National Household Hazardous WasteForum runs a website with details of thesecentres (www.chemaway.org.uk).

Alternatively contact your local council direct.

Any amount Uncooked kitchen waste; a goodmix of peelings; tea leaves; usedfilter coffee; egg shells; weeds(chopped); hair (pet or human).

In small amountsShredded paper; soft cardboardsuch as egg boxes; grass cuttings;leaves; bush or shrub prunings.

Avoid completelyShiny paper or brightly coloured,glossy flyers; nappies; human, cator dog excrement; household orgarden chemicals; meat cooked orraw – this attracts pests.

What can I put on mycompost heap?

She employs tiny creatures to chew, noshand mash their way through your gardenand household waste to producenutritious, sweet smelling compost.

How do I start?Start by obtaining or constructing a bin tomake your compost. You can obtain onefrom Carmarthenshire County Council for£10 or use any large container as long asair can enter and circulate through it.

Where do I build my compost heap?A compost heap works best if sited in asunny position in your garden on a base ofwell drained soil.

Start by loosening the surface with afork and add a layer of manure or kitchenwaste to attract worms and the bacteriayou need to do the hard work for you.

In periods of hot, dry weather water yourcompost once a week to keep it moist. Inreally cold weather try and insulate yourcompost to prevent it from getting toocold.The temperature inside a compostheap will always be warm to help breakdown the material. It's important to keepyour compost covered at all times,whatever the weather.

When is my compost ready?When it looks like soil and not likewhatever you put in! It should also bemostly odourless and crumbly to thetouch. Once it's ready fork it into your soilin early spring or late autumn where it willfeed your soil and improve its structure.

Why make compost?It's a good way to reduce the amount of

things we threw in thebin and as a result into

land fill. It's also a

Mother Nature started recyclingway before we did and makingyour own compost is the bestway to see her in action.

Sgwrs Summer 2010 7

Disposal of energy efficient light bulbs

20 August: Shakespeare in the Garden – The Tempest. www.aberglasney.org 01558 668998

20-22 August: West WalesMotorcycle Show, United CountiesShowground, Carmarthen.www.unitedcounties.co.uk 01267 232141

25 August: Jump Racing & WildWest Wednesday. 26 August: Flat Racing & FamilyFun. www.ffoslasracecourse.com 01554 811092

29 & 30 August: Harps and Flowers– Summer Harp Festival. NationalBotanic Garden of Wales.www.gardenofwales.org.uk 01558 668768

29 & 30 August: Companions ofthe Forest, Laugharne Castle.www.cadw.wales.gov.uk 01994 427906

1 September - 31 October:Dolaucothi Gold Mine.www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 650177

5, 11 & 12 September: West Wales Vintage Tractor Showand Sale. United CountiesShowground, Carmarthen.www.unitedcounties.co.uk 01267 232141

11 September: Heritage Open Dayat Dinefwr Park and Castle.www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 823902

11-12, 18-19 September:A day out with Thomas.www.gwili-railway.co.uk 01267 230666

19 September: Vintage Engines atDinefwr Park and Castle.www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01558 823902

25 September:Carmarthen Youth Festival.www.carmarthenyouthfestival.webs.com 07946 653839

25 September:Drive a Steam Engine, GwiliRailway. www.gwilirailway.co.uk 01267 230666

Ideas for a great

day out...

with our summertimeanagram

8 Sgwrs Summer 2010

KIDS!KIDS! Colour in this seaside picture and sendit to the editor at the Bro Myrddin officeby 30th September. The best artist willwin a £10 gift voucher for W H Smith.

Unscramble the letters below to uncover the hidden words oneach line. Once you have found all the correct words (we’ve given you the first) try andwork out what the Hidden Word is by using all the highlighted words from each of thecells.

A F N FAN

A O O L L B F T

B E E F I R S

D G H O O T

H O S S T R

A C G I M N P

E F L O R W

A D E G N R

G I N S W

N S U

Hidden Word

WIN

£25

Oops! Thanks to Mrs Butterworth,Parc y Ffordd, who kindly wrote in andpointed out a mistake in the Welshversion of last issue’s Wordsearch.

If you notice a mistake in Sgwrs,please feel free to contact the Sgwrsteam.

Please send your competition entry tothe editor at the Bro Myrddin offices by30th September.

The first correct entry selected fromthe hat will win £25.

Congratulations to Ms CJones of Glasfryn, who won the EasterWordsearch and the £25 cash prize.