Case Study: 
 Christmas in the Community

Working in the Community - Woodville Close

Following in the footsteps of Rydon Maintenance's Responsive Team who in the Autumn of last year were awarded the Repairs Contract for 650 homes across the Leybridge and Newstead Estates, part of a Stock Transfer from Lewisham Council to Affinity, Maintenance's Refurbishment team secured the Decent Homes works for the elderly residents of Woodville Close which is part of the Lee Estate. These works are the occupied internal refurbishments of 54 nr sheltered housing homes providing new Windows, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Heating, Electrics and communal improvements.

Significantly, it is the first example of the Responsive and Refurbishment teams working together in the same environment offering the Client an integrated maintenance service.

This Contract was secured against strong competition and one of the promises given at interview was to redecorate and re carpet the communal lounge and to provide a new kitchen complete with cooker, fridge and dishwasher all before the Residents Christmas party.

The penalty for not completing these works on time was for the interview team to provide, cook and serve the meal for the Residents all at their cost.

This Contract was secured against strong competition and one of the promises given at interview was to redecorate and re carpet the communal lounge and to provide a new kitchen complete with cooker, fridge and dishwasher all before the Residents Christmas party.

The penalty for not completing these works on time was for the interview team to provide, cook and serve the meal for the Residents all at their cost.

Whilst the workmen were busy stripping walls, and plastering ceilings, the RLO team set to work with the Residents choosing colours for paints, floorings, kitchen cupboards and tiles.

Plenty of diplomacy was required, with the location of the dartboard requiring a secret ballot to resolve!

With time running short, the lounge was equipped with new curtains and nets, and the whole site team helped in decorating the room for the party.

Having successfully completed this challenge in only 10 days and the day before the party, the Residents were so pleased that they turned the tables and invited us to be their guests, which we were pleased to accept. Following a traditional Christmas dinner and an unexpected win in the raffle we were then entertained with music and song by John O'Leary and his magic organ. Priceless!