Harvest Housing Group held a Residents’ Open Day at the City of Manchester Stadium last month, exclusively for residents – both tenants and homeowners, who were invited to discover all that Harvest has to offer.
Throughout the day, Harvest Housing Group showcased all of their services and the neighbourhoods they work in. Employees were on hand to offer their support and answer any queries relating to housing needs, services and communities.
However, it was no typical resident open day! The well-known board game Monopoly was the theme of the day, and “Mr Monopoly”, complete with top hat and tuxedo was on hand to meet and greet residents and part-host the event! The day ended with all guests gathering to take part in an interactive Monopoly game, where up-to-the-minute handheld control panels were used to select answers to the quiz questions.
Everyone who attended the day was automatically entered into a free prize draw. Guests were also given the chance to take part in the “Monopoly Treasure Hunt Game Card” by answering questions at each stall they visited. All correct answers were entered into a prize draw to win £200 of high street vouchers.
Michelle Gregg, Executive Director – Service Delivery, who opened the day, said:
“It was great to meet with residents to showcase our many services and discover their likes and dislikes in their neighbourhoods. Through fun mechanisms we were able to find out first hand invaluable knowledge like their preferred ways of getting involved with the
Group, people’s preferences for rewards and incentives and priorities for spending the Group’s income.”
Speaking on the day, a satisfied resident commented,
“It is nice to meet all the staff at Harvest, and find out what different people do.”
A second visitor added,
“We didn't realise how many services were on offer. Today has been very worthwhile.”
During the afternoon, guests took part in an awards ceremony; The 2007 Montgomery Awards. The Montgomery Awards are organised by Harvest Housing Group to recognise those groups or individuals who have made a real difference to the lives of others within their communities and neighbourhoods. The awards have now entered their 3rd consecutive year, and are named after Harvest's former Chair, Lady Joyce Montgomery, who is now its Patron.
Certificates and cheques were handed out generously to deserving people. The Biddulph East Residents Association were voted the overall group winners, receiving £2,500 for their commitment and work within the community. They have a proven track record of running a successful community café and resource centre, and aspire to open a furniture exchange along the parade to help local people who need help to furnish their homes, which their prize money will go towards.
A further six groups and individuals were awarded a runner – up prize of £1,000 from across the North West.