Key issues to discuss at
DCH conference on 25 November

It's only three weeks to the DCH National Conference on 25 November. This is a critical time (whether your authority is directly managing homes or has an ALMO) and also a great opportunity to rally our forces to press home the argument for a massive programme of investment in first class council housing. Circulate the conference programme, read the proposed policy statement and make sure there's a broad based delegation coming from your area... more  »

Tenants & Residents Day 2009

Following the huge success we had yet again at our last 'Tenants & Residents Day' (Tenants Conference) back in April 2008 at the Doncaster Racecourse where for the second year running we had over a thousand visitors throughout the day, I am pleased to announce we have confirmed the date and venue for next years event. The date is Saturday 7th March 2009 and will take place again at the excellent Doncaster Racecourse.

The planning for this prestigious event is already underway as we are hoping to make it bigger and better then the previous one so I would ask you all to note the date and let others know as all are welcome to attend. There will be various activities, entertainment and exhibitions on offer to suit all ages and backgrounds.

In addition as part of the conference, the Doncaster Federation will hold its Annual General Meeting as well as the highly successful 'Oscars Day' (Awards Ceremony) similar to what we had at the last conference. This is to celebrate the success and achievements of all the tenants and residents groups in the Borough and in recognition of the individuals that have gone the extra mile in promoting the principles of the tenant movement.

We are asking all TARAs to start thinking of the successes and achievements they have had so we can possibly put them forward for a nomination to win an award.

You can download the forms for all the awards from the list blelow and we hope all the associations/clubs will consider nominating themselves.

The closing date for all nominations for the awards is Wednesday 31st December 2008 and it will be useful to send in any photos or information that illustrates your achievements as well as the completed forms. Please remember to put your group's name on back of any photos so we can safely return them. If you cannot download and print off from the website please let us know so we can have them sent to you.

Tenants raise funds to help mum Cheryl reach her target

Big hearted Doncaster Council tenants and residents have raised a huge £1,307 to help a Mexborough mum hit her target for a Yorkshire hospital.

Tenants of St Leger Homes of Doncaster and residents took part in a coffee morning recently to get the cash rolling in, which has now been handed over to Cheryl Robinson who will present the money to Leeds General Infirmary.

Cheryl and her best friend Nicky Simpkins, who works at St Leger Homes, decided to raise £2,000 to say thank you to the hospital after the birth of baby Max last year. Max was diagnosed with critical pulmonary stenosis and has a hole in one of his heart ducts and a heart murmur. He was rushed to the Leeds hospital where they carried out a life-saving operation.

Cheryl, together with family and friends, and with the money from Doncaster tenants and residents, have exceeded their target by raising £2,405.

Cheryl said: "A big thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of Max, all the family and the Children's Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds General Infirmary. We are overwhelmed with the response we have had.".

Letter of thanks from Childrens Heart Surgery Fund

Lyn Ralph, Chair of the Doncaster Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations and vice chair of St Leger Homes Board, said: "Doncaster tenants and residents did a brilliant job of raising cash for such a worthwhile cause. The amount raised exceeds all expectations. Well done everyone!"

Cheryl added: "It is fantastic what all of these Doncaster people have done. I can't wait to hand over the money to Leeds General Infirmary - the cash will help so many other young patients."