Category Archives: Staff

SAM & LUKE BRAVE THE SHAVE

Sam’s Story of Bravery & Courage

By Sammantha James

(Lettings Negotiator & Valuer, Mumbles Office)

Hi all, for those of you who know me well will already know the details of what I am about to share with you all. After careful consideration I thought that sharing my story online may help others who might go through the same situation as me.

April 2018

On the 4th April I found out that Luke, my husband, and I were expecting our first baby! We were so excited that our Christmas present was going to be a newborn and we told our family and friends straight away, never one to keep a secret!  However, it wasn’t all good news because a week earlier I had found a small lump in my breast and had been referred to the hospital as an ‘urgent case’ by my local GP.  Luckily Luke and my mum had made me go to the doctors straight away, even though I was pretty convinced this was a hormonal lump which was down to my pregnancy.

After two weeks of waiting, I still didn’t have an appointment letter for the chest ultrasound, so I called the hospital. The receptionist told me that due to being under 30 years of age I had been downgraded to ‘non-urgent’ and the wait would be up 8 weeks or more. I was so confused about how they could do that!

Another 7 weeks later I finally had an appointment scheduled at the hospital, at this point, I was 9 weeks pregnant and still confident that it was a pregnancy related lump.  However, the ultrasound showed that the lump was “suspicious” and I had an immediate biopsy. The next week felt like a year-long, the waiting was excruciating.  A week later I found myself sitting in a small room with my husband and the doctor explained that I had BREAST CANCER, to be exact, ‘Invasive Ductal Carcinoma’!

I was sent for a mammogram straight away to check whether the cancer was in both breasts or just one. The doctor said that moving forward there would be a lot to consider and the main thing being whether we could proceed with the pregnancy in order for me to have the treatment I needed.

Trying to stay positive in a crappy situation, I was so happy to have a call from my amazing breast care nurse Heather whom I’d met for the first time that day.  She called to tell me the results of the mammogram: the cancer hadn’t spread, it was only one lump which hadn’t changed in size since my previous ultrasound (any news was good news at that point and I was super grateful for the call as I wasn’t expecting to have the results until a week later).

My next appointment was at the outpatient clinic where the treatment plan was explained. The surgeon was great, I brought both my mum & Luke’s mum along just to reassure them and so that they could ask any questions. The consultant was confident that having a lumpectomy at this point was the best option.  Radiotherapy would also definitely be on the cards after surgery but I was reassured that they would take every precaution and adapt my surgery and treatment to what was best for me and our baby. My breast care nurse has been amazing throughout the whole process answering all of my silly questions and calling me regularly to check everything is ok.

My 3-month baby scan was surreal and I got to see the baby move so finally knew that everything so far was okay and the baby was healthy! BEST DAY EVER !!

July 2018

Getting off a plane at 4.30am after a lovely relaxing holiday with friends in Cyprus, I headed straight to the hospital as that was the day I had surgery to remove the cancerous cells!  I had an incision at the top of one breast and one under my armpit, where they removed the lymph nodes and then I was on bedrest for 2 weeks (it was perfectly timed for me to indulge on Love Island and have Luke wait on me hand and foot).  The amazing nurses made me so at ease and I knew they were not only looking after me but my baby as well. They organised for a midwife to come up from the Antenatal Unit to check that the baby was okay, as it was literally the only worry I had through the whole thing. This also meant I got to hear the baby’s heartbeat ️ for the first time and it was such a special moment that I will never forget.

September 2018

At 6 months through the pregnancy, I started chemotherapy, which is pretty rotten, but I have a little life inside me, so I have to be strong and positive.

On the 12th September after my 2nd chemo session, my hair started to fall out rapidly.  It was time to brave the shave! So it all came off, it felt so weird and took some getting used to but it was good to take things into my own hands, especially when so much is out of my control at the moment.  My husband has been amazing and also shaved his head and messed up his eyebrows.    I can’t thank him enough for always keeping my spirits high and making me laugh through the hardest times.

November 2018

On 1st November I finished work and went onto maternity leave. Luke is self-employed so he is going to take some time off once the baby is born and help me with our baby daughter (yes I found out it’s a girl!!).  We wish to embrace normal family life even though I will be continuing with my chemotherapy and going onto radiotherapy too.

SAM LEAVING DAWSONS TO GO ONTO MATERNITY LEAVE

Sam’s leaving do at Rose Indienne in Swansea Brave sam at her goodbye bash

Right now

I want everyone to know how important it is to check yourself for lumps or anything abnormal and just get anything suspicious checked by your doctor, no matter how small it is or how you can convince yourself it’s nothing serious! This link can show you what to look out for and how to check properly I found mine whilst checking in the shower!

Baby pics to follow in December!

sammantha's story

 

 

 

 

February 2019

Matthew Whitehead from our Llanelli office is running in the Llanelli half marathon next February for Sammantha & Luke.  He wishes for them to be able to embrace family life and not have to worry about anything other than themselves for a few months.  So he is hoping to gather a little fund to ease any financial stress allowing them to focus on parenthood and recovery.  The target is £500 through this crowdfunding page if you are able to donate it is much appreciated.

Llanelli Half Marathon 2019

 

DawsonsBurryPortRaftRace2018

Monthly Round-up

Community News: Rugby & Rafts

Our Llanelli and Mumbles branches along with our marketing team have been busy during August with sponsoring two prestigious local events: the 2nd annual Burry Port Raft Race and the 30th annual Crackers 7’s rugby tournament.  

Earlier in the month our Llanelli office took to the water in the raft race while the marketing team manned the guess the balloons car, and even though the event had to be postponed from the Saturday to the Sunday due to poor weather conditions, there was a fantastic turn out for the day with all proceeds raised going to the RNLI and Afia Banjul Football Academy.

Crackers 7's Dawsons SponsorshipFurther into the month our staff and customers enjoyed a Bank Holiday Sunday full of rugby, family entertainment, a new bar and an evening of music.  For some years now Dawsons have sponsored the Crackers 7’s, bank holiday event in Underhill Park, hosting a hospitality tent, Hog Roast and some great company with a pitchside view of the day.  The sun has shone for many years, but this year the rain certainly didn’t dampen the spirits.

If you are looking for sponsorship for 2019, please get in touch with Naomi from our marketing team by email:

naomi.webborn@dawsonsproperty.co.uk.

Industry News: Want a better mortgage deal?  

As many of us will now know on August 2nd the Bank of England raised the base rate from 0.5% to 0.75% – only the second rise in over a decade

Dawsons mortgage advisors 2018The base rate is the Bank of England’s official borrowing rate – i.e., what it charges other banks and lenders when they borrow money – and it influences what borrowers pay and savers earn.

What does this mean in real terms to those of us who currently have a mortgage and those looking to get on the property ladder and take out their first mortgage?

For current homeowners with a mortgage now is the time to check the status of your current mortgage, if you are linked to base rate you can look to re-mortgage to a fixed deal.

If you are a first-time buyer you will now benefit from some great deals on offer, our in-house mortgage advisors can offer deals fixed for 2 or 5 years with rates starting from 1.89% on a 90% LTV and 3.17% on a 95% LTV.

Despite this slight increase all is still positive within the property market, current mortgage lenders will no doubt continue to offer very good fixed deals, for further information contact your nearest Dawsons team and book your appointment now with one of our Mortgage Advisors.

Our in-house mortgage advisors are: James Boland, David Treharne and Shaun Sturgess

“Top Tips” for Buyers & Tenants

CHOOSING THE RIGHT AREA

View from new Mumbles development
View from new Mumbles development

Local amenities, schools and transport links can be the top priority when choosing your perfect location. Make a list of your specific requirements. Speak to a member of staff, who will be able to offer local advice and suggest the right area for your needs.

All of our branches listed here

AUCTION NEWS

Dawsons Auction Swansea Oct 2018

Seafront properties, funeral directors to executive apartments, we have it all this Auction! Block viewings are underway and registrations are open for our next auction which will take place at the Marriot Hotel Swansea on Wednesday 3rd October 2018 at 3pm.  

Get in touch today on 01792 646060.

RELOCATING?  

Relocation Agent Network

Sam Partner achieved her Relocation Agent Network accreditation this month, so our Llanelli sales team are now ALL fully accredited agents, alongside Danielle Thomas, sales administrator within our Mumbles office.  So if you need to relocate and are considering moving to or from the Swansea area, make sure you speak to the Dawsons team who are the exclusive RAN agents for this area.

Read more about our relocation service here:

FOR A DOWNLOAD OF OUR SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER,

CLICK THIS LINK

Relocation Agent Network

2 Relocation Agent Specialists Join DAWSONS

Please join us in saying a big congratulations to Danielle Thomas from Dawsons in Mumbles and Sam Partner from Dawsons in Llanelli who are both celebrating after becoming accredited Relocation Agent Specialists.

Relocation Agent Network

The accreditation is awarded by the Relocation Agent Network and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, entitled, ‘The Importance of Service’.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Dawsons is a selected member), entitled the “Relocation Agent Network” introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to Mumbles and Gower, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. The introduction of a Relocation Agent Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Dawsons Chris Hope said, “We take staff development very seriously and Danielle’s Relocation Agent Network accreditation is a great example of what can be achieved when staff are supported properly to improve their skill set. Of course, having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said, “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in Mumbles, Dawsons have proved themselves as the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

proud sponsors

THE MUMBLES RUGBY CLUB CRACKERS’ 7’S WEEKEND

Friday 24th August 2018 to Sunday 26th August

Preparations are in full swing for the 30th annual legendary rugby festival The Crackers’ 7’s over the August Bank Holiday in Underhill Park, Mumbles.  The schedule is as follows:

Friday 24th August from 6pm

  • Mumbles Youth .v. Swansea Uplands Youth
  • Tom Pugh Memorial Game – Mumbles XV .v. Swansea Uplands XV

In memory of Swansea Uplands player Tom Pugh who tragically passed away at such a young age. Proceeds of Programme sales on the night will go to the chosen charity of Tom’s family

Saturday 25th August from 9.30am

  • Mumbles RFC Junior Section morning of rugby fun & games
  • Mumbles RFC Youth hosting a 7’s Tournament k.o. 12.00 Noon

Sunday 26th August from 11am

  • Crackers’ 7’s with the Men’s and Women’s tournaments running in parallel during the day.
  • Live entertainment from 7pm from local band ‘The Contenders’  in the Premier Marquee

There will be a beer tent and BBQ on all 3 Days plus loads of family entertainment including a bouncy castle, giant children’s slide and (wait for it….) zumba classes with Sion throughout the day

 

We at Dawsons are, again, so proud to be headline sponsors of this event and our director James Dawson explains why

Having sponsored this event for many years as a company, and I myself playing in the tournament many times over the years, never successfully I might add, we understand the importance of the annual event to those living locally and those who travel from further afield to take part. The Crackers’ 7’s is a firm date in our calendar, for which we are proud to be the principal sponsor.  The work that the rugby club do for the local community and for various charities is second to none and that is why we look forward to supporting MIND, this year’s chosen charity, to raise both awareness and much-needed funds for the work they do.’

Screen Shot 2018-08-16 at 19.10.59

 

 

 

Please try to come along if you are local, and share this with your friends as you wouldn’t want to miss such a great event!

 

Dawsons' Safe As Houses campaign to keep children safe during the Airshow

Estate agent sponsors special ‘Safe as Houses’ scheme to keep children safe at Wales Airshow 2018

Dawsons estate agents are sponsoring special wristbands to keep children safe at this year’s Airshow based on the Swansea sea front.

In a campaign named ‘Safe as Houses’, Dawsons’ wristbands will be handed out by Swansea Council officials to 1,000s of children attending the event over the weekend.

With more than 250,000 visitors expected to gather on Swansea’s promenade and waterfront for the action-packed weekend of June 30 and July 1, Dawsons felt it important to support the wristband campaign.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring a campaign that will help to keep safe all those children who will be visiting the Airshow on the Saturday and Sunday,” said Dawsons’ Senior Partner Chris Hope.

“The weekend is a fun-filled, family affair and anything we can do to keep children safe and eliminate any worries for parents then all the better.”

On entering the event a wristband will be given to each child can be collected from various information points, the park and ride drop off location or our car parks staff. The parents’ mobile number will be written on the back of the wristband before being put on the child’s wrist.

Losing a child, even for a few moments, can be very distressing and the Tag Your Tots scheme can help reassure and get help fast. Parents are being advised it they lose a child or need to report an incident to look for the nearest steward who will talk directly to the security and events team via radio.

Added Chris: “The Airshow just gets bigger and better and showcases Swansea at its best and we are delighted to be associated with it especially as this year the even takes on extra significance as it is celebrating both the RAF’s 100th anniversary and the Army commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.”

Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration & Tourism, said: “We are delighted that a Company with such local recognition and familiarity as Dawsons Estate Agents have decided to become a sponsoring partner for the Wales Airshow 2018.  The Wales Airshow is Wales’ largest, free event for the public to enjoy.

“The show attracts record numbers of visitors to the area, with children’s safety being of paramount importance throughout the weekend. With Dawsons’ contribution, we can effectively manage the number of families with children at the event, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy this fantastic two-day spectacle.”

The Airshow has grown in popularity from 75,000 visitors in 2009 to an audience of 250,000 last year and even more people are expected this year.

Full details about the event, road closures and other information is available at walesairshow.co.uk.

PICTURE: Swansea Uplands RFC Under 7s interrupted their training session on the beach to show off the bright orange wristbands that will be used during the Airshow

Simon McClaren

Simon celebrating after becoming accredited Relocation Agent Specialist

Simon McLaren, from Dawsons branch in Gorseinon, is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

The accreditation was awarded by Relocation Agent Network and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Dawsons is a member), Relocation Agent Network introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, said: “We take staff development very seriously and Simon’s Relocation Agent Network accreditation is a great example of what can be achieved when staff are supported properly to improve their skill set.

“Of course, having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service.

This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to Gorseinon, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location.

This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. The introduction of a Relocation Agent Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in Gorseinon, Dawsons have proved themselves as the area’s Local Expert.

“So, with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

 

 

L-R Naomi Webborn, Dawsons’ Lettings Department Coordinator, Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, and volunteers at Swansea Foodbank at City Church in Dyfatty.

Dawsons supporting national food collection campaign

Dawsons Property is supporting a week-long campaign to collect items for Swansea Foodbank next month.

The special collection, which is part of Relocation Agent Network’s national fundraising event called #OneThousandItemsofFood, will take place between June 14 and 21 in conjunction with the Trussell Trust.

During the week there will be collection points in all of Dawsons’ branches across Swansea & Llanelli with special bins to be provided by their Dawsons’ reward card partner Exall & Jones.

The foodbank has become part of the social landscape of society with one in five people living below the poverty line in the UK.

Chris Hope with Kristina Williams of Swansea Foodbank
Chris Hope with Kristina Williams of Swansea Foodbank

“We are very grateful to Dawsons to their commitment to this food collection campaign,” said Kristina Williams, Assistant Manager at Swansea Foodbank.

“We tend to have a lot of contributions around Christmas time and harvest festival, but contributions tend to tail off a bit during the spring and summer so Dawsons’ commitment is both timely and welcome.”

Swansea Foodbank, which provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis, is open in several locations around the city on different days and times.

Swansea Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s national foodbank network and is supported by churches across the city to help people in times of crisis.

Swansea Foodbank volunteers
Swansea Foodbank volunteers

Dawsons is asking customers and staff to donate two items each of non-perishable food such as tins and packet food.

Chris Hope, Senior Partner at Dawsons, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of this campaign as part of the Relocation Agent Network which is running #OneThousandItemsofFood throughout the UK.

Unfortunately, we live in times when foodbanks have become a necessity for a part of our society, so we are determined to make this campaign as successful as possible, therefore all our branches will be collecting items between June 14 and 21.”

To find your local foodbank visit www.trusselltrust.org. Find out what supplies they are currently in need of and what items they have enough of.  Foodbanks also accept essential non-food items such as toiletries and hygiene products. They also accept clothes and toys.

 

Natalie Dare

Natalie celebrating after becoming a Relocation Agent Specialist

Natalie Dare from Dawsons’ branch in Sketty is celebrating after becoming an accredited Relocation Agent Specialist.

The accreditation was awarded by Relocation Agent Network (RAN) and is achieved by completing a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

A national network of independent estate agents (of which Dawsons is a member), RAN introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

Dawsons’ Senor Partner, Chris Hope said: “We take staff development very seriously and Natalie’s Relocation Agent Network accreditation is a great example of what can be achieved when staff are supported properly to improve their skill set.

“Of course, having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team is also great for our relocating customers.”

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to Sketty, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. The introduction of a Relocation Agent Specialist to the Dawsons team, ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “Selected by us as the best independent estate agent to represent the Network in Sketty, Dawsons have proved themselves as the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

June Williams, Gorseinon office manager

Dawsons office manager receives annual assessment by Estate Agency Network

June Williams,  from Dawsons branch in Gorseinon, has been assessed as their company’s Relocation Agent Specialist.

The 2018 assessment was awarded by Relocation Agent Network (RAN) following completion of its training programme and is achieved by individuals who continue to provide good quality service to relocating families moving either from or to the Gorseinon area.

June  first qualified as a Relocation Agent Specialist in May 2016 by completing Relocation Agent Network’s  a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

A national network of leading estate agents (of which Dawsons is a member), RAN introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

Dawsons’ Senior Partner,  Chris Hope said: “Having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team offers our relocating customers the added assurance that they’ll be working with someone who understands the relocation process, someone who can offer help and guidance along the way.

“We’re so proud that June’s performance has been assessed this year and it’s a great example of the continual development we invest in, here at Dawsons.”

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, RAN members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to Gorseinon, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. As a Relocation Agent Specialist, June ensures that this process is made even smoother.

RAN’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “To be recognised for their performance this year as a Relocation Agent Specialist is a great achievement. Well done to June. Selected by us to represent the Network in Gorseinon, Dawsons has proved themselves to be the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”

Angie Bastin, Llanelli Branch Manager

Llanelli branch manager Angie assessed as Relocation Agent Specialist

Angie Bastin from Dawsons  in Llanelli has been assessed as their company’s Relocation Agent Specialist.

The 2018 assessment was awarded by Relocation Agent Network following completion of its training programme and is achieved by individuals who continue to provide good quality service to relocating families moving either from or to the Llanelli area.

Angie Bastin, who is branch manager at Llanelli, first qualified as a Relocation Agent Specialist in May 2014 by completing Relocation Agent Network’s  a comprehensive online training programme, The Importance of Service.

A national network of leading estate agents (of which Dawsons is a member), Relocation Agent Network introduced the training programme to ensure each of their members provides the very highest customer service to those relocating around the UK.

To be successfully accredited, participants must complete three phases of learning, which begins with four training sessions on the importance of customer service. This is followed by three online seminars covering the Relocation Agent Network Referral Process and how best to help customers who are relocating around the UK. Finally, participants must convert their theoretical learning into a practical skill set by delivering assistance to three relocating customers.

Chris Hope, Dawsons’ Senior Partner, said: “Having a Relocation Agent Specialist in the team offers our relocating customers the added assurance that they’ll be working with someone who understands the relocation process, someone who can offer help and guidance along the way.

“We’re so proud that Angie’s performance has been assessed this year and it’s a great example of the continual development we invest in, here at Dawsons.”

By working with fellow members across England, Scotland and Wales, Relocation Agent Network members provide an exclusive relocation referral service to customers. For those relocating to Llanelli, Dawsons guides their customers through the daunting task of moving to an unfamiliar location. This includes local area information on schools and amenities, popular neighbourhoods and (of course) finding the right property for them. As a Relocation Agent Specialist, Dawsons  ensures that this process is made even smoother.

Relocation Agent Network’s Managing Director, Richard Tucker said: “To be recognised for their performance this year as a Relocation Agent Specialist is a great achievement. Well done to Angie.

“Selected by us to represent the Network in Llanelli, Dawsons has proved themselves to be the area’s Local Expert. So with the addition of an in-house Relocation Agent Specialist, they have gone one step further to provide relocating buyers and sellers with the very best customer service.”