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Meet the Board

Cestria Community Housing Association
Board Member Curriculum Vitae

Board Member - Paul TinnionPaul Tinnion, Chair

Paul has been Chairman of Cestria's board since October 2006.

He was Chairman of Gateshead Council's Housing Committee for 15 years and a board member of Home Housing Association for 16 years.

He is an elected governor of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and is Chairman of Governors of Furrowfield Special School, Gateshead.

Originally a computer programmer, he was a political organiser for the Co-operative Movement for 31 years, retiring in 2006.

His interests include theatre, opera, playing golf and watching Newcastle United.

Board Member - Vera CodlingVera Codling, Vice Chair

Vera, from Great Lumley was an Administration Manager for 23 years and was also the former President for Tyne and Wear Secretaries Association.

Vera is Treasurer of Great Lumley's Women's Institute and also is a School Governor at Falla Park Primary School, Felling. Vera also serves as the Vice Chair of Crimestoppers North East.

Board Member - Linda Henderson GrayLinda Henderson Gray

Linda Henderson Gray works for Your Homes Newcastle as the Assistant Central Services Manager / Complaints Officer. Linda was involved in the successful housing transfer process from Newcastle City Council to ALMO (Arms Length Management Organisation).

Linda brings with her extensive experience of customer care and complaints, and organisation skills. Linda has previously worked in the training and recruitment sectors providing opportunities for unemployed individuals across the North East of England.

Board Member - John Shiell

     John Shiell

     Councillor Shiell is the County Councillor for Chester-le-Street North and East.

     During his career he worked as a Project Engineer for Northern Electric before taking early retirement in 2002.

     He has a degree in electrical engineering as well as being a member of the institute of engineering and technology.

He is an active member of South Pelaw Residents Association as well as a Governor of South Pelaw Infant School (LEA Appointed).

 

Board Member - Pat RivettPat Rivett

Pat Rivett now works as a volunteer at Beamish Museum. Prior to retirement she worked full time for CWS Distribution Centre as a Purchasing Clerk. Pat is an active member of the Cestria Reference Group and is also involved in various other working groups within the Association.

In the last few years Pat has taken courses in anthropology, sociology and psychology and also completed a computing course.

Board Member - Janette LoanJanette Loan

Janette, from Sacriston is the Chair of Lilac Community House and is also a member of the Cestria Reference Group. She is very passionate about her local community, both young and old and has been awarded a 'Respect' Award for her work in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in her area. Janette was also involved with the development of an estate agreement between Lilac House and Durham Community Safety Partnership.

 

Board Member - Allen TurnerAllen Turner

Councillor Turner has been a Sacriston Ward Member for 7 years and was Chairman of the Council from 2005 – 2006. New Unitary Councillor. He is a School Governor at Sacriston Junior School and has attended as a parent helper for 13 years helping the children with their literacy and numeracy skills. He is a Parish Councillor and a trustee for the new Community Centre as well as been involved with the local Development Group.

Councillor Turner has experience of working in both the Public and Private sector.

Board Member - Allan BainbridgeAllan Bainbridge

Councillor Bainbridge has lived in Chester-le-Street for over 25 years. Now a retired police officer, he spent most of his career with the Accident Investigation Unit. When he left the police force, he taught IT at City of Sunderland College and Outreach Centres.

Allan was elected to Durham County Council in May 2008 and is the Ward Councillor for Chester-le-Street South. Allan is the Chairman of North End Residents Association in Chester-le-Street and a member of the Chester-le-Street Youth Centre Management Committee.

Allan also serves as a School Governor at Cestria Primary School.

 
 

Board Member - Kevin KellyKevin Kelly

Kevin has over 20 years senior management experience in the housing sector and has worked in a diverse number of housing organisations in England. He has experience of working with Housing regulators such as the Audit Commission on inspections, Tenant Services Authority and the Homes and Communities Agency on stock transfers, mergers, regulatory investigations and social housing grant applications.

 
 

Board Member - Glyn HallGlyn Hall

Formerly the Head of Housing for Durham County Council, Glyn has over 20 years experience in the housing field. Whilst his work recently has been involved with more strategic housing issues he was the Director the Housing at the former Sedgefield Borough Council with responsibility for the management of 11000 council homes. He has worked closely with the Homes and Communities Agency and the Department of Communities and Local Government, most recently on the Governments proposals for Right to Buy. His knowledge of Housing, New Build and Development will also be of benefit to the Association. Glyn is really keen to help establish Cestria as the leading social landlord in the region. 

Board Member - Kay NicholKay Nichol

Kay Nichol has been a resident of Chester le Street for over 35 years and cares passionately about the welfare and quality of life in the community. Over the last three decades Kay has served on the Governing Boards of three Schools as Parent Governor at Edmondsley Primary School and St Leonard’s Roman Catholic Comprehensive School and currently as LEA Governor at Bullion Lane Primary School.

Kay has been a Justice of the Peace for 15 years serving in the Adult Court and previously in the Youth and Licensing Courts.

 

Board Member - Robin EarlRobin Earl

Robin Earl is an Independent Board Member. Robin is a Chartered Accountant with considerable experience in the Housing, Regeneration and Development sectors.

Although he has lived in the North East all his life, he has helped deliver projects across the country. Previously with English Partnerships, then the Homes & Communities Agency, and more recently 1NG Limited, Robin now works for Grant Thornton as part of their national Government and Infrastructure Advisory team.

 

Board Member - John WilliamsJohn Williams

John Williams is an Independent Board Member. John works for Lloyds Bank as a Relationship Director and is Head of their Public and Not for Profit sector team in the North. He has worked in banking for 38 years and has been involved with Social Housing for the last 11 years including all aspects of banking and funding.

John is also a board member of Leeds Federated Housing Association and a member of The Princes Trust West Yorkshire committee.

His interests include motorsport, cycling and walking.

 

Board Member - Audrey WillisAudrey Willis

Audrey is a former Civil Servant who has been a District Ward Member for Lumley since 2003 and is now a Unitary County Councillor for the Lumley, Fencehouses and Bournmoor Division.

She is also the Parish Councillor for Great Lumley and a School Governor at Lumley Infants and Nursery School.

Audrey feels passionate about social housing and the communities in which we live.

Board Member - Isabel SmithIsabel Smith

Up until May, 2007, Isabel was a ward Councillor for Pelton for eight years as well as the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety for four years. As the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Isabel was involved from the beginning of the stock transfer process and is very keen on seeing the promises made to tenants being delivered. Isabel has a good knowledge of regeneration and housing issues as well as community involvement.

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