More than 130 people enjoyed a TARA Showcase as the spotlight fell on the excellent work of local community groups in improving Rotherham neighbourhoods. The event on  January 26th highlighted the real improvements that can be made when local people come together to work on behalf of their neighbours. The showcase, which was opened by Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, Rotherham Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, featured presentations by a number of community groups, as well as stalls by various other Tenants and Residents Associations and partner organisations. Steve Ruffle, RotherFed Development Manager, said: “The Showcase was a tremendous success. Those attending heard presentations from a variety of community groups who have successfully tackled issues of importance to their local neighbourhoods such as improving community spirit and safety. I am sure everyone attending will have left with lots of ideas about how they can make similar improvements in their own communities.”

Ian Lomas from Harley Village Partnership

Visitors to the free event at RotherFed’s Springwell Gardens Community Centre base, Eastwood View, learnt about the Harley Village Partnership’s ambition to build a village hall to act as a focal point for the local community. After nine years of campaigning they have gained the land and access they need to build and are now looking for funding to start building the hall.

Ian Jones from Richmond Park TARA

A presentation by the Richmond Park TARA showed how people-power can improve the safety of a neighbourhood. Together with local councillors, the group helped highlight road safety problems at a local school where children needed to cross a main road. They produced a hard-hitting presentation for a Rotherham Borough Council Cabinet meeting which gave a powerful insight into the problem. This resulted in speed humps being installed at either side of the school entrance and a new crossing person employed to help the children cross the road in safety.

Bill Sykes from KBUG

 The Kiveton Bungalow Group explained how they have improved the range of activities on offer and the quality of life of residents living in sheltered housing complexes in the Kiveton and Wales area.

Flanderwell TARA Presentation

Meanwhile the Flanderwell TARA gave a group presentation, with the support of 2010 Rotherham Ltd’s Neighbourhood Champion Helen Turner, about the variety of work they do in their local community. This includes organising a Community Fun Day, regular bingo sessions and coach trips to places and events of interest such as the Blackpool Lights and The Deep in Hull.  As well as presentations and stalls from TARAs, representatives from partner organisation including 2010 Rotherham Ltd, Rotherham Borough Council, Voluntary Action Rotherham, Anglian Windows, Henry Boot and the Tenant Participation Advisory Service were on hand throughout the event to offer help and advice.