Feeling squeezed? - Hyde Housing Association

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Meet the Neighbours
By Steve cable | HYde
Karen Reddington is a Hyde resident who three years
ago moved from London to a three bedroom house in
Woodcut, Penenden Heath, Maidstone.
This summer she helped us out by
judging the Kent Gardening competition
and also organised a ‘Big Lunch’ in the
street where she lives. When I met up
with her recently we spoke about this
and about the big change she made
when she decided to move with her
family to Kent.
SC “So tell me what life was like for
you in London”
KR – “I was born and grew up in
London and we lived in a Hyde property
in Bermondsey, I come from a big family
with lots of friends and I loved living
there. When we moved to Maidstone
my biggest fear was that I was on my
own and didn’t know anybody but the
neighbours were fantastic. There was a
time early on when we lost our power,
but they helped us out by providing us
with electricity by using extension leads
from their homes.
SC – “Do you like living in Kent”
KR – “I love it, when I first drove into
Woodcut and saw the fields and hills it
was amazing. The neighbours are great,
the schools are great and I love the
shopping in Maidstone. In London I may
have been able to see Tower Bridge
from my window but it was through the
middle of two tower blocks, Kent is so
beautiful”
SC - “Tell me about your family”
KR – “I live with my partner and my
three children the oldest is 17 and at
college and I have two young children
aged 5 and 4”
SC – “This year you helped to judge
the Kent Gardening competition,
was that something you enjoyed?”
KR – Very much so. I love gardening
although I’m not very knowledgeable.
I saw some fantastic gardens and they
inspired me to work on my own which
I’m going to do once I’ve finished the
decorating!”
SC – “Ah, you enjoy D.I.Y as well?
KR – “Yes, I’m in the middle of
decorating at the moment, upholstering
furniture and putting some new lights
up”
SC – You organised a ‘Big Lunch’
event at Woodcut in August, how
did that go”
KR – “I saw an advert for ‘The Big Lunch’
which is a national event they even
have a website www.thebiglunch.com .
Although the weather wasn’t great our
event was brilliant; everyone came out
and had a great day. The neighbours
helped to organise it and a lot of the
mums baked cakes and treats. The
fire brigade turned up and Maidstone
borough council provided us with large
rubbish bins. At one point we had a
giant tug of war where it seemed the
whole street was outside pulling on the
rope.”
SC – “are you planning on
organising it again next year?”
KR – Yes we’ve already started talking
about what we are going to do next
year it’s so good to see adults talking to
the children and I think it helps children
learn respect when they see adults in
those circumstances.
SC – One last question, what advice
would you give another resident
who might be thinking about
organising a community event or
big lunch where they live?”
KR – “Just go for it. Start the ball rolling
by talking to your neighbours and if you
get enough support do it, don’t just think
about doing it. You can talk to Hyde who
will help. After all everyone loves getting
together and having fun – Don’t they!
Hyde open
doors for
learners
The Hyde ‘Open Doors
to Learning’ grant is
available to all Hyde
residents over 18 who
would like to sign up to
a course being run by
Kent Adult Education.
KAE offer over 4,000 courses
annually at over 700 learning
centres across Kent. So far 13
Hyde residents have taken up the
opportunity to apply for the award
receiving up to £100 discount from
Hyde off the course of their choice.
Just some of the courses residents
have enjoyed include yoga, pottery,
pilates and jewellery making.
Whether you’re looking to gain a
qualification, or just try something
new, whatever your reason KAE
courses are a great way to learn at
a level that’s right for you. It’s also a
great way of meeting new friends.
You can find out more about what
courses are available by going to
www.kentadulteducation.co.uk
Hyde Open Doors to Learning funds
are limited so if you’re thinking
about signing up for a course don’t
wait too long. For more information
or to receive a course brochure call
Steve or Victoria on 01622 356463
or email talkkent@hyde-housing.
co.uk
04 | Living | Winter 2009