Chevin Champs 2011

Now in their second year, the Chevin Champs Awards 2011 have, once again, been well received by residents and lots of nominations were sent in to us.  The Editorial Panel (which is made up of staff and residents), together with John Murray from Emsleys Solicitors, who are sponsors of the event, made up the judging panel.

The winners were as follows:

Good Neighbour Award
Nominations for the Good Neighbour Award always arrive in abundance and this year was no exception.  There were so many examples of neighbours who really make a difference to their estate or scheme by helping with domestic tasks, emotional support or just a friendly chat.  The winner was Fred Brown of Hull, who received two nominations as follows:
1.He goes out of his way to help everyone in the area with gardening and DIY and not wanting anything in return.  He is a great help and role model in the community.

2.He is the best!  Fred is a handy-man for all of us in our bungalows (or anybody).  Nothing is too much bother for him, he can turn his hand to anything.  He always has a smile, he has saved us all a lot of money.

Green Fingers Award
Staff member Ken Jowsey and Chair of the Selby resident’s panel Don Smith completed the gardening competition judging this year.  Judging took place over two days and the standard was really high again.  Winners were Victor and Margaret Chambers of Pontefract, who have previously won the competition on four occasions!

Community Action Award
The winner, Helen McCallum of Harrogate, has made a huge impact on her community over the past year.  Helen has organised the local neighbourhood watch scheme, the children’s gardening club (which was recently entered in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition) and numerous other projects to keep the scheme litter free, to improve security and ensure the health and well-being of residents.  The scheme are currently in the process of setting up an official tenants’ and residents’ group so they can apply for more funding.  Helen received two nominations as follows:
1.She has and continues to work with residents, councillors and Police to make many improvements to our area including reduction in crime, new lighting, road markings and signs, advice to residents, regular newsletters, welcomes new neighbours, children’s involvement.  She pays 100% dedication to us all.

2.She does a huge amount of community liaison and runs the neighbourhood watch scheme at Swinton Court.

ROSE Award (Recognition Of Service Excellence)
Residents nominated a staff member who they thought had gone the ‘extra mile’.  Louise Parker was successful in winning the award for the second year running.  Louise received three nominations from residents she works with and they said:
1.Nothing is too much for Louise.  She is kind, helpful and will endeavour to make sure all is well.  She is a credit to Chevin.

2.She has been very helpful, she is always on hand to speak to you.  If she is not at her office she always rings you.

3. Since I got a house with Chevin, Louise has been brilliant, very kind and helpful, always happy to help.  She deserves the award.

Trophies, certificates and vouchers were presented to the winners at the awards ceremony on 16th September at Woolley Hall (after the AGM).