Insight Winter 2011 - South Essex Homes

YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR NEWS | 7
Major milestone
Congratulations to Lisa Witton, a resident of South Essex Homes, who has this year
celebrated her 108th birthday surrounded by friends and family.
Mrs Witton was born on 18th July 1903. She was the youngest
of three sisters and spent her early years being cared for by her
grandparents in Ipswich, Suffolk.
After Mrs Witton finished her education, she went on to qualify
as a Chartered Accountant and worked for many big businesses
in London. She soon married, but shortly afterward, her husband
was called to the army and unfortunately was killed in the war.
Lisa carried on working as a Chartered Accountant until her
retirement.
Sheltered housing has been Mrs Witton’s home of choice for a
number of years; she moved to Trafford House four years ago.
Mrs Witton puts her long life down to having a good sense of
humour. She also enjoys being independent and still prepares
her own meals.
Councillor Nigel Folkard, SEH Board member, also paid a
congratulatory visit to Mrs Witton on her birthday.
Happy birthday Mrs Witton – 108-year-old is
congratulated by Councillor Nigel Folkard
Focus on residents
The South Essex Homes Residents’ Awards Conference
was held on Thursday 24th November at the Cliffs
Pavilion.
This annual event is an opportunity to thank all resident
representatives for their hard work during the past year and
for us to report back on the performance of South Essex
Homes. Various awards were presented to nominated
tenants for their commitment to resident participation
and their general community.
This year’s conference merged with the Christmas ‘Meet
and Greet’, which allowed residents time to network, meet
new people and exchange good ideas. Attendees also
participated in a fun quiz, with prizes for winners and
runners-up.
Photos from the event and details of award winners will
be available in the next issue of Insight.
Gardens in bloom
Residents are celebrating after putting their
horticultural know-how to the test at the
third annual Gardens in Bloom competition,
held at Southchurch Hall Park in August.
Their green-fingered skills were judged in seven
categories. The competition was extended this year to
include special categories for children under the age of
16, including ‘tallest sunflower’ and a colouring competition.
Winners were presented with their awards by Southend
Mayor Councillor David Norman and South Essex Homes
Chair, Phil Lyons.
Phil Lyons commented: “I am proud of all our residents who
have made such a fantastic effort to cultivate their
gardens large and small. Those who’ve participated have set
a great example for other members of the community.”
Look out for details of next year’s competition in future
issues of Insight magazine!
Blooming marvellous! Garden in Bloom winners with their certificates,
joined by Southend Mayor Councillor David Norman (far right)