Phoenix Newsletter article: We're Building!!...By Ray Clarke

Over the last 8 weeks, Phoenix has undertaken an unprecedented development programme..

An agreement between Phoenix Community Housing Co-Operative & Poplar Harca Housing Association has afforded Phoenix the use of 5 vacant ground floor properties at Sumner House in Watts Grove, Bow, London E3.

These properties will offer mid-term agreements to our membership.

In addition to the successful completion of the renovations to these properties, Poplar Harca will offer Phoenix up to 85 more units "in perpetuity". Ultimately providing some more security for our membership and a little more financial stability in an extremely unstable economic/ housing climate.

On site throughout the course of this project is
Chris Bridges (07973383430)

Chris has many years of experience & training in the construction industry. As site manager, Chris is also fully trained in all aspects of health & safety.

As a member of Phoenix, I can truly say that being around
Chris has been an education.
Brazing copper pipes, fitting toilets and bathroom sinks,
removing old rendering, damp-proofing, Sanding down are just a few of the skills I would not have picked up off chris had I not become involved.






Chris loves playing with his toy!

Chris drilling a larger hole for the sink drainage..

Fitting my first toilet

(cistern & throne!)...

My first sink plumbing!!(including

my second compression valve)

Along side Chris we have Johnny Walker (07879618081)

Johnny has to date successfully co-ordinated volunteers from Phoenix Membership. Galvanising us into transforming
these 5 properties into a viable, affordable housing solution.

"I cannot express the awards you get from working on this project!! Volunteers who have given their time usually spend much more than they orignally volunteer, which goes to show the tangible benefits members get educationally, socially and, dare I say it, spiritually."

As well as overseeing the membership participation Johnny has broadened Phoenix's awareness by bring to our attention the economic and ecological benefits of joining a community paint scheme. Phoenix are now implementing this scheme, providing a useful supply of paint in a variety of colours to it's managed properties.

In fact, great emphasis has been given to renovation and sustainability throughout this development programme: Refurbishing existing cupboards, skirting boards, doors, restoring pipework and heating systems. This is as environmentally & ecologically conscious a project as anyone can hope to become involved in.

So far this project has amassed around 100 hours of labour per week through membership participation. But this is by no means enough to complete this scale of work and more help is vital to the success of this project.

At the time of writing this, out of the 5 properties managed & developed by Phoenix, 1 is currently now being let to Phoenix members, with another ground floor flat potentially ready to be let by Friday 26th June. Work to the 3 remaining flats are ongoing.

Phoenix would like to thank all it's active members for donating their time and effort into such a timely and essential project.
If you'd like to become involved, contact Chris Bridges on 07973383430, Johnny Walker on 07879618081, or contact Alison Masterman at the Phoenix Office on 020 7033 9539