Fitzroy residents make an impact
Tenants of Fitzroy Lodge the Living + scheme in Blackwood have formed a new Residents Association. Launched on Friday 14th October with a day packed full of activities at the Living + scheme in Cefn Fforest, the tenants welcomed special guests Chris Evans MP for Islwyn and Jocelyn Davies AM for South Wales East along with Caerphilly’s Mayor Cllr. Vera Jenkins.
By setting up their own Residents Association the tenants of Fitzroy Lodge will be able to feed thoughts and views into United Welsh effectively and efficiently. United Welsh actively support its tenants to come together and work in this way building better communities.
Local MP Chris Evans visited the scheme in the Sirhowy Valley in the morning where he had the joy of listening to Blackwood Primary school’s choir and amazing Celtic band. The children all wore Welsh rugby tops in support of Saturday’s semi-final and sung a very rousing rendition of Calon Lan.
The MP for Islwyn praised the young musicians and congratulated the tenants of Fitzroy Lodge for their drive and ambition in setting up the group. He said; "I was delighted to attend Fitzroy Lodge for this very special occasion and I would like to thank everybody for organising such an enjoyable morning. The students from Blackwood Primary School were fantastic and even though the result did not go Wales’ way, I am sure the boys heard them in New Zealand! I wish the residents every success with their association."
At the event were officers from Communities First, Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisation and Community Police Officers – all on hand to speak to the residents of Fitzroy Lodge and their guests from Living + scheme Glan Yr Afon.
Built in 1980, there are 36 one-bedroom properties in the Living + complex. Living+ provides housing to people 55yrs of age and over. It is a service that specialises in meeting the lifestyle needs of this group of customers and is committed to developing services as people’s needs change.
The Residents Association ‘Big Launch’ was kindly supported by many businesses in the local community; including Angelo’s Store, Talk of the Town, Hairdressers, Planet Aroma, Cwm Bakery, Bosco Nero, Pentllwyn Manor, Clive’s Bakery, Forresters Inn, Sam’s Brasserie and Phoenix Community Transport. Their support enabled the newly formed group to put on a day full of activities for the launch.
Lynda Sagona Director of Housing and Communities for United Welsh attended the launch and said; “We are keen to support groups like the Fitzroy Lodge Residents Association. It gives us a great opportunity to work with our tenants and residents to build stronger communities.”
Delwyn Davies, Chair of the Residents Association spoke of his drive and determination to ensure this group succeeds in its ambitions, he said; “Today has been a fantastic way to mark the launch of our association. This is the start of great things to come for Fitzroy Lodge.”
October 2011
