Mario Bautista
The boss of a housing provider has visited a new housing estate near Selby to present awards to new residents who created prize-winning gardens.
54North Homes Managing Director Mark Pearson went to Thorpe Willoughby to mark its housing association’s popular summer In Bloom competition.
He toured new-build homes which residents moved into just months ago – but who still found time to create prize-winning gardens.
Rhiannon Curran, of Tamworth Grove, won the best children’s garden category for creating a fun play area for her two youngsters, Roman, two, and one-year-old Rio.
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She created a garden bordered with plants and hanging baskets and added a swing and slide for her children to enjoy.
Rhiannon, who also installed a decked porch, barbeque area and a shed, said: “I’m shocked to have won. We’ve only really just moved in, so I wasn’t expecting a prize.
“We got the keys on 30 January, but didn’t actually move in until about March, and I roped in a friend to help with the garden.”
She added Roman and Rio spent hours over the summer enjoying the play equipment and a little paddling pool she also installed.
54North Homes Managing Director Mark toured the development with housing officers Amelia Hicks and Susan Daniel.
It comprises 70 properties, built for parent company Karbon Homes and managed by 54North Homes, that are a mix of Affordable Rent, Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy.
The scheme is near other houses and close to playing fields and a sports centre.
Mark said: “It’s a rural community and our homes have been added to this area over recent months.
“The community that was already here and well established have welcomed 54North customers and it’s important that we continue to build on that partnership.”
He added:“It’s been a delight to see the pride customers take in their gardens and to present them with these awards.
“What’s especially lovely to see is our newer customers getting involved in the In Bloom competition. It’s a popular and growing competition, and we hope for even more entries next year.”
Amy Stewart, also of Tamworth Grove, won best first-time entrant for creating a calming, yet colourful, garden boasting a summer house.
She said: “I got interested in gardening through having house plants inside, and when we moved here, it had a garden that was like a blank slate to work from.
“I wanted to make it a nice place for our family and friends to enjoy. And I also find gardening a peaceful hobby to learn.”
Meanwhile, Anne Greaves, of York, was a double winner, triumphing for having the best overall garden and also best themed garden.
Housing Officer Amelia said 54North Homes supports customers to lead fulfilling lives and will provide additional help were possible.
She said: “Just one example is where a new-build property consisting of flats was handed over with a bike shed.
“However, it wasn’t within the builder’s specification to provide bicycle racks inside.
“But because our customers expressed to us that they wanted to secure their bicycles, some budget has been allocated to purchase the racks and we hope these can be installed in the near future.”
Amelia added: “We discuss building good and strong communities a lot.
“It starts from the beginning of the assessment process, letting customers know about our expectations, but also what they can expect from us and what other things we might be able to help with.”
