The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of A1 Housing took place on Tuesday 23 September and after the mandatory formalities of the AGM and following speeches by the Head of Serlby Park School, Mr Steve Geraghty and Bernard Coleman, Managing Director the invited audience of members of the Tenants and Residents Associations, partners and partnership organisations celebrated with A1 Housing our first A1 Awards ceremony.
After reflecting on a excellent year for A1 Housing, which included all flood effected tenants being re-homed for Christmas, achieving a 2 star rating and starting the Decent Homes programme along with making significant value for money savings, A1 paid tribute to the very special people who live in the community of Bassetlaw.
To recognise the work of the Sandy Lane Forum, Clive Fores and Doreen Farncombe were presented with the award for tackling anti-social behaviour. They received the award to recognise the work they do in the local community and their partnership working with the Police and Antisocial Behaviour Teams.
Other individuals who were honoured on the night, were Dennis Clarke, who received the Good Neighbour Award. Dennis was nominated by his area Warden for looking after elderly residents in his area, doing odd jobs, keeping gardens tidy and befriending a neighbour who has few visitors and all this whilst still caring for his wife who has various health issues.
Heather McMillan received the award for Tenants' Champion for her tireless campaigning for the rights of tenants both locally and nationally
Tanice Ellis, Chair of Central Retford TRA received the Community Champion award for her work with community groups young and old in Retford.
It was also a special night for Keith Slatter, Electrical Coordinator who received the Managing Director's Award. This award is given to a member of A1 staff who goes the extra mile for our tenants. Keith took on the electricity companies after he noticed during general electricity surveys in elderly tenants homes that they were being charged astronomical tariffs and receiving outrageous bills. Keith managed to negotiate reduced rates, saving our customers money on their electricity.
Congratulations to everyone who received awards on the night. Details on how to nominate someone for next year's A1 Awards will be available in the summer 09 edition of In Touch.