Aire Valley Homes Residents Association Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Published by JenCooke for National Federation of ALMOs in Housing and also in Communities

An Aire Valley Homes residents association, Whinmoor ‘B’, has kicked off its landmark ten year anniversary with a party for local primary school children at St Luke’s Church in Swarcliffe.

The Whinmoor ‘B’ group raised £460 to fund the celebrations, including £340 donated from Aire Valley Homes’ Outer South East Area Panel. The celebrations included a ‘pocket panto’, and clowns to entertain over 80 guests who attended the party last week including 60 children from Swarcliffe and Grimes Dyke Primary Schools.

The event was a colourful celebration with party hats, balloons and bunting. A couple of mischievous clowns entertained the children with tricks, and actors performed the pantomime classic Jack and the Beanstalk. A special celebratory cake in the shape of a number ten and featuring little icing houses, was donated by Swarcliffe Good Neighbours.

Whinmoor ‘B’ began life in 1999 as a group formed by residents in Swarcliffe who wanted a say on the projects being planned in the area at the time. Since then the group has gone from strength to strength with its own projects, all helping improve people’s lives and giving residents a voice on issues that matter to them.

Since it began, Whinmoor ‘B’ has been involved in many projects that have had a positive effect on the community, from food parcels to flower planting, and open days to Christmas carol concerts. Following on from the anniversary event, Whinmoor ‘B’ is celebrating by looking back at all the positive effects the group has had on the community.

For example, in the winter of 2004/2005 182 cold weather food parcels were given to elderly and vulnerable residents in Swarcliffe to avoid going out in the cold weather while also engaging with them to identify any underlying issues.

Whinmoor ‘B’ runs annual open days every August where it brings together all community service providers under one roof. This enables residents to address any issues on one day in one place. The successful day is attended by service providers including Aire Valley Homes, the Police and maintenance contractors.

Rita Granger, and Dot Scahill, Chair and Secretary of Whinmoor ‘B’ respectively, are actively involved in fundraising and have raised thousands of pounds to fund the various activities.

Dot said: “We set up the Whinmoor ‘B’ group to address a number of issues in the area. Through hard work and targeted projects we have tried to make the area into one that its residents can be proud of. We will continue to work with Aire Valley Homes and others to ensure Swarcliffe remains a safe, pleasant place to live.”

Ian Montgomery, Customer Communications Manager at Aire Valley Homes said: “Dot came to see us 10 years ago, telling us residents wanted more of a say about what was going on. Ten years later the residents group she formed is right at the heart of the community, speaking out for local residents and working tirelessly on everyday projects that hundreds of residents, enjoy. We’re proud of the association for dedicating themselves for all this time and they should be proud of themselves too.”

Councillor Suzi Armitage was present at the anniversary celebrations and has been involved with the Whinmoor ‘B’ group since they formed. Suzi said: “Whinmoor ‘B’ is one of our area’s most successful and long running resident groups. The group has worked really hard over the years to look after its members and build a stronger community. What’s best about them is that they touch all parts of the community, old and young, and make a practical difference, like improving the environment. Three local councillors are always keen to support the group and congratulations on holding such a fantastic party.”