Fond Farewell Celebration for Spectrum Resident in Dorset

Published by Tina for Spectrum Housing Group in Communities and also in Housing

A special party was held in Gillingham to commemorate the work and dedication of a Spectrum Signpost resident who has recently stepped down as Chair of the Spectrum Residents’ Group following a spell of poor health.

Staff, residents and Board members from Spectrum Signpost said a fond farewell to John Radford, who has been involved with Spectrum Housing Group for a number of years and has been an important figure locally, including on the original Signpost Residents' Forum.
John, who was awarded the Freedom of Gillingham by the town's Mayor in October 2012 for his contribution to Spectrum and also Gillingham Town Football Club, first became an involved resident in 1999 and was a founder member and Chair of Signpost Tenants' Forum from 2001 to 2011. He helped the Forum grow in numbers and brought the concerns of residents to the fore, and dedicated many years to the work of the housing association and its residents.
After recently stepped down from his role in the Spectrum Residents’ Group, a party was held for John on Tuesday 26th February as an opportunity for staff and residents to say thank you on behalf of Spectrum Housing Group.

“During my time working with Spectrum, I have seen many big changes, but residents now have a far bigger say in everything to do with the organisation from top to bottom, and what goes on, than ever before” said John.

“I have made a lot of friendships during my time at Spectrum and I always tried to work behind the scenes and have conversations to move things forward. But I wouldn’t have been able to have done what I did – or give up the time needed to do it – without the full support of my wife Pat”.

A number of residents who worked with John over the years were in attendance at the party, including those who were on the original Tenants' Forum and those who have recently been colleagues as part of the Residents’ Group. In addition to Spectrum staff and Board members, also present at the celebration were Gillingham Mayor Stephen Joyce and Councillors Su Hunt and David Milsted.
John was presented with the gift of a pocket watch by Rob Webber, Group Director of Operations at Spectrum, while John's wife, Pat, received a bouquet of flowers.

"It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with John for nearly eight years” said Liz Baker, Resident Involvement Officer for Spectrum Signpost, who attended the party on the day.

“He has been a source of support and guidance, not only for other involved residents but also officers and managers at Spectrum. He has conducted himself with dignity, fairness and respect for others and his knowledge of Spectrum business have made him a great ambassador for the organisation. Along with many others I will miss the kindness and friendship of both John and Pat and wish them all the best in the future."

Mike Ruddy, colleague of John on the Spectrum Residents’ Group, said:

“John has guided and encouraged a growing number of involved tenants to become the voice of the many thousands of Spectrum residents.

On behalf of all residents I would like to thank John for the enormous contribution he has made to resident involvement at Spectrum over the years. He has put down some very solid foundations on which residents can build a positive future”.