John Richardson's experience
We are a residents' association in Weston, Bath called
Chandler Close & M.B.E. We represent four closes in
this area, with some 150 properties over 200 residents. We had
been in existence from September 2005 organising social events and
dealing with issues affecting our area. In 2007 we saw an
article on the National Housing Federation website about European
Neighbours' Day and decided this would be a good vehicle to bring
neighbours of all ages together.
How did the residents’ association organise the event?
We have a 17-person committee. Our starting point
was what we wished to put on and then how would we fund it. Our
first call was to Somer Community Housing Trust, our
landlord, and they gave us £200. This gave us the confidence to
book the duo act for £100 and the bouncy castle for £50, with £50
spare for unforeseen expenses.
There followed lots of meetings to cover all
aspects of the day, including health and safety, our local
licensing office for entertainment, local transport and highways
office in order to suspend traffic restrictions for that day, local
police to bring an information van to allow residents to interact
with them as well as providing added security to the day. Our local
ice cream man was also invited.
This was a great success and residents are still talking about it.
This year we are planning to put on another day on the 14th June.
All our acts are booked and because it was such a success, we have
only made minor changes.
My top tips for other groups are:
- First speak to your landlord.
- Plan early.
- Cover all legal implications.
- Involve as many residents as possible in the
planning/preparation and on the day in order for them to take
ownership of the event.
- Do not be put off by cost, e.g. a busker
will come along for a small donation plus his hat.
- Plan fundraising events to raise funds for next
year.
- Check for talent in your own area - we found a
blues guitar and a duo in our close.