The Mayor of Derby, John Ahern, officially opened Derby Homes’ Annual General Meeting on Thursday 26 October, at the Spot Conference Centre in Sacheveral Street.

Tenants, staff and leaseholders joined Board members in celebration of Derby Homes’ achievements over the past 12 months.  Successes included the renewal of Derby Homes contract with Derby City Council to continue to manage and maintain all Council housing for a five-year period from 2007.

Dennis Rees, Chair of the Board, thanked partner organisations for their ongoing help in allowing Derby Homes to provide a high quality service to tenants.  Particular appreciation was shown to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service who received Derby Homes’ Lionel Massingham award for outstanding service by a partner organisation in 2006.  Adam Hind, Station Manager at Nottingham Road Fire Station, was in attendance to collect the award.  The partnership between Derby Homes and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service is the first of its kind in the country.  All new tenants are provided with a free home safety check, indicating a determination to wipe out all fire-related death and injury.  In 2006, Derby Homes made over 830 referrals to the Fire and Rescue Service and the partnership is set to grow in 2007.

Phil Davies, Chief Executive of Derby Homes said: “The Lionel Massingham Award is in remembrance of a much loved and active board member who sadly died last year.  It recognises the partner agency staff believe has best worked with Derby Homes in the past year.”

Reports were heard from members of the Board, including news on the successful reduction of rent arrears, housing plans to cater for new generations of Derby tenants, and the successful completion of the ‘decent homes’ standard in all Derby Homes properties in April 2006.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to present the Mayor of Derby, John Ahern, with a cheque for £133 for the Mayor of Derby’s Charity Fund.  This donation was raised at Derby Homes’ Garden Party, held on 4 September 2006, to celebrate Derby Homes’ achievement of ‘three star status,’ as awarded by the government’s Audit Commission in March 2006.

Guests were entertained between speeches by a live band and a performance group.  Refreshments were on hand throughout and exhibitions were available for tenants interested in finding out more about current and upcoming services.