Story: Sabrina Ahmed
Anne Sheldon and Gladys Newbolt have retired from the Wensley Tenants and Residents Association (TARA). After many years spent devoted to the organisation they spoke to me about the highlights and memories of their years at the TARA.
Anne had been a member for over 20 years alongside her husband and chairman Roger Sheldon who sadly passed away 2 years ago. “My role throughout the years was ‘treasurer’ but I had attended committee meetings for 2 to 3 years in the 1980s”. Unfortunately the TARA came to an end after this period, but the encouraging words of a friend led Anne to decide to take on the role in the TARA again, saving it from folding in the 1990s.
Gladys had been attending general meetings before becoming a member of the committee “I've now been secretary for 15 years”. Wensley TARA is an organisation which attempts to improve life for the local community. Gladys explained why she joined the TARA, “I felt guilty, the TARA committee were doing something for me. I wanted to return something to the community. My eyes were opened to what the TARA does. I think that without the TARA the estate would be poorer”. Anne similarly stated, “I have tried to make a difference to the community through the TARA.”
Both Gladys and Anne have made a huge difference to the estate. They worked closely with organisations and services, for instance the council, the police and the local school. These relationships meant drastic changes could be made; changes which affect the lives of residents to this day. They campaigned for speed bumps to be placed on the estate to avoid accidents on roads near the school which improved the safety of the area. In the early years of the estate, Anne campaigned for gas fires to be fitted in some homes, as the original radiators were inadequate. Anne also explained how they supported ‘Decent Homes’ improvements to take place, meaning new bathrooms and kitchens for the houses in the estate. Gladys explained how they got new railings fitted so residents could have their own garden space.
Anne and Gladys along with the TARA committee, made the appearance of the estate better by organising events such as ‘spring clean’ days which included litter picking and planting spring bulbs. They also aimed to help residents to become better citizens. “We received funding and put on football for 41 weeks, once a week and extra funding for summer holiday activities,” Gladys described, “After this project the kids were able to form friendships with adults and police and saw them as people they could talk to.” Anne and Gladys both agreed that these were the real rewards of the work, seeing children develop positive attitudes and seeing respect and positive relationships increase on the estate. I went on to ask Anne and Gladys if they feel the estate has improved because of the TARA. Gladys said: “I hope so.” Anne added, “I think they have, maybe not 100%, but things are much better.”
Due to Anne and Gladys’ retirement a new committee are now responsible for the TARA. I asked how they felt handing over the duty and Gladys said, “I wish the new committee all the very best. TARA committees and officers are not paid. They are committed to helping the estate’s tenants and residents. All I ask is that the tenants and residents of Wensley recognise the work that the TARA is doing and supports them by attending meetings or joining the committee. I also thank everyone that has supported us and helped Wensley.”
New committee for Wensley TARA --- Following the retirement of Gladys and Anne from the Wensley TARA committee, several residents have come forward to volunteer to keep the TARA going. Wilf Griffiths is the new secretary, Fatima Own is the chair, and Mark Hutchinson will be the Treasurer.
The group will be holding a general meeting on Monday 13th October, 5pm at Wensley Community Centre and they hope other local residents will come along to get involved and share their ideas. It’s very important that residents attend the TARA public meetings, so that the TARA can continue. Look out for the TARA newsletter for more details or contact Wilf on 07878 429 144 or email wilf.griffiths@aol.com