MEMBERS PRESENT
Jean Fishpool - Chairperson
Margaret Valleley - Secretary
Molly Hodges Treasurer
Greta Ashford
Gordon Cartwright
Nancy Evans
Betty Barnfield
Diane Howls
Jo Anscombe
Peggy Cavanagh
Gordon Cartwright
Jess Bolton
Betty Barnfield
Mary West
Gloria Godwin
Lillian Jones
Jim Harding
Kim Davis Herefordshire Housing

1. Welcome and apologies
Jean opened the meeting and welcomed all members present. She gave a warm welcome to the new member Jess Bolton.

Apologies were from: Shirley Baldwin, Jack Halfpenny, Leslie Beeks, Crawford Powney, Doreen Gower, Tina Walsh and Roy Adams.

2. Minutes from the last meeting
All members had received a copy of the minutes. They were accepted as a true record of the proceedings.

3. Matters arising from the last meeting
Thank you. The post in the car park at Brierley Court has now been repaired.

There are still problems at Fowbridge Gardens and Penyard Gardens with some tenants feeding the Birds. Large amounts of bread are still being put out.

4. Guest Speaker
Jean welcomed Stephen Goodchild as guest speaker this month. Stephen is The Tenant Support Officer for Herefordshire Housing.
Stephen talked at length about all the different Benefits and Pensions available to the oversixties. He explained that tenants would have to put in a claim for benefits and this would mean filling in many forms. He will be available to help with any concerns and to offer advice. Stephen's telephone number is 01432 384013. He will also be available to help you fill in the forms. Visiting you at home is the best option as you have the relevant information handy.
Stephen told members that they have to have the need to claim these benefits, e.g. Attendance Allowance, pension Credit and Care Allowance.
Members said Stephen had answered a lot of their questions and were sorry he would now be inundated with telephone calls for his assistance.

Jean thanked Stephen very much for coming to the meeting. She handed out the leaflets to the group from Stephen.

5. Treasurers report
After today's draw we now have £287:llp in the funds.

6. Tenant liaison meetings
Smallbrook Gardens: Well attended

Southgate Court: Well Attended

Fowbridge Gardens: Well attended

7. Report from the federation
There was no report from the Federation this month.

8. Report from Kim
Kim told members, that all Sheltered Housing tenants would receive a letter about the Review of the Sheltered Housing Warden Service.
As part of the review process we will be holding a series of focus meetings. These meetings will be held at all Sheltered Housing Scheme's and all tenants are invited to attend. Kate McAllister will be hosting the meetings and she will explain about the 'review and answer any questions, queries and concerns that you may have.
Tenants are welcome to bring along relatives and carers.
An invitation will also be sent to a number of tenants, asking them if they would be willing to participate in an interview in their homes. These tenants wiII be randomly picked and the interviews will be confidential.
Those tenants not selected to take part in an interview will be sent a questionnaire.
Letters have been sent to Herefordshire Council concerning the drop kerbs.
The paving slabs at Barklie Court. They are going to make good those that can be saved. The Glass case at Putson is still ongoing. We have had to order a larger one.

9. Any other business
Ballinger Court: Work has started on the new communal kitchen.

Southgate Court: The new lift is not working. Action K D

Smallbrook Gardens: The water heater in the communal kitchen is not working. Action K D

A tenant has not got a key to the facilities. Action KD

There has been a lot of vandalism recently on this scheme.

Penyard Gardens: The community rooms are urgently in need of a cleaner. Action K D


Visitors are parking their cars and blocking access to gates and garages. Other tenants are having difficulties getting out of parking spaces. Action K D

The security lights on the walls of two properties are on twenty fours hours. Action K D

Several gardens are neglected and weeds are growing over the paths. Action K D

Barklie Court: Two sheltered schemes have had lifts installed recently. Why hasn't Barklie Court had one installed? Kim said that one would probably be fitted in the future. Funds were not available to install lifts in all schemes' at present.

10. Guest speaker for the next meeting:
Members decided to invite Janet Cole, Acting Chief Executive of Herefordshire Housing as guest speaker for the next meeting.

11. Date and venue for the next meeting:
The next meeting will be held at Horsecroft, Ewyas Harold on Thursday 5th July 2007 at 10:30am.