Success was golden for Rotherham community groups as their excellent work on behalf of their local neighbourhoods was rewarded with prestigious Gold awards. The Rotherham Federation of Tenants & Residents (RotherFed) Quality Awards saw members of Tenants and Residents Associations (TARAs) presented with first and second place Gold awards across five categories.

Now in their third year, the awards not only recognise the hard work of the 32 TARAs affiliated to RotherFed, but are designed to improve quality standards by providing examples of excellence. Each of the community groups has a different aim, ranging from building greater community spirit, to reducing anti-social behaviour, to improving health and well-being.

Top prizes went to:

Managing Your TARA:
Anston New Estate TARA (first place), Hellaby Community Project (second place)

Communication:
Flanderwell Area TARA (first), Kiveton Bungalow User Group (second)

Financial Control:
Blackburn TARA (first), St Josephs Tenants Association (second)

 
Involving Our Communities:
Kiveton Bungalow User Group (first), Flanderwell Area TARA (second)

 
Equalities:
Blackburn TARA (first), Anston New Estate TARA (second)

Winners at the event on Tuesday, March 23 at RotherFed’s Springwell Gardens Community Centre base in Eastwood View were presented with their awards, plus a cheque for £200 (first prize) or £100 (second prize) by the Quality Awards judges - Claire Hawley, Federation Advisor for Barnsley Tenants Federation and Sneh Soni, Resident Involvement Manager with 2010 Rotherham Ltd.

Claire Hawley from Barnsley Tenants Federation said: “It is always a pleasure to judge RotherFed’s awards and this year was no exception. The quality and dynamics of the work that the individual TARAs undertake is amazing, from grass roots community work to high level strategic intervention.”

Sneh Soni from 2010 Rotherham Ltd added: “The bids put together for the awards were very impressive in terms of quality and the effort put into pulling them together. There were some very close decisions as most of those who applied excelled. As well as doing a fantastic job locally on behalf of their neighbourhoods, TARAs play an invaluable role in supporting service organisations such as 2010 Rotherham Ltd, Rotherham Borough Council and RotherFed. At 2010 we couldn’t do without our tenant volunteers who are doing spectacular work for us and their fellow tenants.”

The presentation of awards followed RotherFed’s Annual General Meeting, which was opened by Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, Rotherham Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods. He praised the work of members of individual Tenants and Residents Associations across Rotherham and their devotion to improving their local communities, as well as the work of RotherFed itself.

Cllr Akhtar said: “"Community cohesion is something very close to my heart and I am delighted with the efforts made by the great team at RotherFed to bring residents together. I am proud to support them and wish them the best of luck in the forthcoming year. The progress made by RotherFed never ceases to amaze me. I fully support their great work in the community and will continue to do so through the coming year. RotherFed has become a household name because of their excellent links within our communities. I am proud to work closely with them in helping them achieve their goals.”

At past awards ceremonies, a number of Gold and Silver awards were presented in each category. This year RotherFed increased the prize money and offered just one first and second place Gold award in each category. The aim was to stretch the goal-posts and reward real excellence, dedication and professionalism.