loreburn living · 3 l oreburn ha has won charity employer of the year at the s1jobs.com awards...

Loreburn LivingIssue 5 Summer 2017

Hello,

As I write the sun is shining through the window so it feels fitting to be welcoming you to the

Summer edition of our newsletter.

Since the last edition Loreburn H A have been named as Charity Employer of the Year

and we attended a ceremony in Glasgow to receive the trophy. The event was hosted by

Kevin Bridges, who was very entertaining, and the trophies were awarded by him. We were

delighted to be recognised as Charity employer and are confident the award will help us

attract great applicants for future job vacancies.

Our 2017/18 annual plan has just been published and includes our ambitions for 2017/18,

the budget and a value for money statement. The document also contains an update report

on progress against our three year Corporate Plan. If you would like to receive a copy of the

plan please get in touch with our Customer Engagement Team.

Our performance results were signed off by Management Committee at their May meeting

and then submitted to the Scottish Housing Regulator. We are particularly pleased with the

improvements in our emergency and non-emergency repairs response times as we know they

are important to you. The full performance results will be set out in our Annual Report which

will be published in time for our AGM in September.

We are in the process of finalising our Customer Engagement Strategy which will be informed

by feedback received from you during our most recent Customer Satisfaction Survey. We

are introducing a Panel of Expert Customers and are currently recruiting. If you’d like to be

considered for the panel please get in touch with our Customer Engagement Team.

If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas about Loreburn H A that you would like to share

with me please do not hesitate to call me on 01387 321384.

Enjoy the summer.

Lorraine

CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE2

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Loreburn HA has won Charity Employer of the Year at the S1jobs.com Awards ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday 13th April 2017. We beat strong competition from Sense Scotland

and Venture Scotland to win the award which recognised the transformation of our business following our restructure.The awards ceremony was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow and was hosted by Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges. A great time was had by all and winning the award really put the icing on the cake!

Loreburn wins at S1jobs.com Awards!

“I am delighted that Loreburn has been recognised as Best Charity Employer at the S1 Job Awards 2017. It’s real recognition of how far the organisation has come over the last 12 months and shows that we are moving towards our ambition of being the Best Housing Association in Scotland. We have a tremendous, hard working team of people at Loreburn who have remained committed throughout the recent changes. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues, Executive Team and Management Committee to continue to build on this success”.

Lindsay Lauder Head of HR & OD


Loreburn Turns 35

23rd June 1982Loreburn launches

13th September 1982Registers as a Social Landlord

1986Opening of our first developments at

Barnraws, Dumfries, JM Barrie House, Dumfries, and

Princess Victoria Court, Stranraer.

1988Loreburn Housing Support Service

launches

1991 Opening of sheltered development Millburn

Court, Stranraer.

1994Opening of first

phase of Meadow Park, Kirkcowan.

1999We uncover a 135 year old time capsule while

building South and Townhead, Dumfries.

2001Convener Ian McAllister

receives MBE

2001Opening of our Mill

House development

2001 Start of major development at Craignair Park, Dumfries

2002Changes to SST come in

meaning every customer needed a

new tenancy agreement!

2004Opening of

Gifhorn House, Dumfries

2005 We attain Investors in

People Award

2005Start of working with Dumfries &

Galloway Council

2005 We were the first

housing association in Scotland to promote working life balance

2006Allpay rent

payment card launched

Loreburn HA celebrates it’s 35th birthday this year. Starting with a group of like minded individuals coming together in response to homeless issues in Dumfries, Loreburn HA has grown to manage around 2,500 homes in Dumfries and Galloway, and around 100 members of staff. Our timeline shows a number of milestones reached during this time.

2003Loreburn turns 21

2003Care & Repair

celebrates 2,000th

customer and £5 million spend

since 1991

Millburn Court, Stranraer

5

2007Opening of McAllister

Way, Dumfries and Kirkhill,

Johnstonebridge

2008Opening of Balliol

Court, Castle Douglas, Glebe Crescent,

Newton Stewart and Phase 2 Meadow Park,

Newton Stewart

2009First tenant convener is appointed


2013Our Support

Service celebrates 25th Birthday

2013Opening of Maureen

Farrell House, Dumfries

2014Nithsdale Mills celebrates 21st

Birthday

2014We sign up to Homes4DG Common Housing Register

2014We spend £2.179M on

new homes

2015Lorraine Usher

appointed as Chief

Executive

2015100th birthday celebration at Millburn Court

2015 We are able

to accept card payments for the first time

2016Brand new website is launched

2016Galloway

Gateway is launched

2016Loreburn and

Ashleigh celebrate 500 homes together

2016We welcome

modern apprentices

2016Direct debits payments

are launched

2016We win CIH

Scotland Excellence Awards 2016 for Hallam House

2016We gain Gold Investors in

People Award

2017Loreburn

launches the Loreburn

Housing App

2017Loreburn turns 35!!!


2013Construction

finishes at Station Drive,

Dalbeattie

2012Sheltered

development Millburn Court

turns 21!

2016Sheltered

development J M Barrie turns 30

Hallam House

J M Barrie

Loreburn Support’s 25th


EDG ApprenticesOur repairs contractor

EnterprisingDG (EDG) has been very well represented at the

APSE (Association of Public Sector Excellence) Annual Scottish Apprentice of the Year Awards in Dunblane in February of this year. Daniel McTaggart, Liam Brawls and Andrew Rae from Building & Maintenance Services at EDG were all shortlisted for awards.Daniel McTaggart, an Apprentice Plumber based at Cargen Tower, Dumfries, was shortlisted in the 1st Year Trade Category.

Liam Brawls, an Apprentice Plumber/Gas Engineer based at Culhorn Depot, Stranraer, was shortlisted in the 3rd Year Trade Category.

Andrew Rae, a Trainee Quantity Surveyor based at Cargen Tower, Dumfries, was shortlisted in the Non-Trade category.

Archie Dryburgh, Chairman of the EDG Committee, “Our Apprentices are of a very high calibre which is seen here by three of them being finalists at major awards”.

Loreburn HA would like to congratulate Daniel, Liam and Andrew for being shortlisted for these awards. Well done guys!

Photograph shows (left to right) Steven Trotter, Building Maintenance & Construction Manager; Andrew Rae; Daniel McTaggart;

Liam Brawls; Archie Dryburgh.

Woodside CourtOn 17th May a meeting was held in Dalbeattie Town Hall

to discuss ongoing repairs issues with our properties at Woodside Court. Although there was very few attendees

the meeting was very productive and a plan agreed to move the proposals forward. In attendance on behalf of Loreburn Housing Association were Lorraine Usher (Chief Executive), Amanda Yellowley (Director of Operation) and Joanne Threlkeld (Housing and Community Engagement Assistant). SNP Councillor Rob Davidson also attended to provide support. All identified ongoing repairs issues and the proposals for moving forward were discussed in full. From the discussion points and ideas raised at this meeting we will work with our Asset Management team to devise a plan to improve the living conditions at the development. This plan will then be discussed with all residents at Woodside Court.

Following on from the meeting Amanda, Lorraine and Joanne visited Woodside Court to inspect the trees to the rear of the properties. Amanda plans to contact the Forestry Commission to explore what can be done to improve the situation.

A project team will be set up to move this project forward. For more information please contact Amanda Yellowley or Joanne Threlkeld on 01387321300. We recently carried out a

bathroom adaptation with our contractor Mears. The work was commencing on Mrs McDonalds 95th birthday and she was kindly presented with a bunch of flowers from Mears Tenant Liasion Officer Ian Scott.

Happy Birthday

7

STRANRAER INTERNET CAFEAT OUR STRANRAER OFFICE WE HAVE INTERNET

ACCESS FROM 9.15AM TO 4.45PM.

USE OUR ACCESS FOR.. .

JOB SEARCHES APPLY FOR A NEW HOME

APPLY FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT REGISTER TO VOTE

FIND MONEY SAVING TIPS APPLY FOR COURSES ONLINE SHOPPING

SEARCH FOR A MUTUAL EXCHANGE AND MANY MORE

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT CALLUM OR DAVID IN OUR STRANRAER OFFICE ON

01776 705 479


On Thursday 30th March 2017 an awards evening was held at Stranraer Academy for the Stranraer Police Scotland Youth

Volunteers (PSYV).

Stranraer Police Scotland Youth Volunteers Awards Ceremony

Housing and Community Engagement Officer – Clare Burns with Commitment Award winner Maria Denholm.

▼ Stranraer Police Scotland Youth Volunteers.

The main award winners were Davy Bell, Adult Volunteer of the Year, Rachael Baird, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Craig Wilson, Leadership Award, Dylan McCurdy, Outstanding Contributor, Connor Howe and Chloe Trussler, Police Knowledge Award, Alana McWhirter, Youth Volunteers Youth Volunteer of the Year, and Maria Denholm, Commitment Award. The Commitment Award was sponsored by Loreburn HA.

“The evening was a great success and you clearly see what it means to the volunteers, their friends and family. It has been a wonderful year and I think it is clear the youth and adult volunteers alike get a great degree of satisfaction and enjoyment from their role” Group Co-ordinator Constable Nicola Wilson

The PSYV group will be looking for new recruits in the autumn. Anyone aged between 12 and 16 who is interested in becoming a member of the PSYV is asked to look out for adverts at Stranraer Academy, or alternatively, they can attend Stranraer Police Station to enquire about what being a Police Scotland Youth Volunteer involves.

9

The GREAT People Awards Are Coming!On 8 September 2017 we are celebrating you, our

customers, and you are all invited!

We will be recognising our best communities, young people, homes, gardens and unsung heroes in a celebration evening held at the

Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries.

Invitations have been sent to all our customers along with nomination forms with details of each category and now it is

over to you.

Would you like to attend a great evening of entertainment? Please let us know by completing and

returning the below form.

For more information, or nomination forms, please contact us on 01387 321300 or visit our website.

I would like to attend the Great People Awards 2017

Name: .......................................................................................................................................

Address: ....................................................................................................................................

Number attending (max of groups of 4): ..........................................................................

Contact details: .......................................................................................................................

I require bus transportation ☐

Please return by 17 July 2017. In the event of over subscription a random ballot will be held.

✁


We are also in the early stages of looking at providing further much needed affordable housing in: Lockerbie, Lochmaben, Gretna, Drummore, Wigtown and Eaglesfield via partnership working with local developers.

Development UpdateCastle DouglasWe have recently purchased a site adjacent to Douglas Terrace from a private owner in the town and have submitted a planning application for 8 units (six 2 bed semi-detached houses and two 2 bed bungalows). We aim to be on site this calendar year.

LangholmWe continue to explore possible options for the provision of supported accommodation within Langholm, however, as it stands, the proposed purchase of the former Border Fine Arts warehouse will not proceed due to poor ground conditions within the site.

CanonbieWe are currently exploring the possibility of developing in the village and are in discussions with a local land owner. This would be no more than 20 - 25 units.

DumfriesWe are hoping to advertise in the near future for a Design and Build contractor for a site within the Dumfries town area for a development of up to 40 units of mixed tenure housing.

StranraerWe successfully purchased the former Garrick Hospital site from the NHS at the end of March and we are currently working up plans for a “Foyer” building, supported accommodation for people with dementia and a number of specially adapted bungalows. Final proposals for the layout are currently being worked on and will be submitted for planning permission around early summer 2017. This is an exciting project for the town and Loreburn will be rolling out more detail on our proposals to the community in the very near future.

MoffatNegotiations for the purchase of a large site on the edge of Moffat are ongoing with a view to Loreburn building a number of adapted units in conjunction with DGHP who will be focusing more on general needs housing on the site. Again, another GREAT opportunity for Loreburn and the people of Moffat where there is a clear need for affordable housing.

AnnanWe are please to report the successful purchase at the end of March of the former bus depot near Annan station. Loreburn are about to submit a planning application to build a block of 9 x supported flats including 4 fully adapted wheelchair units on the ground floor. Anyone who knows the site we’re sure will agree that what is standing there at the moment is an eyesore and any future development by Loreburn will improve this area of Annan immensely.

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Going DigitalHere at Loreburn we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint by only printing when absolutely necessary. As a result all future copies of Loreburn Living will be sent to your email address only unless you request to have a printed copy.

If you would like a printed copy please let us know by calling 01387 321 300 and ask to speak with Callum M or Kelly.

Please make sure we have an up to date email address for you to make sure you don’t miss out!


Tell us what you think!To support the launch of our new Customer

Engagement Strategy we are looking for customers to get involved in our future decision

making processes.We recognise that the traditional engagement and consultation methods

aren’t for everyone so that’s why we have set up more informal ways of working with us.

So why might you want to get involved?

You might have knowledge, skills, thoughts or ideas for service improvement. We want you to share this with us so we can continue to offer services that meet, if not exceed, your needs.

What’s in it for you?⊲ The ability to influence the services Loreburn provides⊲ The opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills⊲ The chance of gain a better understanding of Loreburn business⊲ A great feeling of knowing you are making a difference to lives & communities⊲ Increased satisfaction with what we do⊲ Value for money through delivery of tailored services

How can you get involved?With 3 levels of involvement there really is something for everyone:⊲ Panel of Experienced Customers (PECs) – analyse our policies, performance &

decision making.⊲ Customers with Special Interests (CSI) – practical involvement including estate

management inspections & void property inspections⊲ E-Say – giving us your opinion on service you receive via questionnaires, emails &

online polls, and testing out pilot services.

Call us on 01387 321300, email us at [email protected], or message on Facebook or Twitter to register your interest.

MORE DETAILS

TO FOLLOWAs part of our value for money commitment

we are reviewing our services and charges

within all Loreburn Housing schemes and

developments.

This process will involve a consultation exercise

with our tenants and owners this Autumn.

Harold Gibson 27-6-1917 to 9-6-2017Loreburn recently said goodbye to Harold who many of you will have read about in a previous newsletter celebrating the 30th anniversary of J M Barrie House. Harold was our first sheltered customer and had lived in J M Barrie House in Dumfries for more than 30 years.

Harold’s daughter Moira tells us that he was always extremely happy here, very complimentary about the staff that supported him and about the service he received from Loreburn as ‘an excellent landlord’.

For many years Harold was at the forefront of organising events in the development and was at one time on three separate tenant committees at J M Barrie House. He supported almost every event and activity and encouraged others to join in.

Sadly, Harold didn’t quite get to celebrate his 100th birthday with us but he was a great character who loved his music and a bit of company. I’m sure there’ll be many friends and neighbours who will raise a glass or two in his big day to celebrate a happy and fulfilling 100 years.

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Robert Thomson June the 5th will mark 11 months since I started at Loreburn, and I have no idea where the time has gone! Since the last update, I have worked on a number of different projects, many of which incorporating spreadsheets. Again, my skills have increased significantly since the last update, and I am incorporating my new skillsets into the work I do for the team. My plan for the next few months is to wrap up my course work for the apprenticeship, and of course to assist the asset management team as much as I possibly can in my remaining time here. It has been an enjoyable time at Loreburn, and overall I feel I have gained a lot of good experiences from my time here.

Kiera MerrifieldI’m continuing to work in the Housing and Community Engagement Team. Working in this team I have helped to organise and attend community events, been out on visits with the Housing and Community Engagement Officers and have made up Loreburn promotion packs which we hope to give out at community events. I am also keen to help where I can, which has led to me assisting the Income Team and also helping out on the Stranraer reception. As well as being busy in the office I am also keeping up to date with my Modern Apprentice coursework. The Modern Apprentice

experience has been enjoyable and I’ve learned a lot which I think will benefit me in my career.

Micky MulholandSince December I have learned a lot more regarding project management, customer service and working within a team environment. My experience here is continuing to be very productive and I’m sure I can take the skills and knowledge I have gained thus far into my future career.

I am primarily in charge of mobile device management and helpdesk, along with my colleague and we are currently looking at ways that we can provide better customer service as a team in the future. Very exciting stuff and I look forward to seeing where my MA takes me throughout the year.

MA Update

LITTER

Remove all litter from grassed areas, shrubs, bushes and hedges

SHRUB BEDS

Remove all weeds, prim, trim and apply fertiliser

TREES

Cut back any branches/ foliage hanging below 12 foot. Remove fallen braches and clear base of

tree.

STREET FURN ITURE & PLAY PARKS

Visual inspection for condition of sites and wash down of full site.

GRASSED AREAS

HEDGES

Remove all weeds and trim back hedges

ROADS

Remove all weeds, moss andalgae from paths and roadways

LEAFS

Gather and remove all fallen leaves from trees and shrubs

Remove all leafs and tree debris. Cutting of all grassed areas

including edgings


Grounds Maintenance ContractThe Grounds Maintenance contact for 2017-2018 has

been awarded to John O’Conner Ground Maintenance. John O’Conner’s will cover the full region working in 130 sites which

are owned and and managed by Loreburn Housing Association.

You will be able to view the full service specification on our website.

Please see below for our Grounds Maintenance specification.

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M E T H O D

Preheat a barbeque or griddle pan. Cut your burger buns in half and toast cut side down; set aside

Mix the lemon juice and zest with the thyme, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic and seasoning to make your marinade.

Cook your mushrooms on your barbeque or griddle over a moderate heat, stalk side down for around 5 minutes. Flip them over onto the other side and spoon over your marinade. Cook for another 5 minutes or until tender. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Drizzle 1 tsp of oil over the halloumi and cook over a piping hot heat for 1 minute each side.

Spread the base each burger bun with a tsp of the chilli jelly and build with slices of halloumi, lettuce, and mushroom.

RecipesSummer Cheese Burger

I n g r e d i e n t s

500g Beef Mince

1 red onion

4 slices of mature cheddar cheese

4 buns

1 Lettuce

1 tomato

Serves 4. Total cost of recipe is £4.84 or £1.21 per portion!

I N G R E D I E N T S

4 burger buns

Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon

1 tbsp thyme leaves

3 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tsp extra

2 garlic cloves

4 large mushrooms

250g halloumi

4tsp chilli jelly

1 lettuce

M e t h o d

First of all cut your onion into two halves. Finely chop one half and cut the other half into thin slices for the salad in your burger bun.

In a bowl mix the mince with the chopped onion, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Form your mixture into four burger shaped patties.

Cook your burgers in a pan with a dash of olive oil over a medium heat.

Once the burgers have cooked through, add your slices of cheese and place under a grill to melt.

Assemble your burgers in their buns with sliced lettuce, the sliced red onion and sliced tomato.

If you like you can add some ketchup or bbq sauce to your burger!

Garlic Mushroom and Halloumi Burgers

If you have a recipe you would like featured in our next issue please contact the Customer

Engagement Team on 01387 321 300 or at customerservice@

loreburn.org.uk

Serves 4.

Total cost per portion £1.74

The burger recipe was adapted from one pound meals http://www.onepoundmeals.com/ and the garlic mushroom burger was from Sainsbury’s https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/blog/item/garlic-mushroom-and-halloumi-burgers


Men’s Shed Comes to Castle Douglas?Castle Douglas Development Forum has

identified a premises in town that may be suitable for a men’s shed project.

Men’s sheds are springing up all over the place with Dalbeattie, Balmaclellan, Lockerbie and Dumfries up and running and supporting over 80 members. Go to http://menssheds.org.uk/ for more information. Each shed is different but all share an informality, sharing of resources and skills, opportunity to make community contributions, and affordable place of leisure where restoring furniture can be done alongside boat building. The men’s shed movement started in Australia and is known to seriously increase their members confidence, interpersonal and community engagement as well as their hands on DIY skills. It’s where members bond over jack planes, Yankee screwdrivers (only over 50’s will know these) Philips head screws and Myford lathes. If you are interested in helping setting up and joining a CD based men’s shed group drop an email to [email protected] subject headed Men’s Shed.

Free IT taster sessions for Loreburn HA customersSessions are held on Thursdays between 2.30pm and 3.30pm at IT Centre, Community Centre, Cotton Street, Castle Douglas, DG7 1AJ

Sessions are tailored to each individuals needs

All levels and abilities welcome

Free Tea and Coffee!!!

To book your place or for more information please contact Joanne in the Housing and Community Engagement Team on 01387 321 300.

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Where were you in 1982?

It’s a Knockout!!!This year, Loreburn HA has agreed to sponsor Alzheimer Scotland’s, “It’s a Knockout” Event which is taking place at Park Farm, Dumfries on Sunday 2nd July 2017.

As well as sponsoring the event, Loreburn HA will also be entering its own team! So if you would like to go up against us please contact Nina at Alzheimer Scotland on 01387 261 303 or email [email protected]. Entry costs £180 per team, with 6 people per team.

Entry for spectators is FREE, so even if you’re not taking part there will be plenty to do with a Bouncy castle, face painting, entertainment, food & craft stalls and much more. Come along and give your support!

Donna McCulloch, Regional Housing Manager (West)In 1982 I started work in a builders merchants which interestingly enough was in McCormack Gardens, Stranraer which is now home to one of our developments. That was an interesting time where I learned a lot about the building trade and sold kitchens to the public. I passed my driving test 4th time lucky but I can honestly say it was worth all the blood sweat and tears, mind you my parents were probably tearing their hair out at the number of lessons I had. I was a bridesmaid at my sisters wedding that year and I remember it was a lovely warm summer and I was still young carefree and single. Weekends started on a Thursday night right through to a Sunday and I still managed to get up every morning for work and burn the candle at both ends. Those were the days!

Alison Anderson Finance & Corporate Services DirectorIn 1982 ..I would be getting ready to start Castle Douglas High School, age 11. Spending my Summers on the Solway Coast at Cardoness near Gatehouse of Fleet with Mum and Dad…Caravanning! Not my idea of a holiday now!, but great fun then, I would be listening to ABBA, Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams…that has not changed…!

1. Smoke Alarms

Make sure your home has working smoke alarms by testing them once per week.

2. Cooking

When cooking NEVER walk away from what you are cooking. NEVER throw water over hot oil as it will react violently. If you have been drinking or taking drugs DON'T cook.

3. Smoking

If you smoke put cigarettes out safely in an ashtray. Never place lit or smouldering cigarette ends in the bin.

Pour water on cigarette ends before putting in a bin. NEVER smoke in bed.

Keep lighters and matches away from children.

4. Escape PlanIf you hear smoke alarms, or there is a fire...GET OUT, STAY OUT & DIAL 999

5. Plugs

DON'T overload sockets. NEVER use more than 13 amps in one socket.

6. Electricity

DON'T leave hair straighteners plugged in and unattended. DON'T leave laptops or phones on charge and unattended.

DON'T put heaters near curtains or furniture, or dry clothes on them.

7. Candles

Keep candles away from anything which could catch fire. Put candles out if you are not in the room or sleeping.

Use candle holders.

8. Escape Routes Keep exits clear.

9. Stop, Drop and Roll

If your clothing catches fire Stop, Drop and Roll

10. Night-time routine Close doors as this may stop a fire spreading.

Unplug appliances not designed to be left on overnight and switch off any portable heaters. Have keys and phone beside you when going to sleep.

Information taken from www.firescotland.gov.uk

19

69%upheld

76% responded to within timescaleÀ

33% resolved at first point of contact

74% happy with way the complaint was dealt with

Complaints 2016/17171 Complaints Received

Loreburn In BloomWe have gifted one of our developments with gardening equipment to the value of £400 to allow the local customers to maintain the ground so they can have it the way they want. This was done after a request was made from one of the residents. They are looking to achieve a summer meadow with wild flowers and with work well underway they are looking forward to everything coming into bloom in summer which they can all enjoy. The resident who approached Loreburn with the idea had this to say:

“Loreburn Housing made life in our communal area a lot easier to manage after their very generous gift to my community’s quest in making all our lives pleasant and giving young people the tools to respect their property and others around them”


Look Back at 2016

51

272

28

87%

2,267

22,102

43

New Homes Built

Customers re-housed

New members of staff

Staff trained to deliver first class customer service

Calls handled by Customer Engagement Team

Neighbourhood events held

Homes Managed

21

Blooming Loreburn Reminder

We are pleased to announce the launch of our brand new mobile app, available on iPhone and Android devices. Using our app customers can report repairs, find out how to pay rent, report complaints and compliments, find their local office, find out about local events, look back at past issues of Loreburn Living and register for push notifications.

In the future we are also looking to add access to your rent account and a payment page where you can pay rent using you card via the app.

Our app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching for ‘Loreburn Housing’.

If you would like to find out more about our app or would like to provide feedback, please contact Andrew or Callum on 01387 321 300 or at [email protected]

Blooming Loreburn 2017

Entry FormPlease PRINT your information below:

Name: ____________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

_____________________ Postcode: ____________________

Phone No: ____________________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________

Please tick the appropriate box or boxes

Floral Garden

Vegetable Garden

Window Box / Hanging Basket / Tub Display

Feature Display (Decorations / Ornaments)

You can return your completed Entry Forms by-

• Handing your form to your Housing and Community Engagement Officer

• Posting to Blooming Loreburn, Freepost RSTA-SRCL-KHGK, Loreburn Housing

Association Ltd, Huntingdon, 27 Moffat Road, Dumfries, DG1 1NN

• Emailing to [email protected]

This year we are opening the

garden competition to all Loreburn Customers,

this includes Shared Owners!

All completed entries must be received by Monday

10th July 2017 Neighbourhood

GardenCompetition

After the success of last years Neighbourhood Competition

we are running it again.The prize, to the maximum value of £150, will be an award which can be enjoyed by all in the winning

neighbourhood.Your Housing and Community Engagement Officer

will be looking whilst out for visits and recommending

neighborhoods. You can also enter by contacting your

Housing and Community Engagement Officer or by emailing

[email protected]

Loreburn HA launches mobile app!

Just a quick reminder to get your

applications in for this years Blooming Loreburn. Deadline

for entries is Monday 10 July.


John McNaught is retiring from the Convenors post at this years AGM and we caught up with him to find out how life as

Loreburn Housing Association Convenor has been. John has served as Convenor since 2012 and has been a Committee Member since 2007. He has throughout his life always been involved in community work wherever he has lived and during his former life as a Police Officer with Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary was instrumental in setting up and working for a highly successful Force Charities Committee that provided equipment for people in need throughout the Region. When John retired from his Police career he decided to strengthen his links with his community work and with an interest in Social Housing joined Loreburn and stood and was accepted onto the Management Committee initially representing Cree Valley Community Council of which he was Chairman for several years.

Johns time on the Committee has not always been easy, losing his wife Sheila in July 2012, just after he had taken over as Convenor Sheila had asked John if the opportunity ever presented itself would he consider taking on the Convenors post and although a bit apprehensive he agreed that he would as she would really like him to do so. Unexpectedly the then Convenor left in June of that year and John was immediately appointed to the Post. Sadly Sheila passed away some weeks later but John is comforted knowing that she had seen him become Convenor. This was obviously a very difficult time for John personally and along with taking over as Convenor which at the time he described as almost a full time job he was holding down his Public Health post with the NHS. Loreburn was also going through a very difficult time with the Regulator and the then Chief Executive leaving which obviously added to the Convenors work. Although these were very difficult times John is very proud of the way that in his words ‘he steadied the ship and guided it through stormy waters’ and he leaves the Convenors post with Loreburn moving upwards and onwards.

John McNaught Interview

Loreburn has since the stormy days that it experienced gone from strength to strength and has been nominated and won awards of great note a feat that John describes as remarkable considering where the Association was when he was drafted into its chairmanship. He is delighted that the hard work has paid off that sees Loreburn receiving the recognition it thoroughly and rightly deserves. Being at the helm for the last five years John has great admiration and gratitude for his fellow Committee members who have given him great support and assistance during his time in post and adds that the success that is now being enjoyed is a result of good teamwork that also includes all of the Staff and the Chief Executive. John has been a busy man throughout being involved with Community Council work, Galloway Pageant, Galloway Thistle Youth Football Club, Penninghame Church Session and immense involvement as Secretary and now Chairman of Newton Stewart Football Club. However he is now taking a back seat from some of his community work as well as retiring as Loreburn Convenor and looks forward to enjoying a more relaxed role next year as a Committee Member and hoping that his vast and heavily involved experience can be an asset to his successor.

John finished by saying that although there had been some tough and difficult times that he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as Convenor and felt privileged to have held the position within such a great organisation as Loreburn Housing Association .

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If you would like to see your pet in print send your photo into us to be featured in our

winter newsletter.


Crossword

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ACROSS 1 Which town on the Solway Coast is the only one with a working harbour? 5 What was Minigaff mined for? 6 This small village has a famous stone but can you name the town? 7 Our region is home to the third oldest football team in Scotland, Stranraer

FC. Can you name their home ground? 9 5 time Open champion James Braid designed his last course on this

former farmland. Can you name the course? 10 This small village is home to the only Buddist centre in the UK but where is

it? 11 Which town is home to a world record holding hotel? 12 The orginal Wicker Man was filmed in our region and held its premier in

which town? 13 3 time Le Mans winner Allan McNish hails from which Dumfries & Galloway

town? 15 Our region is home to lots of wildlife but which Nature Reserve could you

go to, to see red squirrels?

16 John Rennie who built the second London Bridge also built The Ken Bridge in this town?

17 Which castle was built by the Crichton family in the 13th century? 18 Castle Douglas was foudned by which family? 19 Lots of people claim to have seen ghosts on the A75. The strech between

Dumfries and which town is possibly the most haunted? 20 Where was orginally known as Sandhead? DOWN2 Gerald Butler was recently in the region filming his new film about 3

lighthouse keepers who go missing. What is the name of this upcoming movie?

3 Adam Richard Wiles from Dumfries is now a world famous what? 4 Lochmaben Castle is rumoured to be home to which type of super natural

creature? 8 The Mull of Galloways is the most southernly point in our region. On a

good clear day which island can you see? 9 The 2nd Earl of Stair laid out his gardens in the land surrounding which

ruined castle? 14 In 2008 Queen of the South played and lost to which team in the Scottish

Cup Final? 17 Dumfries is the largest town in the region which follows closely behind

with

For your chance to win a surprise summer prize complete and return the crossword to:

Summer Newsletter Competition, Freepost RSTA-SRCL-KHGK, Loreburn Housing Association Limited, Huntingdon, 27 Moffat Road, Dumfries, DG1 1NN or hand into your local office by 11 August 2017

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Why walk?Walking helps you lose weight and tones up your legs, bum and tum

Walking give you energy, is a low impact exercise and is free

Walking reduces stress, symptoms of depression and anxiety

Walking reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes

All you need to take part is yourself and a comfy pair of walking shoes!

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Deborah on 01387 321 300 or 0770 3818 728 for further information.

Housing Heroes AwardsLoreburn HA’s Chief Executive, Lorraine Usher, has been shortlisted

in the ‘Inspirational Leader of the Year (Under 5,000 stock)’ category at the UK-wide Housing Heroes Awards, organised

by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing.

Lorraine is the only finalist from a Scottish organisation to be shortlisted for the award. Lorraine said:

Loreburn’s Walking Group in Castle Douglas – in partnership with Let’s Get Sporty

We want to help you get lean and mean this summer by joining our new walking group…

The Housing Heroes Awards take place in Manchester on 26 June 2017. Everyone here at Loreburn HA will be hoping for Lorraine to bring the award home!

“I’m very proud to have been named as a finalist at these prestigious awards. I was born in Dumfries so the area is really close to my heart, and since I began my role at Loreburn I’ve been passionate about ensuring Dumfries and Galloway is a great place to live for our customers.

“While this award shortlisting may have my name on it, the changes that have been brought in at Loreburn, such as an increased customer focus, innovative projects and the introduction of modernised ways of doing business, would not have been a success without the commitment and talent of the fantastic team of people here at Loreburn and the tremendous support provided by the Management Committee and our customers. If I am lucky enough to win this award, it will be a win for the whole organisation. Loreburn is a wonderful place to work.”


After a successful launch of a Breakfast Club at Belmont Primary School, Stranraer, we are pleased to announce that a second Breakfast Club has gotten off to a great start in Castle Douglas.

With schools playing a pivotal role in the community, we are very pleased to be able to facilitate a healthy, happy environment where children can enjoy breakfast with their friends.

If you would like to find out more information on Breakfast Clubs, please contact the Housing and Community Engagement Team on 01387 321 300.

Second breakfast clubgets off to a great start in Castle Douglas

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Community EventsWe are pleased to be able to carry on our provision of community events throughout the

region. We would like to thank Enterprising DG, Jewsons, Co-op Food, Tesco, Let’s Get Sporty and McMillan Hall for their support. Below are a number of pictures from our

community events.

Contact Numbers

Loreburn Housing Association@LoreburnHA

[email protected]

To Report a RepairRepairs can now be reported between 8.00am-6.00pm Monday to Friday.

Out of Hours Emergency Repairs can be reported by dialling the same number.

01387 271 221

Income Service Officers:Dumfries

Jo Petherick : 07712 323 271Karen Duncan : 07872 126 983

Natalie Richardson : 0752 5276 966Vicky McDonald : 0788 0035 301

Stranraer Ian McGeoch : 07818 591 425

Margaret Thompson : 07525 276 968

Housing Community Engagement Officers:Dumfries

Deborah Thomson : 07703 818 728Fiona Clingan : 07894 595 532Lynne Gilmour : 07872 127 009

StranraerClare Burns : 07872 126 992

Louise McCormick : 07471 035 122

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http://loreburn.org.uk/

Loreburn Housing Association Ltd is a registered Scottish Charity No SC029917Registered in Scotland under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1965

Financial Conduct Authority No 2110R(S) Scottish Housing Regulator Registered No HAL 153

loreburnha

Loreburn HA

loreburn living · 3 l oreburn ha has won charity employer of the year at the s1jobs.com awards...

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