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FROM UPMINSTER TO GRANTHAM, AN RA IS BORN!

Former Upminster residents Tony and Wendy Burns (pictured) were prominent members of the Upminster & Cranham Residents' Association before they moved to Grantham a few years ago. This is the story of how they took the spirit of the Residents' Association with them and have now successfully formed the Manthorpe Residents' Association and website.

Tony says: “Initially, you need to understand a little of the history of Grantham. There was a Saxon farming settlement here around the Seventh Century AD. It grew through the middle ages up to the industrial revolution where it became a prosperous Market Town. After the Second World War Industry moved out of the Town and the retail sector and trading estates were the order of the day and still are.

“In 1974 Grantham Borough Council became South Kesteven District Council and was enlarged to cover a lot of the surrounding villages with a total population of around 137,000 and the Town is still growing. Margaret Thatcher is totally despised here as is her father Alderman Roberts who was Mayor for many years.

“The Manthorpe Estate is very much like Emerson Park, it's the most expensive part of Grantham to live and is an affluent community, very middle class the percentage of PC owners is probably more than 75% - which has made our job much easier. We intend to produce a hard copy newsletter which will be similar to the Bulletin.

“The reason why property is so cheap is there is so much land available for new builds at any one time there are at least 200 four bedroom properties under £250,000 whereas in Upminster there are probably 20 under £500,000 at any one time.

“Life is very much more relaxed here and the people are more friendly, it is a life style Wendy and I enjoy.

“The response to the formation of The Manthorpe Residents Association has been great we have 11 members volunteering to be committee members, all officers jobs will be filled and we will be holding meetings every three months.

“At our first public meeting we had 120 residents attend, we felt very encouraged and uplifted by the amount of interest shown, especially as it is obvious that the residents of Manthorpe would like their own association. We shall do our best to suit the requirements of all residents and keep the interest going”.

To find out more, please visit the website at http://www.manthorpenews.co.uk/