Tenant Board Members from the north of Coventry

Below are statements from the three current Whitefriars Housing Group Limited tenant board members from the north of Coventry. Bill Newey and Janice Ashley were elected in 2005. Margaret Gale was appointed by Whitefriars’ board (initially until 2007’s AGM) to fill the vacancy created by Colin Young’s resignation in 2006.

Bill Newey

I have lived on the north side of Coventry for thirty years and been a resident for both the local authority and Whitefriars. I have been Chairman of Bell Green Area Tenants and Residents’ Association (BATRA) for the last three years, and was also Chair of Roseberry Avenue Tenants and Residents’ Association. I am also Chairman of the M3 Police Consultative Forum. I was on the Shadow Board of Whitefriars for four years, and then on the full North Board after the transfer from the Local Authority. Unfortunately, I lost my seat on the Board after the first election, but since then, I have kept up to date with Board activities. I would like to continue to do as much as possible for local residents, and to work with Whitefriars in the best interests of the residents of North Coventry.

Janice Ashley

I attended private school followed by an Intensive Commercial Course, after which I worked as an Office Junior for the Corporation and then onto industry as Secretary / Personal Assistant. From my teenage years, I have been a Member of Moose International, a family organisation which helps charities and cares for its families.

I hold positions of President of Coventry Ladies Circle and National Committee Member of Ladies Circles. Since childhood I have been a Member of Coventry Unitarian Church where I hold offices of Lettings Officer and Premises Manager. I am also a qualified Lay Preacher. I am a Volunteer for Myton Hospice – serving in their charity shops. I have been a tenant, Council and Whitefriars, in Radford / Coundon areas for approximately 16 years. Last year I was a tenant auditor and was chosen to present the report to the Board and other offices. I believe in Whitefriars, they are not just a letter or voice, but a caring Group with their tenants’ welfare always in mind. I am glad to join such a team and bring with me my past experiences gained through my life with caring organisations. Additionally, I am a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator.
 

Margaret Gale

I have worked for the past 14 years for various Registered Social Landlords (RSL) running hostels and flat complexes. I’ve had experience managing budgets and staff teams and working to Housing Corporation and Supporting People guidelines. I have liaised with contractors, suppliers and tenants. My experience also involves interviewing, admitting and sometimes evicting tenants using policies and procedures to run clean, comfortable and happy houses which people are keen to live in.

I think I can bring my experience to Whitefriars to improve their service.

I am currently a member of the repairs and maintenance forum and served for two years as a parish councillor in Lamesley Tyne and Wear.