VIP Visit

David Orr, the Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation (NHF) paid a visit to the Association on the 17th October. David was accompanied by Derek Long who is Head of the North Region for the NHF.

David had been told by his staff in the region of the good work that we carry out, and wanted to see first hand some of our people and our homes.

He first met staff and Gordon Parkin our new President, then Gordon Gray took him and Derek to the large regeneration project at Pelton Fell where we are working in partnership with Nomad E5, Bellway and Chester-le-Street Council to provide new homes on a previous low demand council estate.

They then visited Waterson Crescent at Witton Gilbert where they met Una Mack, one of our Resident Board members. Following a quick cup of tea, and a presentation of Una’s home-made ginger wine. They moved on to Sherburn Village where David and Derek were shown the George Parkinson Memorial Homes, which are soon to be demolished and replaced by 16 new two bedroom bungalows.

The final visit was to Meadow Edge at Sherburn where both David and Derek were most impressed with the standards on view. Then back to Durham Station where David took the train home to Edinburgh and Derek back to Lancashire.

Gordon Gray aid “The NHF do excellent work in representing housing associations across England and campaigning for better housing and neighbourhoods. It was good to meet with David and Derek who really enjoyed the visit and were very impressed with what we do. I am sure they also enjoyed Una’s ginger wine”.

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