ABOUT VIPRA

Victoria Park Residents Flat was donated by Golden Gates Housing in 1999 and established as a local focal point in the community and became part of the urban renewal area . We were also formed as part of The Latchford Forum an organisation involved in local issues producing news letters and a periodic booklet called "West Life" in which local businesses can advertise themselves , other local features and quizzes to exercise the grey material . Many activities have taken place over the years and the community flat here became the main hub where people could pick up information via regular meetings, many information leaflets and as a base to lauch schemes e.g. working with other organisations like Golden Gates Housing ( GGH ) and Warrington Borough Council ( WBC ). Therefore VIPRA officers as volunteers have worked for the good of the community with various staff in local government and housing hence the presence of local councillors and police at some of the meetings held at the flat. The VIPRA flat in many ways was like the centre of a spoked wheel with interests and information radiating out in every direction reaching into the community.

Another great boon to all concerned was the establishment of a Credit Union ( probably the safest place you can deposit money with no risky investments and interest paid on savings ) Our Credit Union is still going strong to date. Much is owed to former officers of Vipra and of the Latchford forum, who have put much time and effort to maintain a valuable service right in the heart of the community - Chair persons and helpers alike. Of those involved with us have been :- Roy and Jean Humphreys , Peter Hunt , Peter Turner , John Taylor Maureen Creaghan, Les Taylor-Duff and Sephen Price ( now Chair of our organisation ) Jaquie Webster . Others from the earlier Latchford Community Working group were Dave France , Roy Porter ,Linda Lomax and Andy McDermott , many of the aformentioned have been ward councillors at one time or another.

The Outgoing Chairperson Mrs Patricia Whittle

A special mention must be given to Mrs Patricia Whittle who was instrumental in gaining recognition as a chair of our group and recognised as a volunteer champion was named volunteer of the Year ( 2002 ) along with Mrs Pomfrett and both put much time and effort into providing activities for residents. Pat initiated group activities e.g. Art classes teaching on craft " crafty crafters " and chair based exercises for those of us not so young. Also organising signage at the flat and undertaking training courses required to be the Chair of the organisation with the responsibilities involved in running it etc. Pat also went to great lengths to encourage older members of the community to take days out on a community bus with thanks to Peter Hunt who was often seen driving it. Pat also organised a few trips abroad enjoyed by some of our senior citizens. Pat also put on a number of christmas parties and for other celebrations . Pat's stalwart deputy has been stephen Price, who for many years was the Vice chair of VIPRA and as such as had many duties e.g. the main person taking charge of Book keeping, accounts , preparation of reports / leaflets attending Warrington Tenants and Residents Association meetings on behalf of vipra and attending other Town hall functions. Due to increasing ill health Pat was forced to retire as chair of vipra at our Annual General Meeting this july (2010 ) after many years of hard work for the community and was thanked by those present and by the newly elected committee of officers . Ken came on board at the AGM and was elected Vice Chair and together with Stephen is hoping to maintain services for the community in what is hoped will be a new phase in development in increasingly difficult times thanks in the main to the credit crunch and the political climate. We would urge all local residents to look out for our leaflets and posters in local shops for further information.