Thank you to everyone who entered our annual gardening competition Greenfingers.

We loved seeing your botanical creations and your creative use of space and are pleased to share with you our winners for 2025!

Best Back Garden – Fiona Kenna

Our Best Back Garden award was presented to our resident Fiona Kenna by Our Head of Customer Service, Lillian Lanek and our Customer Empowerment Lead, Jeremy Kimberley, pictured below.

Fiona has beautifully transformed her outdoor space into a relaxing retreat, using her thoughtful use of design and creating a calming seating area.

Best Community Garden – Soul Food Garden and Gladstone Court

This year’s Best Community Garden category was proudly awarded to two well-deserving winners. Both winners demonstrated how collaboration within the local community can encourage connection, a sense of belonging and positivity within their local areas.

Congratulations to Soul Food Garden and Gladstone Court.

Our Executive Director of Customer and Operational Services Francis Burrows, along with our Customer Empowerment Lead, Jeremy Kimberley are pictured with our winners below.

Best Balcony – Sophie and Robyn Huggins

Our Best Balcony award was presented to Sophie and Robyn Huggins for their nature-filled outdoor space, proving even the smallest of gardens can be transformed into a peaceful escape.

This year Halloween takes place on Friday 31 October and it is likely the celebrations will continue into the weekend. We have put together some handy tips to keep you and your family safe over the Halloween weekend.

Fire safety

• Use battery-operated candles in your pumpkins.
• Use battery-operated torches and glowsticks.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric and make sure they are labelled as flame-resistant.
• Teach children to stay away from pumpkins in case they have a live flame inside.
• If you are decorating your home, please make sure all decorations are away from open flames, ovens, microwaves and radiators.
• Make sure to keep all exits clear of decorations in your home.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are working.

Stay street smart

• Always accompany young children.
• If your older children are trick-or-treating without adult supervision, plan a route with them and agree a time they will get back home.
• Remind children the risk of distracted walking and remind them to not assume cars will always stop at crossings.
• Stay on well-lit streets in well-known areas and always use the pavement.
• Caution children to never enter a house or car to receive their Halloween treat.
• Remind children of all ages what to do in case of an emergency and how to call 999.

Halloween disturbances and home safety

• Remember that some people will not want to be disturbed. If there is a pumpkin outside a house, it’s usually a good sign they are happy to receive trick-or-treaters.
• When out trick-or-treating, be mindful of your noise and do not ring someone’s doorbell or knock more than once.
• If you want to receive trick-or-treaters, always use a door chain or look out of a spy hole/window before opening the door.
• Only open the door if you feel it’s safe to do so. If you don’t feel safe, it’s fine to not open the door.
• Some people leave a bowl of sweets outside their home, so they don’t have to keep answering the door.
• If you’re worried about Halloween night, invite a friend, family member or relative to sit with you.

It’s ok to not take part in Halloween

If you don’t want to receive trick-or-treaters and are concerned about staying safe, always have your doors and windows locked. We have created a poster you can print at home or at your local library to attach to your front door, so you won’t be disturbed.

Happy Diwali! Today as the start of Diwali, the vibrant ‘Festival of Lights’, which marks the Hindu New Year and is celebrated annually with joy and togetherness.

As many people prepare to celebrate, we’ve put together some helpful safety tips to ensure you and your loved ones enjoy the festivities safely.

Fire safety

Diwali sees an increase of oil lamps and candles used around the home, therefore it’s important to keep fire safe.

• Light candles out of reach from children and pets. Also teach children to stay away from open flames.
• If you are decorating your home, make sure all decorations are away from open flames, ovens, microwaves and radiators.
• Ensure Diya lamps are placed securely and in suitable holders. Also ensure tealights are on heat-resistant surfaces.
• Keep open flames away from soft furnishings, such as curtains and throws.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Make sure to keep all exits clear of decorations.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are working.

Cooking family feasts and tasty treats

• Ensure your cooker and hob are always kept clear when not in use.
• Don’t leave pans unattended.
• Don’t leave children unattended in the kitchen.
• Don’t fill a pan with more than one third of oil and if it starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
• Never pour water over hot oil.

Firework safety

• Fireworks must be used outside and by a responsible adult.
• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark and keep them in a closed box.
• Use fireworks one at a time.
• Read and follow the instructions for each firework.
• Place the firework on a stable surface.
• Keep naked flames away from fireworks.
• Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
• Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in a bucket of water for several hours. Then place them in a plastic bag when cooled and place them in a black bin.
• Do not put fireworks in your pocket.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Keep pets inside.
• Ensure children are a safe distance away from the fireworks.
• If you are using sparklers, make sure to wear gloves and place them in a bucket of water when finished.

We hope you have a fantastic Diwali!

This week is Fire Door Safety Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Fire Travels Fast’.

Fire Door Safety Week was launched in 2013 to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of fire door safety.

According to The British Woodworking Federation (BWF), due to the increase of lithium-ion battery operated items such as e-bikes and e-scooters being brought into homes and communal areas, the public’s concern has risen around fire safety in the home.

We have put together information and tips on how to spot if a fire door is not being used properly to prevent any risk to you or your home.

What do fire doors do?

Fire doors create a barrier from fire and toxic smoke and prevent them from travelling through a building, restricting damage to a small area. They also enable people to evacuate a building and provide safe access for the emergency services. A fire door only works if it is installed correctly.

Where are fire doors installed?

In a block of flats, fire doors should be on the stairwells and in corridors and the front door of each flat should also be a fire door. They are also used to protect areas where there is a risk of combustion, for example bin storage areas or mains electricity service cupboards. Sometimes fire doors are installed within individual homes, but this depends on design and layout. Fire doors will also have a blue sign stating they are a fire door. If the fire door is a front door or inside an individual home, it does not need a sign.

Inspection and maintenance

Like all landlords and building owners, we’re legally responsible for fire doors in the common areas of buildings. We inspect our doors regularly. However, if you notice anything wrong with a door, please bring it to our attention by contacting us.

Fire doors as front doors

It is crucial a front door works properly if a fire breaks out, therefore we inspect these regularly. Leaseholders may be responsible for making sure their front door has a suitable fire rating and that compatible components are fitted. This can be checked within the lease agreement.  

Keeping you and your neighbours safe

• Don’t leave a fire door wedged or propped open
• Keep access to fire doors clear and free from obstruction  
• Check your front door closes safely – hold it halfway open, and check the latch engages when you let it go
• If a fire door doesn’t close, report it to us immediately
• Never disconnect an automatic closer – the door is useless if it remains open, and it will allow the spread of smoke and fire
• Don’t remove kitchen or other internal fire doors
• If you’re fitting new carpets, make sure the door still closes smoothly – if it catches on the carpet, consider fitting rising hinges. Don’t trim the door!
• Don’t make new openings in fire doors for cat flaps or letter boxes without seeking advice.
• Do not charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways or communal areas. Also do not charge electric vehicles using a communal plug socket.

Reporting an issue

Please contact us if you find an issue or have further questions. You can also contact your local fire service for further information and visit the Fire Door Safety Week website.

For further fire safety information, click here.

The weather has been warming up again, and with the next bank holiday just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get grilling on the BBQ.

We have put together some tips to keep you safe when using a BBQ:

• Never use a barbecue (including disposables) indoors or on your balcony. 
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area. 
• Don’t cook in communal areas. Have your barbecues in a private space, away from neighbours and well away from sheds, fences, trees or shrubs. 
• Have a fire extinguisher close to hand and know how to use it. You also need to know how to cut the gas supply, and it’s useful to know how to treat burns. 
• Never leave your barbecue unattended. 
• Smoke can get in hair, clothes, eyes and lungs, but also contains carbon monoxide and other dangerous substances. Try and keep your distance as much as possible. 
• Grilling gloves and utensils with a long handle will keep arms and hands safe from flames. 
• Wash your hands before preparing food, after touching raw meat and before eating. 
• Check food is cooked: ideally, burgers, chicken and sausages should be tested with a thermometer before eating and no pink meat should be visible.  
• After you have finished cooking, check the charcoal is cold or the gas has been turned off. Store your barbecue in a safe, dry place and not on your balcony. 
• Remember to clean up your barbecue after using to avoid any pests. 

See more advice on safer barbecues from London Fire Brigade. 

If you have an emergency while having a barbecue, please call 999. 

Are you a Wandle homeowner who wants a real say in how your services are delivered?
This is your chance to be heard and make a difference. We’re launching a new Wandle
Homeowners Panel and are looking for volunteers to join us!

As a panel member, you will:

• Have a direct say in decisions about service charges, major works, consultations, insurance cost and leaseholder matters.
• Hold us accountable and help raise standards.
• Help us improve communication, transparency and service standards.
• Influence how we implement the Service Charges Code and shape policies on shared ownership and leasehold.
• Contribute to our journey towards a HQN accreditation for excellence in homeownership services. Your involvement can help us achieve that goal.
  

The panel will meet quarterly, either in person or online, and will be made up of a diverse group of homeowners from across Wandle homes.

If you are interested in joining the panel, please email homeownership@wandle.com. Please include your name, address. and a few lines about why you’d like to join. Together we can make a real difference.

The UK has already experienced several heatwaves this summer, and even though the sun hasn’t been shining in recent days, the temperature is predicted to heat up again in August. Therefore, we have put together some tips to keep you safe for when the sun returns.  

When the temperature rises, make sure to:

• Use a high protection sunscreen of at least SFF 30, which also has a UVA protection. Apply a generous amount and apply frequently, especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors.
• You can protect your skin by wearing a loose fitting t-shirt and shorts. To protect your face, pop on a hat and some sunglasses.
• Try and not be in direct sunlight between the hours of 11am-3pm as this is when the sun is strongest.
• Keep babies, young children and pets out of direct sunlight.
• Never leave children, anyone vulnerable or pets in a parked locked car.
• Never exercise pets when the temperature is very high. A regular walk could become a medical emergency.
• Always test pavements, footpaths and slabs in gardens and communal areas. If it’s too hot on your hand, it’s too hot for your pet.
• Make sure to drink plenty of water.
• If there are any changes to a mole or mark on your skin, book an appointment with your doctor to make sure everything is ok.

BBQ Safety

• Never use a BBQ (including disposables) indoors or on your balcony.
• Don’t cook in communal areas. Have your barbecues in a private space, away from neighbours and well away from sheds, fences, trees or shrubs.
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the BBQ.
• Have a bucket of water/sand or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. If you’re using a gas BBQ, make sure you know how to cut the gas supply.
• Never leave your barbecue unattended.
• Smoke can get into hair, clothes, eyes and lungs, and can also contain carbon monoxide and other dangerous substances. Try and keep your distance as much as possible.
• Grilling gloves and utensils with a long handle will keep arms and hands safe from flames.
• Check your food is cooked: ideally, burgers, chicken and sausages should be tested with a thermometer before eating and no pink meat should be visible.
• After you have finished cooking, check the charcoal is cold or the gas has been turned off. Store your barbecue in a safe, dry place and not on your balcony.

If you have an emergency while having a BBQ, please call 999.

Tip to keep you and your home cool this summer

• Take lukewarm or cool showers
• Close your windows, doors, curtains and blinds closed during a heatwave to keep the hot air out. When the sun goes down, open your windows and doors to let the cool air in.
• An electric fan is relatively cheap to run and will instantly cool you down. Remember, the fan will not decrease the air temperature, so don’t leave a fan in an empty room, as you will waste energy.
• At night, you might think it’s better to not wear anything, but wearing thin loose clothing will act as a sweat barrier between you and your bed sheets, which will help you feel cooler.

To read more about sun safety, here are some useful websites:

www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk

www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/

www.gov.uk/government/publications/beat-the-heat-hot-weather-advice/beat-the-heat-staying-safe-in-hot-weather

Every year Sureserve Compliance South are required to check landlords gas appliances in your home, such as gas boilers, gas fires and cookers. A degree of flexibility has been introduced for the timing of landlords’ mandatory annual gas safety checks.

The MOT-style change will allow landlords to carry out their annual gas safety check in the two months before the due date and retain the existing expiry date.

This regulation sets out when the next safety check must be completed in order to retain the existing deadline date. It also sets out a one-off flexibility that landlords can use to align the date of an appliance check with that of other appliances at the same premises. This avoids landlords waiting until the last minute and not gaining access or having to shorten the annual cycle check to comply with the law. There is no change to the legal requirement for an annual gas safety check or for maintenance to be carried out.

Here is an example:

An engineer completes a gas safety record on 10 February 2025 which means the next check is due by 10 February 2026 (the “deadline date”). On 5 January 2026, the next gas safety record is completed (about 5 weeks early). The next check will be due on 10 February 2027 despite being done early because the “deadline date” has been retained under the new legislation.

Under the previous rules using this example, the next record would have been due on 5 January 2027.

Please be aware you may be required the have your gas safety check sooner than current expiry as this will then align servicing into the summer months to assist with the winter demand.

If you would like more information or would like to check when your last gas safety check was, please contact Sureserve on 020 3961 5210.

Our annual gardening competition is back for 2025 and by entering you could be in with the chance of winning £150 or £300.

Gardening and tending to plants is a great form of exercise as well as being a positive mindful activity which can boost your mood and help with your mental health.

This year we have three categories:

Community Project: We have loved seeing your community gardens over the years, creating beautiful spaces to share and build together. This year, we want to see examples of how you use gardening to bring your community together.

Prize: £300 cash prize for first place and £150 cash prize for second place, to put towards your community garden.

Best Back Garden: If you love spending time in your garden, attending to your flower beds and creating your own space to enjoy alone or with loved ones, then we want to hear from you and see your beautiful botanical creations!

Prize: £100 Amazon voucher for first place and £50 Amazon voucher for second place.

Best Balcony: Living in London means that some of us have limited outdoor space, so we want to see your beautiful balconies. We are looking for a creative space that is sustainable and wildlife friendly, helping to protect our planet.

Prize: £100 Amazon voucher for first place and £50 Amazon voucher for second place.

You can enter the competition here and entries close on Tuesday 26 August 2025.

Barclays are hosting their Career Discovery Day on Thursday 19 June 2025 from 10am – 12pm at the Barclays headquarters in Canary Wharf.

This is an opportunity to improve your CV, brush up on your interview skills and create a personal brand for the next step in your career.

Whether you are interested in banking or not, their Discovery Day will cover a range of topics applicable to any industry.

The event will include:

• A tour of Barclays Headquarters.
• Developing your personal brand including networking skills and creating/building your LinkedIn account.
• Insights into good interview skills and quality CVs
• Light lunch provided and chance to meet with Barclays colleagues.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from a range of colleagues in the bank who have risen to success from diverse backgrounds whilst demystifying stereotypes of being able to work in the finance sector.  

It promises to be an action-packed event, so please register your interest by emailing us at communications@wandle.com.

The address was Barclays Bank, 1 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5HP