July 10 2009
Tenant clinches prize
A Doncaster tenant is celebrating after
winning a St. Leger Homes’ prize draw.
Robert Burton from Conisbrough, received £100
of High Street vouchers after filling in a Customer Satisfaction
Questionnaire (CSQ) following improvement works to his
home.
Henry Boot, one of St Leger Homes’
construction partners, fitted a new kitchen, bathroom, fireplace
and carried out rewiring in Robert’s home. St. Leger Homes is also
working in partnership with Bramall Construction and Wates Living
Space to transform council homes across the borough.
Robert was the lucky one out of hundreds who
had also filled in the questionnaire, which gives tenants the
opportunity to comment on the work they have had.
Robert said: “The workers had done a great job
with fitting my new bathroom. I am looking forward to spending my
vouchers on something for my new bathroom.”
Susan Jordan, chief executive of St Leger
Homes of Doncaster, said: “Congratulations to Robert on his
winnings, I am pleased he is happy with the work he has had done.
The questionnaires we send tenants after their work are vital for
us to hear their views. We are always looking for ways to improve
our service so we encourage our tenants to be honest with us.”
St. Leger Homes will be spending more than £300 million in total
across Doncaster as part of the Decent Homes Programme - over £100
million has so far been spent. This year £43 million will be
invested into over 3500 council homes to bring them up to
a decent standard.
June 12 2009
Mick joins St Leger Homes
St Leger Homes of Doncaster has appointed Mick
Werritt as Director of Property Services.
Mick (51), of Leeds, was previously head of
housing investment at Hull City Council. He has also worked at
Leeds South East Homes and Leeds City Council.
St Leger Homes is the organisation that
manages around 22,000 homes for Doncaster Council.
Mick said: “I have worked in social housing
for the last ten years and I am looking forward to using my wealth
of experience to benefit council tenants in Doncaster.”
Mick will oversee services including the Decent Homes project
and responsive and planned repairs.
June 9 2009
Bloomin’ marvellous
Balby Bridge is looking bloomin’ marvellous,
thanks to green-fingered young people who live on the estate.
Around 40 youngsters headed to the Boughen
Centre to take part in school holiday activities, sprucing up
planters and creating colourful hanging baskets to take home.
The event was run by Balby Bridge Tenants’ and
Residents’ Association (TARA) and supported by the area’s safer
neighbourhood team, Doncaster Council, St Leger Homes of Doncaster
and South Yorkshire Police.
Eleven-year-old Aaron Byers said: “The event has been
brilliant.”
June 9 2009
Doncaster tenants to benefit from new
initiative
A Doncaster housing organisation has
rubber-stamped a new roofing method where tenants can reap the
benefits now and in the future.
St. Leger Homes of Doncaster has introduced a
new roofing product aiming to improve efficiency and safety within
the company.
The company that manages Doncaster Council
properties are now using a rubber-based product on all their
flat-roofed properties.
Workers previously used felt and bitumen to
help protect leaking roofs but this method ran a health and safety
risk as the bitumen was so hot to work with. It also posed a
problem when moving from job-to-job as the bitumen substance is
difficult to handle when travelling.
Barry Mitchell of St. Leger Homes said: “I am
part of the team that researched this new product called Firestone
EPDM and we have already started to see the benefits. The product
has a guarantee of 20 years and a lifespan of 50 years which will
mean our tenants will benefit as their roof won’t need repairing,
plus it will save time in the future to carry out other repair
work.”
This new product has also made a vast
difference to the appearance of a property as the seals around the
edge of the rubber layer make an overall neater finish to the
job.
Paul Lightfoot, assistant director of St. Leger Homes said: “We
are always looking at ways we can be more innovative and efficient
and the lads working on the roofing project have done a great job
in introducing this product as it is now being used
company-wide.”
June 6 2009
We want you….
Are you a council tenant in Doncaster?
If so, St Leger Homes – the organisation that
manages around 22,000 homes for Doncaster Council - is
looking for tenants who would like to get involved with the
organisation to help shape the services they provide.
The company is holding its 2nd
Annual Involvement Day on September 30 at Castle Park Rugby Club,
Armthorpe. Here, St Leger staff will let tenants know how they can
become involved. The day also includes looking at the
Doncaster Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’ and how St Leger
Homes works with them.
St Leger Homes encourages tenants to get
involved with the organisation and has tenants involved at every
level, from Board membership to being involved with focus groups.
The company supports local tenants’ and residents’
associations and has the Doncaster Young Tenants’ Action Group for
younger tenants.
Meryl Liddell, St Leger Homes community
liaison manager, said: “We always appreciate tenants’ ideas and
feedback. They receive the services we offer and are the best
people to help us shape them for the future.”
Places are limited so to reserve your place ring St Leger Homes’
community liaison team on 01302 862292 or email community.liaison@stlegerhomes.co.uk.
June 3 2009
Wheel good choice!
Doncaster council tenants in Wheatley received
a taste of how their houses will soon look, as they prepare for
their homes to be transformed.
St. Leger Homes of Doncaster Decent Homes
Programme has started on houses in the area where work on tenants’
homes can include new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors, new
fireplaces, rewiring and central heating.
Tenants were invited to visit the new Decent
Homes trailer at a special event, organised by St. Leger Homes and
Bramall Construction. They could choose from a selection of
displays including the style and colours of new kitchens, bathrooms
and/or fireplaces.
Ena Donoghue of Jubliee Close was there to
choose the styles for her new kitchen and bathroom. Ena said: “The
colour options are great and I’m really looking forward to having
my new kitchen fitted.”
In Doncaster around £300 million is being
spent on the Decent Homes Programme to ensure all properties meet
the government’s Decent Homes standard. This year £43 million is
being invested in 3500 homes across the borough.
Paul Elliott, assistant director at St. Leger
Homes said: “We are dedicated to providing quality homes in quality
neighbourhoods. We are working on 138 homes at Wheatley where
approximately £1.2 million will be invested in this area alone. We
are looking forward to working with the tenants in completing the
work.”
Dylan Gelder, liaison manager for Bramall Construction added:
"The choice event at Wheatley was very successful. We
always welcome the opportunity to build a relationship with local
residents and we are looking forward to starting work in the
area.”
May 27 2009
FAST thinking for St. Leger Homes’
staff
Staff at a housing organisation have been
FAST-tracked in recognising the signs of a stroke.
Staff at St. Leger Homes of Doncaster received
advice and free blood pressure tests as part of the Primary Care
Trusts’ and The Stroke Associations’ FAST campaign which highlights
the key aspects on what to look out for if you think someone is
having a stroke; Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems and
the need to act quickly - Time.
St. Leger Homes is an Arms Length Management
Organisation which manages around 22,000 properties
on behalf of Doncaster Council.
Susan Jordan, Chief Executive of St. Leger
Homes said: “We have seen incidents where some members of staff
have acted fast and saved lives from recognising the signs of a
stroke so it is highly important that we are all made aware of what
to look for.”
According to The Stroke Association, every
five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke and so St. Leger Homes
has teamed up with the Doncaster PCT to help raise awareness of
stroke symptoms to their staff members.
Caroline Mackintosh, the Stroke Outreach
Team Leader for Doncaster PCT said: “We are working alongside the
Stroke Association to make people aware of the signs of a stroke.
Acting fast with a suspected stroke is essential and we hope our
work today has helped spread this message.”
Anyone wanting information about the FAST campaign, can contact
The Stroke Association Helpline on 0845 3033100.
May 22 2009
Giving pupils an insight into housing
industry
A Doncaster housing organisation is working
with the town’s deaf school to give students an insight into the
world of work.
Staff from St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the
organisation that manages approximately 22,000 homes for Doncaster
Council – visited the school recently to discuss construction
trades with the pupils.
Blaine Baumber, St Leger Homes’ training
co-ordinator, together with two of the company’s bricklayers
Richard Dove and Nick Coles, who are both deaf, communicated with a
number of construction students.
Blaine said: “Richard and Nick signed to the
students about their jobs and we had a question and answer
session. Students wanted to know more about what it’s like to
work in the housing sector. Richard and Nick have worked at other
companies too so could tell the students about what it is like in
the housing industry.”
Bobbie Roberts, Chair of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are very
pleased to have developed such a close working relationship with St
Leger Homes and are always thankful for the time their staff invest
in working with our students.”
May 13 2009
Boost for Balby toddlers
Toddlers in Balby can explore even more thanks
to a £1,000 donation from a Doncaster housing organisation.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages around 22,000 homes for
Doncaster Council – gave the Evanston Gardens Toddler Group the
money to buy fencing, to make the toddlers’ play area safe and
secure, and for additional toys. Many tenants’ children
attend the sessions.
Sue Wostenholm, toddler group organiser and
secretary for the Balby Littlemoor Tenants’ and Residents’
Association, said:”The money has given this playgroup a fantastic
boost. We’ve been running now for around 2 years. The toys we’ve
bought with this cash, a climbing frame with slide and playhouse,
mean the little ones can have a great time.”
John Young, Chairman of St Leger Homes of
Doncaster, said: “We firmly believe in investing in the communities
we serve and are pleased that the children are enjoying their new
toys in a safer environment.”
May 11 2009
Belles to boost fitness and
confidence
A Doncaster housing organisation has teamed up
with Doncaster Rovers Belles with one goal….to encourage young
people living on the borough’s council estates to keep fit and
healthy.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation
responsible for managing around 22,000 properties for
Doncaster Council – and the Belles, one of the top women’s clubs in
the country, will work together on a range of activities.
The workshops will be aimed at young people,
involving them in community focused activities, to help build
confidence and fitness.
The Belles will also tackle anti-social
behaviour by providing positive activities for young people
Jonathan James, Chairman of Doncaster Rovers
Belles Ladies Football Club said: “This is a fantastic opportunity
to get our club out into the community and to really try and make a
difference to the lives of the young people in Doncaster. Our
players and coaching staff are only too ready to start working on
this project along with the Doncaster Council tenants.”
Susan Jordan, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster,
said: “It’s good to be working in partnership with the town’s
ladies football team. They will be working with young people living
on the borough’s council estates to boost confidence and fitness
and during diversionary activities to encourage good
behaviour.”
April 24 2009
New centre opens its
doors
Doncaster’s Good Neighbour of the Year, Averil
Redsull, has officially opened the new Doncaster Federation
Tenants’ and Residents’ Resource Centre.
The centre, based at 40 St James Street, Balby
Bridge, is where the Doncaster Federation of Tenants’ and
Residents’ Association’s committee – called the Standing Joint
Committee - is based.
The centre will be open Monday to Friday
between 9.00 am and 3.00pm and visitors will be able to access the
internet. There are 15 computers at the new centre which will
enable training to take place and there will be drop-in surgeries
for benefits advice, financial training sessions and sexual health
advice amongst many other services. There is a confidential meeting
room and baby change facilities at the centre too.
Lyn Ralph, Chair of the Doncaster Federation, said: “ A Tenants’
and Residents’ Association (TARA) or a tenant club can provide one
of the best ways for tenants and residents to become involved in
the decision making processes that affect their lives and the
development of their local communities.
“There are more than 70 TARAs and tenants’ clubs in Doncaster,” she
added. “The groups join together - or are affiliated - under the
umbrella title of the Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents
Associations.”
Averil added: “I am privileged and honoured to
open this centre and encourage tenants and residents to use this
fantastic facility. In these hard economic times unity in the
community is more important than ever.”
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation
that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council -
encourages the formation of associations and clubs.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the Doncaster Federation
or TARAs should pop into the new centre or call them on 01302
737490.
April 21 2009
New offices open
Two new St Leger Homes offices have officially
opened their doors.
The offices at The Bridge Centre, Bridge
Street, Thorne, and Church Street, Conisbrough, offer a range of
services and can be used to pay rent, council tax, water rates and
other council payments.
The official honours at both offices were
carried out by Lyn Ralph, vice-chair of St Leger Homes of Doncaster
and chair of The Doncaster Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’
Associations. She said: “Offices such as these are a vital link
between St Leger Homes and the communities we serve. We are more
than just a landlord and offer a wide range of services for
tenants. These new offices, as well as our existing ones, contain a
wealth of information for our customers. I hope you agree with me
that the new office is a more pleasant environment and is also more
accessible.”
Visitor to the Conisbrough office George Wood
said: “I like the new office a lot. It’s so much easier to get to.”
While William Cope, of Denaby, added: “The office and the staff are
lovely. This office is ideal for me, it’s near the post office and
the shops.”
Both receptions are open Monday to Friday from
8.30am to 5pm, except Wednesday when the office closes at 4pm, so
that staff can be kept up-to-date on information for customers,
and the cash office opens 8.45am – 4pm.
April 9 2009
Facebook helps to communicate with
younger tenants
A Doncaster housing organisation has tapped
into Facebook to communicate with its younger tenants.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation
that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster
Council – has worked with the Doncaster Young Tenants’ Action Group
(DYTAG) to launch the initiative.
It means that young tenants – either at home,
work or in the library - can easily tap into the DYTAG page and
find out what’s happening with the group.
St Leger Homes works with DYTAG to help shape
the services it offers.
Nyssa Hird, St Leger Homes’ diversity officer,
said:” We want to make it as easy as possible for young tenants to
get involved and have a say on how we can shape services. This is
an ideal way to do so. It means they can find out information and
ask questions 24-hours-a-day.”
For more information either ring Nyssa on 01302 862624 or
on Facebook search ‘DYTAG’.
April 3 2009
New look for Balby community
centre
A community centre in Balby has been
cooking-up-a-treat after a kitchen makeover.
Activity has been brewing inside the
Westbourne Community Centre after having a new kitchen fitted by
Wates Living Space, one of the contractors working on the St. Leger
Homes’ Decent Homes Programme.
The community centre has had its kitchen
completely ripped out with all the cupboards replaced and new
flooring fitted. Joanne Jamieson of Wates Living Space along with
some of the tenants was the first one to use the new kitchen where
she served guests with tea and scones.
Mrs Maureen Benfold, part of the committee
that helps to run the community centre was thrilled with their new
look: “The kitchen looks fantastic, what an improvement, it has
really changed the whole look of the centre. Thank you to Wates
Living Space for the work.”
Wates Living Space worked alongside
sub-contractors Rixon Way Kitchens, LGL Electrical and PBS Group to
transform the old kitchen.
Joanne Jamieson of Wates Living Space said:
“This is our way of thanking the tenants for their support when we
carried out Decent Homes work on their properties. It has been a
pleasure getting to know the tenants at the centre. They have
helped out so much so this is our way of giving something back to
them.”
St. Leger Homes is working in partnership with
Wates Living Space, Bramall Construction and Henry Boot
Construction to improve council properties as part of the Decent
Homes Programme - 64 homes on the Westbourne Gardens estate were
completed as part of this programme.
Paul Elliott, assistant director for St. Leger
Homes said: “We encourage our construction partners to take part in
the community outside the Decent Homes Programme. All three of our
partners have contributed to the community and we hope this will
continue in the future.”
Dennis and Maureen Benfold were finalists in the ‘Tenant of the
Year’ category at the 2008 Tenant Participation Advisory Service
(TPAS) national awards after Wates Living Space entered them for
all the support they had shown to their community and Wates
throughout the work.
April 2 2009
More training on offer
A new set of free training courses for
Doncaster Council tenants is on offer.
The courses, organised by St Leger Homes of
Doncaster – the organisation that manages just over 21,000
properties for Doncaster Council – cover a wide range of subjects
including spreadsheets for beginners; newsletter writing; website
design; family finance; ICT; confidence building; internet skills,
food safety and much more.
The courses are held at a range of central
Doncaster centres and run from 9.15am till 3pm – to make it easier
for parents to attend.
Lynne Harrison, Community Liaison Officer at
St Leger Homes, said: “These courses are on offer to encourage our
tenants to learn new skills. So far the courses we have held
have been a huge success and we look forward to seeing more tenants
attending these training sessions.”
For more details please contact St Leger Homes’ Community
Liaison Team on 01302 862292 or email community.liaison@stlegerhomes.co.uk
March 29 2009
Happy birthday Silverwood
House
A landmark block of flats in Doncaster is
celebrating its 40th birthday – and one of its longest
serving tenants has notched up as many years in her home.
Tenants started moving into Silverwood House
at Balby Bridge in 1969 and one of them was Sandra Griffiths, now
68, who moved into the first floor of the flats when they were
first built and continues to love living there today.
Sandra grew up in the Balby Bridge area,
initially living in a terraced home on Elsworth Street. But the
houses were demolished to make way for flats to be built and Sandra
moved into Silverwood House.
The flats are managed by St Leger Homes – the
organisation that manage just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster
Council
Sandra said: “We were among the first tenants
to move in because we were on the first floor. In fact, we
moved in while the workmen were still completing the inside of the
flats on the higher floors.
“During my 40 years here we’ve had some great times,” said
Sandra, who is married to Alfred. “I wouldn’t live anywhere else. I
absolutely love it here. When ever I go to visit family or on
holiday I love coming home to my flat. I wouldn’t swap it for
anything!”
March 29 2009
Good Neighbour of the year is
crowned
A Warmsworth council tenant has been crowned
Doncaster’s Good Neighbour of 2008.
Averil Redsull, of Coronation Gardens, was
bestowed with the prestigious title at the weekend at the Doncaster
Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations’ ‘Unity in the
Community’ event at Doncaster Racecourse.
After overcoming a serious illness around 35
years ago, Averil became an active and well-respected volunteer in
her community.
She was secretary of the local youth club and
one of the founder members of the Neighbourhood Watch group she has
also been members of various tenant groups. She is currently
involved heavily in tenant consultation with St Leger Homes of
Doncaster – the organisation responsible for managing just over
21,000 properties for Doncaster Council.
Averil has also recently encouraged tenants
and residents to form a TARA (a tenants’ and residents’
association) to tackle issues on their estate – such as dangerous
parking. She was also a founder member of the Victim Support
group in Doncaster and a family history group.
Jayne Tindall, who nominated Averil, said:
“Averil is considered a trustworthy and valuable neighbour. She is
responsible for checking on nearby homes while occupiers are away
or ill. She is friendly and caring and is welcomed into people’s
homes. There is no doubt that Averil will continue to be the one
that people feel comfortable enough to turn to and confide in in
any situation as she has a big heart and is always willing to
help.”
Lyn Ralph, of The Doncaster Federation, said:
“There were so many excellent entries this year for this award but
Averil’s submission shone out.”
Judith Jones, Acting Chief Executive of St
Leger Homes of Doncaster, added:” Well done Averil! Averil is an
excellent example of a good neighbour. I know we have many good
neighbours on the estates we manage and I want to thank them
all.”
March 29 2009
Offices on the move
Two of St Leger Homes’ offices are on the
move.
The Thorne Cash Office and all St Leger Homes’
staff currently at Thorne Hall are moving down the street to The
Bridge Centre, on Bridge Street. Meanwhile, the Conisbrough Cash
Office, currently in The Priory, High Street, is moving to 62
Church Street. St Leger Homes’ rent and estates staff are
also moving and will provide a drop in facility at the new cash
office.
The new offices will open on April
March 12 2009
New repairs service rolls
out
A Doncaster housing organisation is rolling
out a MOT for homes to stop small repairs turning into bigger
ones.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation
that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster
Council – has already successfully trialled the preventative
maintenance service in Doncaster’s rural areas and in Edlington. It
was such a success it is now being rolled out across the
borough.
Over the next 12 months the organisation’s
repairs teams will visit around 16,000 houses and bungalows. During
the visit, St Leger Homes’ staff will check to see if any repairs
need doing on a range of items including guttering, doors and
taps.
St Leger Homes’ tenants will receive an
appointment letter to let them know when the repairs staff will be
visiting their home and the service will start rolling out shortly
in Armthorpe, Cantley, Thorne, Hatfield, Stainforth, Rossington,
Askern, Wadworth, Austerfield, Moorends, Mexborough and Denaby
Main.
Kevin Fisher, business manager of the
development team at St Leger Homes, said: “This initiative will
improve our customer service even more. It means we can solve
small faults before they become a big problem, resulting in a
better service for tenants.”
Billy Woodroffe, team leader for the service,
added: “The new service has already received a lot of compliments.
Tenants are receiving this really well. They are delighted that we
are going out to see them.”
March 9 2009
Soaring success
Record crowds attended this year’s Unity in
the Community event on Saturday at Doncaster Racecourse.
Around 1500 visitors attended the event, which
is organised by the Doncaster Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’
Associations and is supported by St Leger Homes.
There was a wide range of attractions
including jugglers, Irish and street dance demonstrations, a
marching band, cheerleaders, circus skills on display, arts,
crafts, and nail and face painting. There was also a display by the
fire service and information and advice from a wide range of
agencies including benefits, health and finance and much more.
Lyn Ralph, of the Doncaster Federation, said:
“We gained record crowds this year. Thank you to all who attended
who made the day such an amazing success.”
March 5 2009
Making homes safer
A Doncaster landlord has teamed up with South
Yorkshire Fire and Rescue to help make tenants’ homes safer.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the company that
manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster Council –
is working with the fire service to introduce smoke alarms into
homes that don’t already have them.
Tenants without smoke alarms in Methley House
flats on Balby Bridge will be the first to be invited to have one
installed. And when St Leger Homes’ staff visit tenants’ houses
across the borough to carry out yearly gas or solid fuel servicing,
if the tenant doesn’t have a smoke alarm, they will gain permission
to pass their name and address over to the fire service.
Fire service staff will then arrange to
visit the tenant to carry out a fire safety check and install a
smoke alarm if necessary. They will give the tenant advice on
how to make their home safer and what to do in the event of a
fire.
Peter Jeffrey of St Leger Homes, who is
leading on the project, said: “This is a great initiative. We are
working hand in hand with the fire service to make homes safer and
if a fire does break out, this action should help to save
lives.”
Doncaster District Manager Phil Shillito, from
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, added: "We are
delighted that St Leger Homes and their tenants are working with us
to reduce the risks posed by fire. At this time of year
in particular, fires in the home can be more common as people
try to keep warm with electric blankets and portable heaters.
When we visit properties we try to reduce the risk of a fire
breaking out, but also install smoke alarms and advise on
issues like escape routes, so that people have a greater chance of
getting out unharmed.
"Our free home fire safety checks are
available to anyone in the county. To find out more please
log on to http://www.syfire.gov.uk/ or call
us on 0114 253 2314."
February 27 2009
5000th Home is transformed in
Doncaster
A Cantley couple are the 5000th to
see their whole house transformed as part of a major investment
into council houses in Doncaster.
May and Gerald Cleary saw their home undergo
work which included installation of a new boiler, new external
doors, fireplace, bathroom and some rewiring. This was the
5000th home to undergo work on the ‘one hit’ programme –
meaning all of the work was carried out in one go over a number of
weeks.
The one hit work is carried out as part of the
Decent Homes project. So far £100 million has been invested into
13,377 homes overall. This includes £80 million invested in one hit
work – this particular work can include new kitchens, bathrooms and
rewiring, windows and external doors. While others have undergone
external work such as re-pointing and associated roof repairs as
well as replacement guttering, soffits and fascia boards.
St Leger Homes – the organisation responsible
for managing just over 21,000 homes for Doncaster Council – is
delivering the £300 million investment into Doncaster’s council
homes on behalf of the local authority. The organisation is
working with Bramall Construction, Wates Living Space and Henry
Boot Construction to deliver the work.
Mrs Cleary said: “We are so happy with the
work. We love where we live and the additional work has made our
home even nicer and more comfortable.”
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Stuart Exelby, added:
“Council tenants in the borough are entitled to live in the best
possible accommodation and we are thrilled to see such positive
results as we hit this significant milestone. It has been one of
the Mayor’s key priorities to ensure we go above and beyond the
Government’s Decent Homes Standard and deliver good quality
housing, through his enhanced Doncaster Decency Standard, to our
local residents such as Mr and Mrs Cleary.”
Judith Jones, Acting Chief Executive of St
Leger Homes, said: “Tenants’ homes are being transformed and it is
great to see Mr and Mrs Cleary enjoying the improvements we have
made.”
February 13 2009
Boost for children's
hospice
A Doncaster housing organisation has given
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice a £1,000 boost.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster - the
organisation that manages just over 21,000 properties for Doncaster
Council - received the money from a film company after giving it
the green-light to film on one of its council house estates.
Council tenants in Stainforth saw their street
transported back to the 1970s when the Channel 4 film crew rolled
into the area to film a new drama serial, Red Riding, which will be
shown on TV in spring.
The drama is set in a fictional area, but
these particular homes were chosen because of the style of housing
and the backdrop. The drama includes stars Sean Bean and Mark
Addy.
Judith Jones, Acting Chief Executive of St
Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: “We received the money for allowing
the crew to film in this area. We decided the money ought to go to
a good cause and chose the hospice, which carries out such
wonderful work supporting sick children and their families.”
Helen Mower, Community Fundraiser for Bluebell
Wood, said: “We are delighted that St Leger Homes chose to support
Bluebell Wood from this unusual initiative. The money will be
really well spent, helping us to support over 80 local
families.”
At Christmas staff at St Leger Homes also
raised a further £150 for Bluebell Wood by donating cash instead of
sending cards to each other.
February 12 2009
Bloomin' marvellous community project
Young people from a Conisbrough school will be
sprucing up their gardening skills thanks to a £1,400 boost for a
community project.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster and Bramall
Construction have between them donated £1,400 to The Oval Tenants’
and Residents’ Association (TARA) at Conisbrough to help them fund
their efforts in this year’s Estate in Bloom competition.
The money will be used to buy bulbs and
gardening tools and the young people from Northcliffe School will
carry out the gardening – including designing the flower beds – as
part of an award they are working for from the Prince’s Trust.
The money will also go towards buying a number
of hanging baskets, which will be planted in April/May, which
tenants and residents in the area can request for their home.
Carol Sellers, Chair of The Oval TARA, said:
“This project will give the area a colourful boost and at the same
time help young people gain skills. I want to thank St Leger
Homes and Bramall Construction for giving the TARA the opportunity
to do this.”
Dave Wilkinson, neighbourhood housing manager
for St Leger Homes, added: ”We were only too pleased to help and
look forward to seeing lots of colour on The Oval in the
summer.”
Dylan Gelder, Liaison Manager from Bramall
Construction added: “At Bramall we aim to leave a lasting legacy in
the communities we work in. I’m pleased we could help out at The
Oval and hope the area benefits from its new look for many years to
come.”
February 05 2009
Walk this way!
Doncaster Council tenants are being invited to
join in a number of walks – to help highlight any issues on the
borough’s council estates.
Doncaster Council tenants are being invited to
join in a number of walks in the New Year.
We carry out estate walks on all the estates
it manages every three months. The walks help to highlight any
issues on the borough’s council estates.
St Leger Homes teams up with Doncaster
Council, South Yorkshire Police and local councillors to look for
any problems that may need rectifying – such as graffiti or
litter. After the walks the improvements are carried out.
In January the walks will take place in:
·
BalbyBridge area
- For more information ring 01302 736734
·
Balby North and Hexthorpe - For details ring 01302
862264.
·
Balby South - For more information ring 01302
862264.
·
Intake - For details ring 01302 862268.
·
Wheatley and Clay Lane - Tel 01302 862296
·
Bentley - Call 01302 734153.
·
Toll Bar - Tel 01302 734161
·
Woodlands, Skellow and outer areas - Tel 01302
734149
·
Askern - Tel 01302 734161
·
Dunscroft and Hatfield - Tel 01302 862441
·
Stainforth and surrounding areas - Ring 01302
734103.
·
Armthorpe – Tel 01302 862443
·
Cantley - For more details ring 01302 734191.
·
Rossington - Tel 01302 734182.
·
Bawtry, Tickhill and surrounding areas - Tel 01302
734191
·
Conisbrough - Tel 01302 735806.
·
Mexborough East - Tel 01302 735832.
·
Mexborough West - Tel 01302 735821.
·
Denaby - Tel 01302 735806.
·
Edlington and Warmsworth - Tel 01302 735825.
February 05 2009
Doncaster manager wins prestigious
accolade
A Doncaster diversity manager has won a
prestigious regional award for making a difference to local
communities.
Mahroof Hussain MBE (40), of Rotherham, who
works for St Leger Homes of Doncaster received an award as
the local champion in the Making A Difference in Yorkshire and
Humber 2008 awards from the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly.
Mahroof, who has worked for St Leger Homes for
three years and who is a Rotherham Borough Councillor, was
nominated for the award by Rotherham Council.
Mahroof said: “There must be lots of champions
in Yorkshire and Humberside who are worthy of receiving this. I am
extremely pleased to receive this accolade.”
Mahroof’s achievements include raising £5000
for flood victims; raising money for earthquake victims in
Pakistan; and after the London bombings he worked with local vicars
and churches to keep communities united.
February 02
2009
Director goes back to the
floor
A St. Leger Homes director has gone
‘back to the floor’ and spent a day in the repairs call centre
– speaking to tenants and organising the necessary repairs to their
homes.
Ken Hopkins, Interim Director of Property
Services, spent time working in the Repairs Contact Centre to find
out what issues are important to tenants and to take comments and
ideas from staff on how to enhance services.
The Repairs Contact Centre works 8am – 7pm
during the week and receives around 117,000 calls per year. In
partnership with Doncaster Council, St Leger Homes provides a 24
hour on call emergency service for tenants.
Ken said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my day in
the contact centre. Our staff are really friendly and offer a
thoroughly professional service to help our tenants sort out the
repairs their homes need.”
January 26 2009
Walk this way!
Doncaster Council tenants are being invited to
join in a number of walks – to help highlight any issues on the
borough’s council estates.
St Leger Homes of Doncaster – carry out
estate walks on all the estates it manages every three months.
We team up with Doncaster Council, South
Yorkshire Police and local councillors to look for any problems
that may need rectifying – such as graffiti or litter. After
the walks the improvements are carried out.
Dave Abbott, assistant director at St Leger
Homes, said: “The estate walks are a great way of picking up any
concerns tenants have. It means we actively find out what needs
doing and then plan for any work that needs to take place.”
In December the walks will take place:
December 9 - Craganour Place area, of Denaby
December 16 - Bolton Street area, Denaby. Anyone wanting to
attend these walks should ring 01302 735806 for more details.
December 11 - Auburn Avenue Area of
Edlington – to join in ring 01302 735832.
December 9 - Oak Close, Maple Road and Eden
Terrace, Mexborough. For more details ring 01302 735821.
December 15 – Grange Lane and Attlee Avenue,
Rossington – to join in call 01302 735911.
December 11 – Church Road estate,
Stainforth
December 22 – Kingsway estate, Church Road High, Stainforth –
for more details ring 01302 862243.
December 18 – Ash Grove and Beech Road,
Armthorpe – ring 01302 862243.
December 9 – the Ennerdale estate, Wheatley –
ring 01302 862278.
December 11 – Cromwell Drive, Melton Rd,
Melling Ave and Montagu Road, Sprotbrough – call 01302 862264
December 8 – Springwell Lane, Westbourne
Gardens, Walpole Close and Priestley Close – telephone 01302 862270
for details.
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