South West Area - Associations

Balby West TARA

The Balby West TARA is one of the most established Tenants and Residents Associations within Doncaster. It has been running for 14 years and since 1998 it has been based on the first floor of the Balby Family Centre.

The TARA is open to any local residents or people from outside the area with close local links. It has no political or religious emphasis it is careful not to impose any discriminations regarding age, sex, gender or race.

One project that the TARA has undertaken a leading role in is the regeneration of a local eyesore into a modern playground and community park, 'The Bullring', of Waverley Avenue. This initiative is funded by Yorkshire Environmental Trust, Doncaster Council, Sanctuary Housing and SRB2. It uses designs and ideas of local residents including children.

Features of the Bullring project include: -

Climbing frame with safe surfaces
Dog proof railings
Swings, roundabouts, basketball and football area
Pavilion and seating area
Substantial foliage landscaping

Within the Family Centre many social activities are organised and occur. Almost daily, coffee mornings, bingo sessions and informal drop-ins take place. The facilities and space within the premises also enables a number of other activities to be held there such as self defence classes, computer sessions and games events like snooker.

One of the main aims of the TARA is to bring the community closer together, breaking down barriers that exist between members of the community. One of the methods it is pursuing to help bring this about is to organise frequent day trips (bringing young and elderly residents together) and festive events such as Christmas parties.

Offices on the TARA floor are used by outreach agents from external organisations for example Doncaster MBC Housing Directorate have a weekly surgery and Doncaster College run some personal development courses such as first aid.

The Duke of York Award

The Duke of York Award was held at the College of St Johns, in York. The civic Mayor of DONCASTER Cllr Mick Jameson accompanied the Balby West T.A.R.A. This was by special invitation by the T.A.R.A for being the sponsor and supporting the Association

photo L Hall

Linda Hall with the award

There were 22 other groups who received the award, 7 of these groups were from DONCASTER.

The Balby West Tenants and Residents Association was the only TARA at this event.

The Groups had their own displays and after the presentation by His Royal Highness the Duke of York, he came around the displays and spoke to the award winners.

He acknowledged the hard work and commitments that everyone had put in and he greatly believes in the work done by the community in the community.

The Balby west Tenants and Residents Association feel very privileged to be honoured by this award in recognition of the work that as been done in the past and present and hopefully in the future, we hope that this will not be the only TARA that will achieve this award.

This award lasts for three years and can be re applied for after this time.

We wish all Tara’s success in their endeavours and hope to see their names put forward in the future.

Good luck

Doncaster Federation, The Haywood Room, Council House, College Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. DN1 3AJ
Tel: (01302) 737490 Fax: (01302) 341620 © Diogenese
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