Rural Stirling bids farewell to long-standing chief executive at AGM

Departing chief executive Tony Teasdale (centre) with the four most recent chairs of the Association (from left) Jim Milne, Margaret Vass, Helen Scott and Owen Mckee
Departing chief executive Tony Teasdale (centre) with the four most recent chairs of the Association (from left) Jim Milne, Margaret Vass, Helen Scott and Owen Mckee

Rural Stirling Housing Association looked back on another busy and successful year at its Annual General Meeting held in Callander and said goodbye to its long-standing chief executive.

An audience of over 60 Association members, tenants, community representatives and other invited guests heard chairperson Margaret Vass present the Annual Report on the Association’s activities in 2016/17.

Highlights had included:

  • A strong performance overall against the Scottish Government’s Tenant Charter Standards.
  • Completing 14 new homes for social rent at Campsie Road, Strathblane
  • Acquiring land for 50 new homes at Claish Farm, Callander and 22 at Balmaha.
  • Tendering for 23 new homes at Station Road, Callander
  • Substantial investment in existing homes, including new kitchens for 76 properties, replacing 31 gas boilers and bringing gas into four housing developments in advance of replacement heating systems this year, to help reduce tenants’ fuel bills.
  • Carrying out a staff restructure to ensure a stronger focus on front-line services.
  • Whilst the Association was again able to report sound finances and solid plans for the future concern was voiced about the introduction of Universal Credit and other changes to the welfare system and how these will impact on the Association and many of its tenants.

    Members of the Association’s Board of management for 2017/18
    Members of the Association’s Board of management for 2017/18

    The guest speaker was the Association’s own chief executive, Tony Teasdale, who is leaving the Association at the end of October. He reflected on his 15 years with Rural Stirling, and the Association’s progress during that period.

    The chair presented Tony with a certificate in recognition of his long and loyal service and commented: “Everyone here knows that RSHA would not be what it is today without Tony’s vision, energy and passion. He is going to be hard act to follow.”

    Elections took place for the volunteer Board of Management which for the coming year will include: Linda Anderson, Malcolm Begg, Fiona Boath, Theresa Elliot, David Frood, Mark Griffiths, Rob Hughes, Pat McCausland, Susan Macmillan, Alistair Miller, Bob Moyes, Colin O’Brien, Phil Ragsdell and Margaret Vass.

    The results of the Association’s garden competition were announced and presented by Stephen Kerr MP.

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