Landlord Kicks Off £1 million Air Ambulance Appeal

An affordable housing provider has helped a mammoth £1 million Staffordshire air ambulance appeal take off with a £3,000 donation.

South Staffordshire Housing Association raised £6,000 through a summer charity golf day involving a host of county companies and partner organisations.

While half went to the Macmillan Nurses, £3,000 was earmarked to kick-start the new £1 million Staffordshire Air Ambulance Appeal to have a new air ambulance in the county.

The appeal was launched by Cllr Pat Griffin, leader of South Staffordshire Council, held at Somerford Hall, near Wolverhampton.

Phil Ingle, director of finance and resources with Central Borders Housing Group, of which South Staffordshire Housing Association is a founder member, handed the cheque over to Paul Weir, fundraising manager for the county air ambulance.

“Part of being a responsible social landlord is taking an active part in the community and helping to provide better services for local people,” said Phil.

“Having a new air ambulance stationed in Staffordshire will significantly cut the amount of time it takes medical teams to respond to critical emergencies, as well as the time it takes to carry patients to the best care centre.

“We whole-heartedly support the appeal and would urge everyone to give it as much support as they can over the coming months.”

South Staffordshire Housing Association organised and hosted the charity golf day at Patshull Park Golf Club, near Wolverhampton, to mark its 10th anniversary year.

A total of 20 teams of golfers took part including Wolseley UK, Barclays, Nationwide, Chamois and CHN, with all holes sponsored by an organisation.

(Released 6th November 2007.)

Inter Parish Games Presentation Evening

A presentation evening took place last night at Wombourne Civic Centre to celebrate the close of this years South Staffordshire Inter Parish Games competition.

This year over 500 residents of South Staffordshire took part in this longstanding community event from 13 parishes within the district.

Supported by South Staffordshire Housing Association the Inter Parish Games encompasses a series of over 20 sporting events including swimming, angling, target golf, tennis, 5 a side football and cross country running.

This year the parish of Wombourne took the coveted overall winner’s trophy after winning eight of the sports contested, in second place were last years winners Brewood and Coven and Codsall came in third.

Sue Rowley, Managing Director of South Staffordshire Housing Association said “South Staffordshire Housing Association believes that our role is not just to provide homes but to work as part of creating communities to support the creation of successful neighbourhoods.  We are delighted to sponsor the Inter Parish Games”.

(Released 23rd November 2007.)