I don't know what is maybe different this time in the latest edition that come in with the rent statement but somehow it seems different, even more informative and a damn good read. I know they are always informative and can be something of interest for all throughout the pages but I sat down with a cuppa after looking at the rent statement and had a read. Normally I skim read it and make a mental note on what I want to go back and read more fully. That's nothing new for me, I do the same with all magazines and read what I call the best bits and then read the rest.
The latest edition I found interesting from start to finish and seemed even more packed with info and useful stuff from under occupation write up which we went through ourselves a couple of years back to the smart meter stuff which are replacing the more conventional meters and meant to be a better option. The Great Estates was a good read as was the ODS info and the pending changes in the service. Being topical and with the changing season the information about mould was a good reminder as is something I dare say most of us come across over the years in some form or other. Who is Steve?! I found interesting as I enjoy the quiz corner so reading a bit about the chap behind it was enlightening.
The lightfest and Christmas lighting festival, I think given how this year has gone and what has been a trying time for us all in so many ways it sounds a lovely way to try and brighten life and the darker evenings and how sometimes lighting can change our moods or just make us feel better somehow. I know we have said we plan to decorate for Christmas a bit more with lights around the place and the decorations. Just the idea feels uplifting and something to look forward to and how it may add a cosy effect to the darker evenings and wintry chills that no doubt be about. I have already brought this lighting thing with stars on the ends which is designed to hang in like a living room window, my thought was it will look nice and also to anyone who sees it from the outside it may give them a bit of cheer too somehow. I just have to make sure I put it up now!
What did others think of the latest edition? 😀
Had the rent statement and TinT magazine arrive and done my usual sit down with a cuppa and a read. Though had read online is still good to be able to sit and read it in paper form too. Thoroughly enjoyed your articles Brenda. I was surprised to find my name in there this time so have had some interesting comments from my neighbours! I did say signed photos can be made available for a small fee!!!
I like your suggestion too Brenda on Christmas and if been abroad at the time and how was celebrated, could make some good and interesting reading. I know not the same but years ago I was in Prague some weeks before Christmas and loved how different it looked in some ways to here as well as coming home with a couple of their handmade Christmas pieces which I knew I could get home safely on the plane.
I love that saying Brenda! Like eating sweets with the wrappers on! Will have to remember that one for the future!
Thank you Olga for your kind comments. I too enjoyed the article from Anthony. I had the pleasure of meeting him before we had the shutdown due to the pandemic. Just looking forward to meeting him again along with the other new Ambassadors and other longer serving members in a face to face situation. Zoom has served us well but I still prefer 'the real thing'. Using a phrase from way back " its like eating sweets with the wrappers still on"!
Has anyone else had a look at the autumn edition that can view online?
I had a look and thought was a great read. I did like seeing names of people I got to know as made it feel even more personal read in some ways. Some great subjects in there and look forward to receiving the hard copy with rent statement at some point. Is good reading online but know I will sit have a cuppa and a read again of the paper format too.
Congrats as always to Justine and all who make it possible 🙂
Fully endorse your feelings. We have every right to moan when we have tried to influence decisions through voting and completing surveys.
Only took a couple of minutes to do the survey and I do my best to encourage neighbours to complete them! I say it is like voting, if you don't have your say or vote then no point whinging after the event! I don't know if is me living up to my name of Grumpy or not with age! 😀😂
Like you I enjoyed the magazine. I do wish more people would follow Anthony Buchanan's example and submit articles for inclusion. You can always write about your involvement experiences but if this daunts you why not submit a recipe, gardening tips, craft ideas or write about something that is important to you? Add photos when necessary. Justine Nunn from the Tenant Involvement Team will always give advice on how to present your article, so why not give it a go?
Pleased that you submitted your views through the survey - hope all the other Ambassadors follow suit.
Thoroughly enjoyed the latest edition of the TinT magazine that come in with the rent statement. As always very informative and some great articles within it. Also did my bit and done the survey that was enclosed. Personally I had a look at the water butt offer as is something I had been thinking about. For now I am still in the pondering stage as would have to look at extending the guttering off our shed to place the butt at end of shed. The kit that comes with the butt would be great but our drainpipe is by back door so not able to have set up there. Anyway rambling as always! But the article made me think and is a good deal so is something I shall continue to ponder on.
The Great Estates article was good and certainly raised a couple of comments from some neighbours, in a positive way I add!
Like Dave found the mag useful and informative as ever. I too have completed the survey and hope others will too,
As for Steve - he's a great guy! Worked with him on several projects and went with him to two TPAS events. As anyone who saw him on the dance floor its no secret he has some great moves! If you read this Steve - please find the time to introduce yourself to those of the Ambassadors who have not met you. You have moved on a lot since we first met and I hope life is treating you well.
You need to chat more with Justine - some great thinking on thoughts :)
Yes I did the survey. I been thinking about what else could add in. I did wonder whether an 'In your area' bit maybe? Either one of us could write something about what is or has been happening in our own area OR throw it open to the readers and ask them to write something and see what feedback, if any comes in. Doesn't have to be anything major going on just something in your own community or area which can show what's happening in and around Oxford. Or an ask the TinT magazine! People can ask general things which are relevant to Oxford and the Council which then may involve folk a bit and even boost numbers of feedback and involvement from readers. Even a history type of question on why is the Westgate so called. Just as an example.
Overall I think personally it is doing well as it is as keeps current and topical on things in the news and happening now and gives relevant advice and pointers to places or websites that can give the answers so thinking like that it cancels out my thoughts of an ask something thought!
I am so pleased you like it - have you completed the survey and also do you have any ideas as to what else we could add in?