Merlin residents get snap happy for annual report calendar

Merlin Housing Society’s annual report has arrived….and it’s a little bit different.

Formed after the transfer of housing from South Gloucestershire Council in February 2007, Merlin has spent its first year focussing on improving its services and involving residents in all that it does. And that includes producing the annual report itself.

Rather than a dry document, the report takes the form of a calendar called “The world on your doorstep”. And while one group of residents decided what information and images should be used inside, other residents were going out and about snapping the sights of South Gloucestershire.

“This is an annual report for our residents which has been produced by our residents, and they’ve done an excellent job,” said CEO Ian Matthews.

“They chose the topics, they helped write the words, they took the pictures. It’s a great example of residents being at the heart of all we do.”

Among the photos used were some taken by three youngsters from the4 Society’s Filton camera club. Merlin paid for Bristol-based national press photographer David White to spend a day coaching George Glover, Tiffani Seymour and Corey Croft on how to take a good picture.

"All three of them showed lots of interest in learning how to take a great picture and it was really pleasing to see the quality of photos they took on the day,” said David. "I'm sure they'll get a great buzz from seeing their photos in the calendar."

While George, Tiffani and Corey’s pictures are on the calendar side of the report, the other side tells of the work Merlin has been doing over the first year.

As part of its major works programme the organisation has fitted 631 secure doors, and installed 347 new kitchens and 141 new bathrooms into homes across the region. The report also reveals that Merlin let 609 properties and hit its target of having just 0.75% of properties empty at the end of the year.

Ian Matthews added: “It’s been a busy but successful first year for the organisation.

“We’ve been laying the foundations for our success in the future. Residents have been heavily involved in much of this work, from giving their views on our sheltered housing service, to helping us choose a new gas servicing contractor.

“This will determine how we deliver our services in the years to come.

“We have ended the year in a strong financial position and intend to continue our investment in improving our properties. Over the coming year will be spending £16.5m on our ongoing programme of work.”