Two Greenfields Community Housing Tenants Honoured For Work In the Community

Published by Donata Rio for Greenfields Community Housing in Housing

Two tenants from leading Community Gateway Association, Greenfields Community Housing, are celebrating after being awarded honours in the recent list.

Allan Millam, a tenant board member of Greenfields Community Housing, was given an MBE for services to the community in Braintree, Essex. Allan is Chairman of the Tabor Centre for disabled adults in Braintree, a former district councillor, and Chairman of Crossroads Care Braintree District and Chelmsford. He has also been a Board Member with Greenfields for approximately five years. Whilst on the Greenfields Board, Allan has helped to ensure that the association meets all their objectives and is a fair employer; as well as improving communities through funding and other support. He is also on many committees with Greenfields, using his skills and experience to make decisions and offer expert advice.

Val Ahern, a tenant from Witham in Essex, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to tenant empowerment in Witham, Essex. Val chaired the Templars Residents Association for 15 years until 2011 and her proudest achievements include seeing CCTV installed on the estate and organising big community events which unite everyone.

Both residents are delighted to be honoured and look forward to the formal ceremony in February.

Allan said: “I feel very honoured and surprised. My reward is not really the MBE - it is meeting so many really nice people during my time working with the community. I am very sad that my late wife, Barbara, won’t be at the palace with me on 20^th February, but I’m very pleased that my son is coming all the way from Australia to join, me, my daughter, my sister and my stepson and stepdaughter. I’m a bit nervous but very excited!”

 Val said: “I was gobsmacked when I found out. My favourite part of being Chair has been bringing the community together and seeing the results from long term projects, like setting up the community office and improving the lighting on the estate. It’s not just me though, it’s about team work. Thanks to Greenfields, Braintree District Council, the Police and everyone on the estate for their support.”

Sandra Crosby, Housing Director of Greenfields Community Housing Association commented: “Greenfields has been working with Allan and Valerie for a long time as they both put lots of time and effort into making changes in their communities that have a real impact of people’s lives. We are very proud of them and hope that their hard work will continue to make a difference.”

Greenfields Community Housing was launched to give tenants and leaseholders a big influence in how their housing service is run. The organisation has approximately 8,000 homes in towns and villages across Essex, as well as approximately 450 leasehold properties.

For more information on Greenfields Community Housing, please visit www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk or call 01376 535400.