16 November 2013

Wythenshawe Community Housing Group – Let’s Grow Together

Wythenshawe Community  Housing Group (WCHG) held its first Tenant Conference since the formation of  the partnership between Willow Park and Parkway Green in April 2013 at  Wythenshawe Forum on Thursday, 7th November.

Around 250 attendees  enjoyed a packed agenda - including a "chat show" and "Question  Time" with senior management and staff.  There was also a chance for  tenants to have fun and win prizes with a game of "play your cards  right".

The highlight of the  event was the Community Awards, to celebrate the fantastic work that our  tenants and residents do, which also included the Garden competition  winners.

There was even time  for the Real Food Wythenshawe Team to do a cookery demonstration of Leek and  Potato soup to really get people in the mood for a wonderful lunch.

Eddy Newman, Chair of  the WCHG Board, said; “Many of our tenants work with us on our committees and  panels and I am proud to be here at the Tenant Conference as we take some time  out to celebrate some key achievements for the Group and recognise some of  those unsung heroes across our neighbourhoods in our Community Awards.”

The Lord Mayor of  Manchester, Councillor Naeem ul Hassan attended the conference and presented  the prizes to the winners of the Community Awards and Garden Competition.

And the winners were:

Well  done to everyone who was nominated!

Garden  Competition Winners!   Best Garden winner –  Monica Winters, Benchill   Best Garden runner up  – Brian Whitehead, Northern Moor   Front Garden winner –  Christine and Anthony Robinson, Newall Green   Front Garden runner  up – Brenda Jones, Newall Green   Judges Special Award  – Grant Higginson, Baguley   Home Owners Award  winner – Annie Craven, Baguley   Home Owners runner up  – Mr and Mrs Simons, Brooklands   Communal Gardens  winner – Shenton TRA, Brooklands   Communal Gardens  runner up – Alf Morris Court, Brooklands Well  done to everyone who entered!

Nigel Wilson, Group  Chief Executive Officer of WCHG thanked everyone for coming along to the  event.  He said, “Since the group began  back in April we have undergone a fair amount of change but we have remained  focussed on delivering a first class service to our tenants.  This is the time of year that we take stock  and reflect on our progress so far, so we are delighted that you have had this  opportunity to ask some questions and feedback your comments so that we  continue to provide you with an excellent service that meets your needs.”

Bernard Caine, Chair  of the WCHG Tenant Committee said “It was an excellent conference with great  support from the tenants and the feedback I’ve received has been very  positive.  We are already looking forward to next year! I’m excited about  the challenges ahead and more opportunities for the tenants to get involved!”

WCHG Involvement  Manager Dean Slavin said “It was a great day for the Group and thank you to all  those who came to the event.  I would  also like to pay special thanks to the Community Angels who led on organising  the whole event! If you would like to get involved or find out more please  don’t hesitate to get in contact with the Involvement team for a chat on 0300  111 0000/0800 633 5500 or email getinvolved@wchg.org.uk”

The event was organised by the  Wythenshawe Community Housing Groups’ Community Angels and ConnectIN Housing (http://www.connectin.co.uk)