TS10 Redcar bloggers

Coast & Country helps homeless family rebuild their lives

2012-02-10T12:30:50Z

Coast & Country is helping a mum and three children, one of whom has a disability, turn their lives around.

The New Year has got off to a good start for the Andrews family-of-four who have moved into a newly renovated home in Redcar thanks to Coast & Country & its Empty Homes partners.

Following her divorce, Gill Andrews found herself unable to pay the mortgage on her Eston home, after having to give up her full-time job to care for her 20-year-old son Mark, who has severe learning difficulties.

Ms Andrews, a senior care worker, who is now looking for a part-time job, had the home which she shared with her two other sons, teenagers Graham and Jonathan, repossessed. Finding herself also priced out of the privately rented housing market, she feared ending up on the streets before Coast & Country stepped in.

The family has moved into a newly refurbished seafront home in Clarendon Street, Redcar. The three bedroomed property was part of an innovative project co-ordinated by Coast & Country in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Community Campus 87 and East Cleveland Youth Housing Trust, which involves the renovation of empty homes by trainee workers.

Ms Andrews, who has fostered and adopted several children over the years, said:

"Coast & Country has been fantastic. I don't know what we would have done without them as we had nowhere to go."

Iain Sim, Coast & Country Chief Executive, said: "Changes in circumstances can lead to families finding themselves homeless through no fault of their own.

"Coast & Country is there to help people in housing need rebuild their lives by providing the security of a comfortable and high quality roof over their heads.

"The empty homes scheme not only has provided the Andrews family with a lovely home, but also has brought a dilapidated property, which had a detrimental visual impact on the neighbourhood, back into use. The renovation has also given local trainees the chance to develop skills which will help them find work in the future, so it really does deliver three benefits in one solution."

Coast & Country, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East, found the family temporary accommodation until the Redcar property was ready to move into.

Ms Andrews said: "The house is just perfect for me and my family. It is light and airy and equipped with modern fixture and fittings. An added bonus is that it has the most amazing sea views."

The empty homes project not only helps people learn skills vital to finding work in the construction industry, but also brings much needed empty homes back into use as affordable social housing.

The project brings long-term empty properties back into use, while providing a range of training opportunities and the provision of a new home for rent

The partnership, which is funded by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA), saw eleven properties brought back into use in its first year.

It has proved so successful that Coast & Country has submitted a bid to the HCA to lead a Tees Valley-wide scheme in the future.

Under the current project, landlords, in the Redcar and Cleveland Borough, with homes, which have been unoccupied for a long time, are offered a package of refurbishment work in return for leasing the property to Coast & Country.

Thirty people, who are unemployed, homeless or struggling to gain skills in the construction industry, are training with mentors to refurbish empty homes.

The property owners chosen to participate in the scheme were not 'professional' landlords.

The Empty Homes partners found there were complex reasons why the houses were empty. Some were for emotional reasons including the owner having been left the property, which they could not bear to sell, while others were afraid of the rental market having heard 'horror' stories.

The scheme has won a National Housing Federation (NHF) "Best Impact on Residents' award. The accolade for the scheme was presented at the North East heats of the NHF's 'What We Are Proud of' awards.

Delivering high quality homes Coast & Country is contributing to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of the communities within the immediate region and beyond.

Coast & Country aims to ensure that its regeneration work will have a positive impact on people's lives, achieving a careful balance of new homes for sale and for rent creating the kind of neighbourhoods that will flourish well into the future.

For more information log on to: www.cch-online.org.uk

Coast & Country apprentices take on the apprentice-style challenge

2012-02-08T13:32:18Z

Coast & Country Chief Executive Iain Sim took on the mantle of Lord Sugar when he challenged two teams of apprentices to compete against each other and make money for the Company charities in four days from an initial stake of £50.

The Apprentice-style task involved 16 apprentices split into two teams - 'Team Connection' and 'Not for Profit' - with each nominating a project manager.

The teams went head-to-head in a series of tasks that saw their business skills, creativity and decision-making tested to the maximum.

The teams were mentored and shadowed by two of the Company's Senior Managers Jayne McBride and Anthony Green.

Acting as the eyes and ears of Coast & Country's tough taskmaster Iain Sim, they reported back to him on each of the team's strengths and weaknesses.

After an initial boardroom briefing, the teams held brainstorming sessions where they came up with a variety of money-making plans including washing cars, selling logs and delivering coffee and bacon sandwiches to colleagues at their desks.

Coast & Country' held its exciting contest in the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week, which takes place from February 6 to 10.

At the end of the week-long challenge, the two teams of eight were called back into the board room, where Iain Sim grilled them on how they have performed and decided who should be declared the losers.

Team Connection was 'hired' having raised £1,450 for charity.

The 'fired' team raised £1055, and as the losing team received a further grilling in the boardroom, but it was all for fun, as both teams received cinema vouchers and chocolates as a thank you for all their hard work.

Iain Sim, Chief Executive of Coast & Country, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East, said: "Coast & Country is committed to supporting Apprenticeships as it is vital that organisations maintain a skilled and trained workforce to meet their future needs.

"Taking on the role of Lord Sugar, putting our apprentices to the test and being able to utter that famous phrase 'You're Fired!' was all great fun.

"The Apprentice-style challenge provided an exciting opportunity for our apprentices to build their entrepreneurial skills and work as a team to develop a business strategy and have a taste of the business world."

"However, this initiative also had a serious message - that apprentices are bright and resourceful, and have the initiative to work on their own, but are equally strong as team players.

"Coast & Country believes that putting our apprentices through their paces would demonstrate to others how talented they are, as well as highlighting the benefits of recruiting apprentices."

Those taking part are involved in a wide range of apprenticeships including plumbing, plastering, painting, business administration and joinery.

Adam Pearce, who is training to be an electrician, said: "During our training, our work and knowledge is regularly evaluated. However, it was still quite daunting to be put through your paces in the style of The Apprentice.

"We were all determined to rise to the challenge and turn the £50 we were given into as big a sum as possible."

The money raised will be donated to Coast & Country's chosen charities for 2012, which are Zoe's Place, the Great North Air Ambulance and Cancer Research.

Fourteen of the sixteen apprentices who took part in the enterprise challenge are studying at Redcar & Cleveland College, which has been working closely with Coast & Country to provide educations and skills training for many years.

Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: "I think this is a great way for Coast & Country to inspire young people to be enterprising and get them working together as a team. We have a very close working relationship with Coast & Country and I know that our students that have been involved have really enjoyed the experience. Young people really value it when employers go the extra mile to help them develop their skills and I'd like to congratulate everyone involved."

National Apprenticeship Week aims to:
• Engage and persuade employers of the advantages of employing and supporting apprentices in their workplace
• Highlight the talent and skills of apprentices to employers and the wider public
• Promote the range of Apprenticeships available in different sectors and the progression routes available to potential apprentices.

Delivering high quality homes Coast & Country is contributing to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of the communities within the immediate region and beyond.

For more information log on to: www.cch-online.org.uk

Redcar R&B club

2012-02-02T12:13:52Z

REDCAR RHYTHM BLUES CLUB present GUY TORTORA BAND
25th February 2012, @ The Citz Club, Lord Street, Redcar (behind The Bus Station) Tel 01642 486852. Tickets £8 Guests £7 Members.
Born & raised in Pasadena, California, Guy Tortora is now settled in London, in the UK. He was began playing guitar from the age of 11, and started playing and performing in bands from junior high and high school days in Pasadena, and later around Southern California, soaking up the rich influences of the incredible music scene there in the 60's and 70's when he also travelled widely across the USA and Canada.
What he does as a songwriter and performer is what people like to call Americana these days -- a hard term to define as it seems to mean different things depending on who you're talking to. But if to you it means original songs, well constructed and well performed, in some of the various musical idioms that originated in the USA -- blues, jazz, folk and roots -- and also interpreting the work of other writers in these genres with depth and feeling, then you should check out his work if you haven't already.
Over the last few years he has laid claim to a unique niche on the Blues 'n' Roots scene in the UK and European Continent, from small clubs and theatres to festivals. His two recent solo albums received a warm welcome in the Blues 'n' Roots reviews, a third album was released in 2008 to great acclaim from reviewers and audiences alike. When travelling light, he performs in stripped down acoustic mode either on his own, or accompanied by bass or keyboards. At many UK gigs he appears with the Guy Tortora Band, his own four-piece outfit of accomplished musicians from the UK and Europe. With this band he has performed live with artists as diverse as Eric Clapton, Pee Wee Ellis, John Cleary and Eric Bibb. He has also performed with Paul Jones, host of BBC Radio 2's Rhythm and Blues show, and recorded live sessions for Radio 2 and numerous local stations in the UK and Europe.
Guy is a guitar player of some accomplishment and a talented songwriter. On both acoustic and electric guitars he plays finger style, and is a fine bottleneck and slide player. His playing is not the flashy guitar-slinger style beloved of bluesrockers everywhere, but understated, and leaves room for the songs to make an impact, whether those written from his own unique point of view or the "covers" he performs that include many old standards and traditional tunes as well as songs by more recent American writers such as Eric Bibb or Kreig Viesselman
Some Quotes
"As much understated soul as anyone has a right to expect . . . something of an undiscovered treasure"
Americana-UK
"Excellent songwriting. Subtle, beautiful . . . and lovely slide guitar!"
Paul Jones -- BBC Radio 2
"There is a real depth of feeling to Tortora's music"
Maverick Magazine
"A master songsmith . . . File under Tortoriana !" Blues Matters! (UK)

Support Act is a local band The Sugar B's

Coast & Country committed to reducing homelessness

2012-01-24T11:32:17Z

Coast & Country, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East, has formed a new partnership with Coatham House Projects to help address homelessness in the Tees Valley.

Coast & Country has provided a property for Coatham House to accommodate two local young people who needed a roof over their heads

The two tenants will share joint tenancy of the property, which is located in Eston, in Redcar and Cleveland, for one year with the support of the charity Coatham House.

Coast & Country also will provide repairs and maintenance support as it does across its portfolio of properties in the area.

Coatham House is a charity that provides a range of supported, affordable accommodation, training, counselling and money management for young homeless people aged 16 to 25 years.

Iain Sim, Chief Executive of Coast & Country, said: "Coatham House provides an excellent service to those in need and we are proud to support a project that has such a positive impact on the local community.

"This partnership is a superb demonstration of our commitment to working in partnership with other organisations to tackle difficult support, care and social issues, such as homelessness.

Bridget Collins, Manager at Coatham House, said: "This new relationship between Coatham House and Coast & Country is already delivering a positive outcome by providing a home for these two young people.

"When the year-long tenancy has come to end, the tenants will hopefully have the skills to live independently and will be able to join the local community.

"Homelessness can be avoided if action is taken quickly and the right help is available. Coatham House is committed to preventing homelessness and equipping young people with the necessary skills they need to enable them to live a full life.

"We help to get benefits in place, help deal with money management, emotional issues and ultimately get the young person housed in their own accommodation and provide that hand-up that so many homeless young people so desperately need."

Coast & Country Housing: Established in 2001, Coast & Country is a 'not for profit' local Housing Company limited by guarantee. It is a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) and is regulated by the Tenant Services Authority. As the largest RSL within Redcar and Cleveland, its current rental housing stock totals 10,309.
Its properties and estates are located in a diverse range of urban estates, seaside resorts and rural villages. Coast & Country believes that working together with local communities to find local solutions is a key factor in building and sustaining communities.
Delivering high quality homes Coast & Country is contributing to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of the communities within the immediate region and beyond.
Coast & Country aims to ensure that its regeneration work will have a positive impact on people's lives, achieving a careful balance of new homes for sale and for rent creating the kind of neighbourhoods that will flourish well into the future.
For more information log on to: www.cch-online.org.uk

REDCAR JAZZ CLUB

2012-01-16T14:57:25Z

Redcar Jazz Club has changed its night to a Wednesday once per month with the first date being 1st February - 8pm till 11pm

The first event will be - THE GENE JARRED BIG BAND SOUND

Doors open 7.30pm

£5 entry fee

Redcar Jazz Club
Coatham Memorial Hall
7 Coatham Road
Redcar
TS10 1RH

Redcar Rhythm and Blues Club

2012-01-06T12:16:51Z

Back at the club for the 3rd time by popular demand on the
21st January 2012 @ Redcar Citizens & Priory Club , (Behind The Bus Station)Tel. 01642 486852 are THE RESONATORS(featuring Gypsy Bill Williams, Del Porter, Steve Roberts and Jed Thomas) join the Searing slide greasy guitar, doghouse bass and the paint stripping voice of Gypsy Bill Williams over a solid backbeat. Classic blues the way it's supposed to be, Raw Ready and Blue to the Bone
Plus Support frm local guys The Taylor Dixon Band For Tickets 01642489051 or 01642 486852 . £8 Guests £7 Members

Soup Saturday at Redcar Fire Station This Saturday 7th Jan

2012-01-01T20:23:25Z

The Parish of Coatham and Dormanstown are holding another delicious Soup Saturday on Saturday 7th January 2012 at Redcar Community Fire Station. Delicious soup, cakes, refreshments and a raffle will be available between 11:00am and 1:30pm. Everyone is welcome, free entry. Soup and bun only £1.50 each.

We are welcoming everyone to come and join us for a soup and a bun for £1.50. Refreshments will be also served for 50p. There will be a selection of cakes and also a raffle on the day.

Entry is free and everyone is very welcome to attend. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Church in the community.

Communities Minister visits Empty Homes Project

2011-12-12T11:52:08Z

Coast & Country's innovative approach to investing in empty homes was given a significant boost by the visit of Communities Minister Andrew Stunell.

The scheme, entitled 'Empty Homes to Happy Homes', brings long-term empty properties back into use, providing a new high quality homes for rent. In addition it also helps to provide a large range of training and job opportunities and so helps people improve their chances of finding work.

The initiative, involving Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Community Campus 87 and East Cleveland Youth Housing Trust has proved a huge success leading to 13 empty properties being renovated in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland since September 2010.

Recent further funding secured from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will enable a further 20 properties to be renovated across the Tees Valley area.

Mr Stunell's visit included a trip to a property in Clarendon Street, Redcar, which has been transformed from a derelict shell into a desirable home with fantastic sea-front views. Coast & Country were also able to demonstrate how residents can furnish their home on a tight budget.

Household goods, including wardrobes, chairs, settees, and tables, have been sourced from Teesside charity Furniture Reclamation and Delivery Enterprise (FRADE). People donate surplus furniture to FRADE, which then supplies it at minimal cost to households referred by welfare organisations.

Under the current project, owners of homes in the Redcar and Cleveland Borough, which have been unoccupied for a long time, are offered a package of refurbishment work in return for leasing the property to Coast & Country to meet housing need.

It is anticipated that the scheme will become self-financing with rental income from the refurbished properties being recycled into bringing more empty residential premises back into use.

The new-look home in Clarendon Street also demonstrated how residents can furnish their home on a tight budget.

The project, which secured joint funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and Redcar & Cleveland Borough, meets many of the strategic aims set out in the newly-launched Redcar & Cleveland Housing Strategy 2012-2017. This strategy sets out the Council's shared aims and objectives for improving the quality, availability, and accessibility of housing in the borough.

Councillor Lynn Pallister, the Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal, said: 'Long-term empty homes can create a negative impression of communities. As well as improving local environments, the project helps young people back into training and employment, giving them invaluable new skills for the future.'

The property owners chosen to participate in the scheme are not 'professional' landlords. The Empty Homes partners have discovered there are complex reasons why the houses were empty. Some were for emotional reasons including the owner having been left the property, which they could not bear to sell, while others were afraid of the rental market having heard 'horror' stories.

Iain Sim, Chief Executive of Coast & Country, said: "Coast & Country and its partners have recognised the value of turning empty properties into much-needed affordable housing.

"We also wanted to show the Minister how the Empty Homes scheme has the additional benefit of people gaining practical skills and work experience to help them become more employable."

Mr Stunell said: "There is a real need for affordable housing in this country, and yet for every two families that need a home, there is one property standing empty.

"I am very impressed to see how Coast & Country and its partners, through this Empty Homes scheme, is not only tackling this pressing need, but also providing training to help people acquire the skills that could help them find work.

"Coast & Country's collaborative approach reflects exactly what the Government, which is determined to overcome the affordable homes shortfall, wants to see happening in local communities."

To register your interest in 'Empty Homes to Happy Homes' or for an informal discussion regarding empty homes please contact:

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council - Empty Homes
Michael Cope Tel: (01287) 612522

Or alternatively e-mail empty_homes@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

Its properties and estates are located in a diverse range of urban estates, seaside resorts and rural villages. Coast & Country believes that working together with local communities to find local solutions is a key factor in building and sustaining communities.
Delivering high quality homes Coast & Country is contributing to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of the communities within the immediate region and beyond.

Winner of innovative Future Leaders Scheme starts work

2011-12-05T10:14:01Z

Coast & Country has pioneered an innovative scheme coaching young people in a host of life-enhancing career-boosting skills.

Now the winner of its inaugural Future Leaders initiative in 2010, 16-year-old Adam Pearce, has started work with the organisation, which is one of the largest housing and regeneration companies in the North East.

Under Future Leaders, scores of students from schools, in the Redcar & Cleveland area, were set a series of challenges during the course of a year, including an outward bound course where team leadership and organisational skills were assessed.

They became involved in a series of community projects, which they devised and which they had to complete within a set time and budget. These included community centre makeovers and the creation of patios and other amenities in residential areas.

Adam, who attended Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough, was declared the winner and has now started an electrical apprenticeship with Coast & Country.

Boasting a strong academic record achieving GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, German, Geography, History, Information Communication Technology, Religious Education, Maths and English , Adam could have continued in full time education.. However, he thought the four-year apprenticeship route was a far better option.

Adam added: "You get the best of both worlds as an apprentice - going to college and getting practical experience at the same time. You also earn while you learn."

He is full of praise for the Coast & Country Future Leaders scheme which, he said, helped build his confidence, hone his organisational skills, develop decision-making and problem-solving capabilities and cultivate the ability to use your own initiative as well as work as a team player.

He added: "It was fantastic to win, but, even if I hadn't, all that I learnt during the competition would have stood me in good stead for the future. All those who took part went away with life-enhancing skills."

Adam is really enjoying his new job and has been out and about with Coast & Country electricians on tasks such as installing solar panels and electrical repairs.

He is about to start college where he will undertake an Advanced Apprenticeship in Electrotechnical Services (equivalent to NVQ 2 and 3) awarded by City Guilds on a defined timetable of block release.

Iain Sim, Chief Executive of Coast & Country, said: "In this age, when unemployment is so high, particularly with our young people it is really important to recognise that young people are our future and it is important to raise their aspirations, help them acquire skills that will make them attractive to employers, and make them aware of the wider community by getting involved in projects to improve their local environment."

Mr Sim added: "Coast & Country believes in the need to invest in and encourage young people and that is what Future leaders is all about.

"Adam's aptitude and attitude since he started the apprenticeship has demonstrated that he was a worthy winner."

The first Future Leaders Scheme proved such a success that Coast & Country has repeated it this year with Liam Duke, a pupil at Redcar Community College, being crowned the winner.

The 15-year-old will start as a Grounds Maintenance Apprentice with Coast & Country when he leaves school next year.

The Future Leaders Scheme has received support from partner agencies Redcar and Cleveland Council's Enterprise Team and North East Procurement.

Delivering high quality homes Coast & Country is contributing to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of the communities within the immediate region and beyond.

For more information log on to: www.cch-online.org.uk

Redcar Rhythm and Blues Club

2011-11-29T10:47:02Z

Our next venture are a band travelling from Colchester
17th December 2011 at Redcar Citizens & Priory Club (Behind The Bus Station ) Tel. 01642 486852 we Present Tim Aves & Wolfpack. A Potent new band, formed by award-winning former Rockin' Armadillos frontman, writer and broadcaster Tim Aves, with erstwhile Armadillos bandmates,Rob Barry(bass) and Paul Lester(drums) and the hottest young guitar talent on the British blues scene today, Joel Fisk, whose main gig is with Cool Buzz Records artistes Hokie Joint. As the name suggests, the tough, scary blues of Howlin' Wolf (Tim's all-time favourite bluesman and number one inspiration) is central to the band's repertoire along with a range or artistes including Hound Dog Taylor, Muddy Waters, The Red Devils, ZZ Top and the ARC Angels . Support - Electric Blue For Tickets 01642489051 or 01642 486852 Email redcarblues@uwclub.net
Take a look at redcarrhythmandbluesclub.co.uk or our Facebook Page

Coast & Country's Crackdown On Christmas Crime

2011-11-28T15:52:21Z

Coast & Country has teamed up with the police to help prevent residents becoming victims of crime at Christmas.

It decided to target Grangetown, as crime figures remain higher than average in this area.

Coast & Country has been holding crime prevention sessions at its Community House in Cardigan Close, Eston.

At the sessions, PCs Chris Gunnell and Phil Darbyson, Crime Reduction Officers for the Redcar and Cleveland area, have been on hand to offer residents practical advice and tips, as well as distributing crime prevention markers to those attending the events.

Iain Sim, Chief Executive of Coast & Country, one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East, said: "Falling victim to crime is upsetting at any time of year, but it is particularly traumatic at Christmas.

"As a social housing landlord, Coast & Country's remit goes beyond the provision of a roof over people's heads, but also providing help and support to help make residents feel safe and secure in their homes.

"Some of our tenants could be vulnerable to burglary during December, so we wanted to offer them useful tips from experts to help them make their homes as crime-proof as possible."

Anita Robertson, who attended one of the sessions and who has been burgled in the past, said: "It was horrible being broken in to especially just before Christmas. It ruined Christmas for me and my family and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure this won't happen again.

"The sessions, organised by Coast & Country, are really informative and I have learned some practical ways in which I can make my home more secure."

PC Gunnell said: "By putting several simple measures in place people can greatly reduce the risks of their homes being broken into. The sessions have been well-received and we hope they lead to people having a crime-free Christmas."

Cleveland Police's top five burglary prevention tips:
1. Keep doors and windows secure at all times
2. Do not leave Christmas present or other items of value on view
3. Use timer switches to operate lighting when you are not at home
4. Mark your property with your postcode or DNA property marking kit
5. Use external lighting to illuminate the exterior of your home

For more information log on to: www.cch-online.org.uk

Christmas market at St Hilda's Church

2011-11-15T11:15:46Z

A Christmas market will be held at St Hilda's Church Parish Hall, Mersey Road, on Saturday, November 19, from 10am until 1pm. Stalls include gifts, decorations, books, toys, bric-a-brac, cakes, tombola, raffle and refreshments.

Redcar Rhythm & Blues Club

2011-11-14T12:28:03Z

Redcar Rhythm & Blues Club is a non profit organisation run by voluntary people. Our aim is to host a venue giving high quality, exciting and entertaining performances of Rhythm & Blues Music at accessible cost in the Redcar area. If you are interested in good music played by talented musicians, then please support this venture and our club.
We are now entering our third year of promoting this venture. Sizable donations have been given to Redcar Mind and Zoe's Place from our club funds.
Our next Ventoure takes place on 19th November 2011 at Redcar Citizens & Priory Club (Behind The Bus Station )Roy Mette Band "A man whose guitar playing leaves you gasping, whose voice can turn from a gentle whisper to window-rattling bellow, whose songwriting ability seems boundless and whose interpretations of other people's material always brings an individual twist, Roy is
deservedly gaining greater recognition with appearances at Festivals throughout the UK and gigs in Europe." Digital Blues Support act is Doctor Browns Groovecats
For Tickets 01642489051 or 01642 486852
Email redcarblues@uwclub.net

Gardening Skills Rewarded At Steeplechase

2011-11-09T16:08:44Z

times4homes, which is part of Coast & Country, has rewarded a green-fingered resident at its newest estate.

Since moving in, Stephanie Green, who was the first person to exchange contracts for a home on Steeplechase in Redcar, has transformed her garden into a horticultural haven.

Alison Meredith, times4homes' Head of Development, said: "Residents at Steeplechase have put a lot of hard work in creating beautiful gardens in the short time they have been living there.

"As a result it was very hard to choose a winner. However, we felt that Ms Green has been particularly creative and cultivated a garden that is eye-catching, colourful, and dramatic as well as being practical to maintain."

Ms Green, a teacher of sociology and history at MacMillan Academy in Middlesbrough, said: "I have worked hard creating a quiet haven to enjoy since moving in to my lovely new home.

"It is nice that my efforts have been recognised and I am looking forward to spending the vouchers I have won on additions to the garden."

Ms Green's prize of £250 worth of gardening vouchers was provided by Longbeck Nurseries at Marske, which is owned by Lee Burke.

times4 homes is the innovative sister brand of Coast & Country, which is one of the largest regeneration and housing companies in the North East.

Steeplechase involved the construction of 83 homes for sale, ranging from two, three and four bedroom houses, to two bedroom bungalows at the site bordered by West Dyke Road and Greystoke Road.

Owners are benefiting from lower running costs due to the Steeplechase properties being packed with energy saving green features.

These include a high efficiency gas boiler, solar panels and improved thermal efficiency in the walls delivering potential savings of up to 25% on fuel bills, compared with a home built to standard Building Regulations. The homes use less than 105 litres of mains water per person a day - through dual flush toilets and flow reducing taps.

The sales office is open Thursday to Monday - 10.30 am to 5.30pm. The sales team can be contacted on 01642 837222 or, for more information, visit the website www.times4homes.co.uk

Coast & Country Housing was established in 2001, Coast & Country is a 'not for profit' local Housing Company limited by guarantee. It is a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) and is regulated by the Tenant Services Authority. As the largest RSL within Redcar and Cleveland, its current rental housing stock totals 10,309.

Delivering high quality homes Coast & Country is contributing to the prosperity, wider regeneration and sustainability of the communities within the immediate region and beyond.

For more information log on to: www.cch-online.org.uk

Redcar Jazz Club

2011-11-04T11:26:55Z

Sunday 20th November 2011
7pm - 11pm

Ray Dales Quartet with Special Guest the North East's top jazz singer Ruth Lambert at the Coatham Memorial Hall

Entrance £5
Student Concession

Bar and Free Parking