Who we are

I have lived in Cornwall for more than 20 years having moved to West Penwith to own and run a small visitor attraction. Prior to this the majority of my working life was spent in management roles in the publishing industry. My last position before retirement being Regional Director of a large newspaper and magazine company.

I am married to Sara and have three children and nine grandchildren.Now, fully retired, I have many interests including cycling, walking, art, history and archaeology, holidaying in our motorhome, sailing and time with my family. I am currently on the committee of Penzance u3a and have also worked with the Penzance Street Food project and other voluntary roles.

I was invited to join St Michael Housing committee in 2024 and feel privileged to have been asked.

I feel the values of the Society are to be much admired and reflect my own ethos. I especially like that the society has remained relatively small and therefore able to offer a personal service to tenants. Our objective in seeking to create small communities by clustering housing is I think outstanding, as is the quality of homes we offer. The society has an exceptional reputation and I can readily understand why demand for properties far exceed supply.

It is my hope to use my business experience to further the aims and objectives of St Michael Housing.

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.