Large turnout for first AGM
After just five months of operations, 160 members of Bron Afon Community Housing filled a large room at the Parkway Hotel in Cwmbran last week (Thurs 18 Sept) for Bron Afon’s first annual general meeting. A further 323 members contacted Bron Afon to give their apologies for the meeting as they were unable to attend.
Bron Afon Community Housing started work on 31 March following a transfer of over 8,000 tenants’ homes from Torfaen County Borough Council. Bron Afon already has over 1100 members, 88% of them tenants and the numbers are growing every day.
Bron Afon is community owned and democratically run with members playing a central role in the shaping and development of Bron Afon and its service. Members played a key part in the selection of the Chief Executive and Management Team, contributed to the selection of contractors and have worked with staff and the Board to develop Bron Afon’s policies and strategies. In the last election for a tenant Board member, 3,200 tenants voted. Board meetings are open to the public and are well attended by members of Bron Afon.
The AGM saw members receive the Board’s report for the first five months and the revenue accounts and balance sheet, along with the financial auditors’ report. Members then contributed their views on Bron Afon’s strengths and areas for improvement so that their views are used to determine the organisation’s self assessment which is required by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Duncan Forbes, Chief Executive of Bron Afon Community Housing, said: “A turnout of this size at our first annual general meeting is amazing and the questions and contributions that were made demonstrated how keen and well informed many of our members are about Bron Afon and what we all want to achieve together. One of Bron Afon’s aims is to be an open and democratic and the role our members play within the organisation is critical to meet this aim. The principles of mutuality that are build into our structures have struck a chord with Torfaen residents and particularly our tenants who are very keen to get involved and make a difference”.
AGM Picture 1 AGM Picture 2 |