It’s time to celebrate – 5 years of ROCA

Nov 30, 2012

Members celebrate the 5th Anniversary of ROCA

Founding ROCA supporter Kevin McCarthy cuts the cake

Happy birthday ROCA

The members of ROCA took some time out of their meeting this week to celebrate a major milestone in the initiatives history.

The community fund was established just 5 years ago with the support of First Choice Homes and a number of local businesses from the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Throughout its five year history, ROCA has invested hundreds of thousands in local community initiatives that have helped projects that encourage a sense of community, involving people from all backgrounds and encourage people to develop skills that will benefit their community.

Emanuel Whittaker are proud to be one of the founding members and have continued to support the scheme each year with funding as well as taking part in each and every funding meeting.

A good job all round

Nov 27, 2012

Dave Perry – Tiler

Salix Homes are delivering improvements to many properties as part of the Decent Homes programme, but for resident David Perry, the repairs have also led to a full-time job.

When David heard that Salix Homes was making improvements to his home at Black Friar Court in Broughton, he was delighted. But the enterprising resident also thought that the repairs could be more than just a boost for the building.

“I am a qualified tiler, but the economic downturn in the construction industry has meant that I found it very difficult to find a permanent job. The company carrying out the repair work, Emanuel Whittaker, held an open day in January to inform residents about what to expect from the work” David explained.  “I took the chance to ask about employment – however at that time there was nothing on offer.”

In the meantime, David’s name kept coming up in the site office as a result of his good turns in the neighbourhood. Ian McCune, Site Manager explained:  “David is very well known for being a good neighbour on the block. He helps out with shopping or goes to the laundry for older people here and he also carries out odd jobs now and then.  Everyone had a good word to say about him and so he was always front of mind.”

As the work progressed to upgrading kitchens and bathrooms in the block Emanuel Whittaker needed to find a suitably qualified tiler – and not surprisingly David’s name came up again.

David successfully applied for the position and has now joined the company as a tiler where he is helping to carry out improvement work on his neighbours’ properties at Black Friar Court.

Dave said “It’s a great feeling to be back in work and especially doing work for my friends and neighbours! If I hear they need something like a run to the laundry or putting up a shelf I try to help out after work.”

Sue Sutton, Salix Homes Director of Neighbourhoods and Customer Service said “We are thrilled that our home improvement work has benefited a local resident in more ways than one, and it’s a real reward for David’s initiative and commitment to the community.

If you would like help getting back into work visit our online tips www.salixhomes.org/worklessness.htm or register with us to receive help.

You can also find out more information on the Decent Homes repairs including searching for repairs for your area. www.salixhomes.org/Improvements-to-your-home.htm

Budding Gardeners get a boost from Emanuel Whittaker

Nov 27, 2012

Clive with FCHO Overall 1st – Brenda and Katheline Howes, Uppermill

FCHO Overall 2nd – Laura Sumner and Judy Taylor, daughter and neighbour of winner, Philip Sumner

Clive with FCHO Overall 3rd – Joyce Barton, Chadderton

Once again, Emanuel Whittaker were happy to support FCHO Annual Gardening Competition by being the main sponsor for the awards event.

The glittering event is hosted by FCHO and Oldham Council each year to showcase the efforts made by residents throughout the year. Each year the competition gets stronger and more difficult for the judges to pick the winners.

The Mayor, Councillor Olwen Chadderton officially opened the evening, followed by a presentation from Joe Swift, Presenter of Gardeners World.

The event is a regular item in the diary for Emanuel Whittaker’s green fingered Managing Director, Clive Newton who has supported the event every year since its inception.

Overall winners

Clive with FCHO Event Organiser, Joanne White

Clive Newton with Joe Swift

On line auction to win signed Latics shirt and calendar

Nov 22, 2012

Signed Latics shirt and calendar kindly donated by Martin Maycock of Freefoam

Emanuel Whittaker’s fundraising efforts have been given a boost with a very generous donation of a signed Oldham Athletic Shirt and Calendar.

The prized memorabilia were donated to Emanuel Whittaker by Martin Maycock from Freefoam, a leading manufacturer of PVC-U roofline products.

The shirt and calendar will be auctioned off to raise money for Emanuel Whittaker’s two nominated charities, The Christie and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

For your chance to win either the shirt of the calendar, simply enter ‘Shirt’ or ‘Calendar’ followed by the amount of your bid in the comments box below.  Alternatively you can bid on our Facebook page by clicking the icon on the right.

The auction will close on Monday 17th December at 12 noon.

The signed Latics Calendar

John Gallagher displays the signed Latics shirt

Rukhsana walks for Charity

Oct 31, 2012

Warming up!

Ready to go…

Over the finish line

Despite undergoing foot surgery last year, Emanuel Whittakers’ Rukhsana Nabi entered The Christie Annual Nights of Neon Sponsored Walk.

Donning a bright neon pink tutu and leg warmers, Rukhsana walked the 10k course with husband Dave, and hundreds of fundraisers through the neon illuminated skies of Salford Quays.

Rukhsana and her husband raised an amazing £560 in sponsorship for the Christie.

Emanuel Whittaker are raising funds for their two chosen charities, The Christie and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, to mark their 175th year in business. So far, the Company have raised £10,940.