I moved to Cornwall in 2018 and I've always wished to carry out volunteer work connected with housing. Hence I then joined the society in 2019.
Previously been a firefighter for 30 years and have achieved qualifications in construction theory. I now work as a handyman and renovate my own property as well.
I have been a trustee of St Michael Housing since 2017. I take over the out of hours telephone.
I am retired and enjoy gardening and reading. I also look after my grandchildren during school holidays.
My involvement with St Michael Housing Society goes back to the mid 1970's when I joined a firm of Surveyors, Estate and Managing agents who collected the rents and generally managed St Michael's Cottages.
I joined the small team of managers as a trustee, about 15 years ago and have been proud to add my extensive experience in property matters to this team of committed fellow committee members. I particularly like the fact that, being a non-profit making organisation, our values focus on providing a solution to local demands for high standard residential accommodation. We have enlarged our portfolio in recent years and it is my wish that we will continue to develop this theme putting our tenants needs first.
I now hold the position of Treasurer on the committee which enables me to keep a day to day watch on the association's financial affairs.
Away from work, I am married with 4 children, now spread around the country, and 8 grandchildren. Having retired some years ago I am also involved with the West Cornwall Housing Association and am the founder President of Rotary Club of Mounts Bay.
Hi I’m Helen…
I am the secretary and asset manager at St Michael Housing. I look after the maintenance and upkeep of the houses, as well as being the tenants first point of contact for all housing needs and issues. I run the office and look after the day-to-day administration of the business.
I have been part of st Michael housing since 2011 when I joined as a trustee. I have held roles in the business as Treasurer and Vice Chair. I am an AAT licensed accountant and in a past life I worked in personal and business banking.
Outside of work I like spending time with my family, going out with our friends, walking the dog, chatting and cake.
I am so proud of working for the society, and to see what has been achieved over the yearswith the help of our dedicated and hard-working voluntary trustees. I feel that by providing well managed and maintained properties along with a top level of service, we are helping to create a safe, secure and healthy life for all of tenants.
I joined the Committee of St Michael Housing Society when they only owned the 16 cottages in St Michael’s Court in New Street. Since then we have purchased more houses in and around Penzance so we now have a range of houses from little two bed cottages with tiny courtyards to three bed family houses with gardens. By keeping to a manageable number of houses I feel that the tenants and the Committee know each other which means we can all work well together to generate a good community and secure homes.
I felt honoured to be asked to join the Committee and enjoy working with the other members, we all have our own skills to offer, and I feel we make a good team. I was Vice Chair for many years, I feel my role is on the practical side working with others to keep all the houses and surrounding land in a good state of repair.
Outside of the Society I continue to work full time as a self-employed chartered architect and enjoy cycling, swimming, failing to keep my garden neat and tidy and generally enjoying life in West Penwith.
Derek joined the committee in 2023 and is committed to helping with local housing issues.