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Free visit from the fire brigade London Fire Brigade will visit the homes of people at risk to offer advice on how to keep safe and, where appropriate, fit a smoke alarm for free. To apply for a home visit, go to the website at… www.london-fire.gov.uk City gardeners The East London Garden Society promotes urban gardening and campaigns to protect the environment. www.elgs.org.uk Property Fire safety advice at Swan fun day BY JESSICA ODUBAYO A COMMUNITY safety day on a Stepney estate gave residents the chance to get advice on fire precautions, and home and personal safety. The event on Saturday, October 26 on the Exmouth Estate was combined with a fun afternoon with free balloon modelling, face painting, badge making and refreshments. Hosted by Swan Housing Association, it was one of London Fire Brigade’s main community events held in the weeks before Bonfire Night and Diwali. More than 100 residents attended and 24 people booked home safety visits, when they will be provided with tailored safety advice. Swan staff were available to chat to residents about any CULTIVATORS of some of east London’s best gardens attended an awards ceremony on October 25, where they were highly praised for their hard work and inventiveness. The East London Garden Society hosted the Best Garden in East London 2013 ceremony at Brady Arts Centre in Whitechapel. Pat Thompson, a former mayor of Poplar, and deputy speaker of Tower Hamlets, Cllr Mohammed Mukit (pictured above), presented trophies and certificates to the winners. Tower Hamlets winners included Jan Webber and Jessica Barnardo, who came second and third in the individual garden category; Kate Dorney, who won bronze in the balcony and container gardens category; and Cranbrook community garden and St Peter’s Church community gardens which won second and third prizes in their category. Val Robinson of St Matthews Row, Bethnal Green was commended for her enthusiasm and determination. housing-related issues ranging from tenancy and rents to welfare. The resident involvement team also provided information on ways to become more involved in activities such as community gardening or signing up for training opportunities. Sandra Fawcett, executive director of housing at Swan Housing Association, said: “We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from residents following our first community safety day. “Swan takes the safety of its residents very seriously and is continuously looking for new, innovative ways to create safe homes and communities.” Borough fire commander Bruce Epsly said: “The day allowed us to talk to those most at risk from fire and offer a home fire safety visit to put up smoke alarms where needed.” Visit www.londonfire.gov.uk Benefits for your garden – and the planet Plant of the Month from the Horticultural Traders Association WHILE most of nature is hibernating in the colder months, winter is the prime time to get new trees into the ground. Trees are best planted in the late autumn, especially bare rooted varieties. Newly planted trees do best when exposed to moderate temperatures and rainfall and they need time to root and acclimatise before the onset of summer heat or the harsher temperatures of winter. ideal as statement specimens. If you’re planning to plant From flowering cherries and trees in the garden then do it crab apples, to evergreen yews now before the ground gets too and weeping willows, trees hard or frozen. They can offer different leaf size, shape tolerate acidic, chalky, sandy and colour. and clay soils, and come in all Many have attractive flowers, shapes and sizes. fruits and seeds, and there Trees can add structure to the are those that flower magnificently landscape and garden, and in spring and those some make excellent hedges whose leaves offer brilliant autumn and screens while others are colour just before leaf fall. Trees can introduce welcome shade, protective shelter and wildlife, can improve your carbon footprint and are an investment for future generations. All trees require some support and protection such as stakes, tree ties and tree guards. Fertiliser can be added to the planting hole and mulch can be added after planting to preserve moisture and keep down weeds. COME AND SEE OUR NEW OFFICE your local authority 789 Commercial Road, St Anne Street, Limehouse, London E14 7HG 3/5 YEARS LEASING OPTION • NO VOID PERIOD • NO MANAGEMENT FEE CASH INCENTIVE FOR LANDLORDS* 1, 2, 3, 4 bedroom flats/houses wanted • Monies paid instantly upon signing *T&C Applies. t 020 7538 8887 Lines open 24 hours info@metropolitanandcrown.com www.metropolitanandcrown.com Did you know? We are the official leasing agents and preferred choice for WE GUARANTEE TO LET YOUR PROPERTY ON THE SAME DAY *T&C APPLIES GUARANTEED year! the RENT weeks of 52 4 – 10 NOVEMBER 2013 N E W S F R O M TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 21


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