Case Studies

Sue and Steve Dinsdale are residents living in one of our relatively new properties nestled near Beverley Parklands.

Steve, a true Beverley native, and Sue, originally from Hull, have called Beverley home for their entire married life. Together, they have raised a son and a daughter, and they are overjoyed to have three wonderful grandchildren who have now grown up.

Now in their 70s, Sue and Steve are a dynamic couple who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy a vibrant social circle. Their zest for life is contagious, and they embody the spirit of our community.

Working Life and Interests

After working in the caravan industry all of his life, Steve hung up his tools 7 years ago and he is enjoying retirement, with good health and plenty of energy. He enjoys playing golf at Beverley and Brandesburton and the peace when he takes himself fishing.

Sue worked in Social Services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, supporting adults with learning disabilities and retired at more or less the same time as Steve. She explains:

“To me golf is a good walk spoiled, but I know that Steve enjoys it. We have always had our own interests. I like reading, gardening and walking. I also enjoy doing bits around the house. I think it’s important to enjoy time doing your own thing, especially in retirement.”

The Secret to a Happy Marriage

We asked Sue what she believes is the secret to a happy marriage, after 52 years together, they seem very happy together. “It’s hard to say. We’ve always been really good friends as well as husband and wife. We just enjoy each other’s company.” It seems they were made for each other.

Property and Location

Sue and Steve enjoy being residents of Beverley Housing Charity and love the place they call home. Steve explains: “The location is fantastic, even though it’s on the edge of town it’s not a long walk into Beverley town centre and there is plenty on the way - the shops at Flemingate, we often go to the senior screen at Beverley Parkway Cinema. It’s just £4.50 and includes a hot drink. We never know what the film is going to be but always feel better for going along, it’s quite popular with others.

”Plus Lidl is just around the corner and we also have great access to other places by road. I can’t complain about anything really.”

Friends and Neighbours

The neighbours living in the same row of 5 houses have all become close friends. Sue adds: “We all moved in 5 years ago when the houses we brand new and gelled from the start. We all feel very fortunate and spend lots of time together.”

Property Inspections

Beverley Housing Charity is currently inspecting all of the housing stock. Our new Chief Executive, Andy Barber has been visiting residents for feedback on the fabric of the properties and also any thoughts about the service. Sue and Steve said they don’t have any grumbles at all. There have been some issues with the windows, but our contractors are on to solving the problem.

Sue says: “Living with a housing association takes all of the stress out of being a home-owner. The team is only a phone call away and everyone is super friendly.”

Waiting List

When they turned 60, Sue and Steve asked to be put on the waiting list for a BHC home. A property came up fairly quickly but as they were actually still working, they decided it was too soon and the property went to another couple who were in greater need.

“Then an offer came out of the blue. We had retired by this point and were very happy when we came to view this house. It’s just so lovely and quiet, perfect for us really.” Adds Sue.

Why did you choose BHC?

Sue answered: “We’ve always been aware of the charity and have known people over the years who’ve been residents. BHC has an excellent reputation for looking after residents and providing great quality accommodation in handy locations. We also feel part of a community.”

Supportive Team

“The BHC Gardener, Steve is great. We see quite a lot of him as he keeps the area looking nice and tidy. We also talk to Angela on the phone who is always friendly and helpful and nothing is too much trouble. We recently replace our fridge with a fridge freezer which didn’t fit under the counter, so the kitchen was altered slightly to give us enough room.

Beverley Housing Charity Events

“We enjoy the day trips and have been along to a Christmas lunch. BHC works in partnership with Beverley Community Lift to support residents, especially those who are less mobile. We feel confident that we’ll be supported in the future as we age. This is precisely the sort of arrangement local people should be looking out for. When your circumstances change and you start thinking about getting older, BHC is there for you."

Digital Skills

BHC provides a variety of other services and support, in addition to property rentals. This includes digital skills workshops. Steve explains: “If we are scoring each other out of 5, Sue is a 7 and I am a 1. She used IT at work and has kept up her digital skills. However, I didn’t really use it so much in my job, but it’s fine, Sue keeps on top of everything we need, but I know these workshops are very popular.”

Wills and Power of Attorney

One in two adults in the UK are at risk of dying without a will. Many believe they don’t have enough assets to make it worthwhile. At Beverley Consolidated Charity we encourage residents to make a will to ensure the family is not left with the problem of intestacy.

Anyone who doesn’t already have a will can arrange this through partners of BHC and the team can also support residents in completing online forms for Power of Attorney, to save expensive legal fees.