Our Background and History
The Association was founded in the years immediately following the end of the Second World War and was part of the “Homes for Heroes” movement.
Started by a subscription and raising funds through mortgages on leased land its aim was to house people who worked locally and were unable to find suitable homes at a time of desperate housing shortage.
Most of the original properties are located on a post war development in north Bushey, Hertfordshire. Originally, we were known as the South Midlands and Greater London Housing Society. The Society once owned properties in Harrow and Luton but now focusses on its owned property in the Bushey area.
Where we are today
The property surrounding the office in Pine Grove forms the core of the Association’s housing stock of 120 homes. A few of the families of the first generation of tenants still live on the estate and vestiges of this ethos survive to the present day. There is a strong sense of community and a high degree of tenant participation.
In addition to its core properties, the Association owns a modern low-rise block of twelve flats on a largely private development close by
We are proud of our new development in Campbell Close located on what was a redundant garage site in the heart of the larger portfolio of homes near the office.
Our Aims & Values
The Association continues to aim to be a forward-looking organisation which meets the ever-changing needs and expectations of new and existing tenants.
Our continuing ambitions are:
- To make sure our homes are high quality places to live, with tenants who feel secure, and have a sense of belonging and pride in their neighbourhood.
- To provide homes which are comfortable, well maintained, energy efficient and value for money.
- To provide additional housing to meet changing housing needs.
- To be reliable, to deliver what we say we will to tenants and other stakeholders.
- To maintain strong finances, to make sound financial decisions and to maintain our technical abilities.
- To remain independent and justify our existence by demonstrating that we provide value for money and achieve high levels of tenant satisfaction and local focus.
Our team
Our team consists of highly skilled and motivated professionals, who are all experts in their field. With many years of experience in the housing sector, they have the expertise to provide comprehensive, first-rate services to our residents.
Mathew
Randle
Chief Executive
Mathew has held leadership roles in the Housing and Charity sector for over 25 years.
His main responsibilities are Health & Safety, Strategy, Governance, Financial control and Policy.
Jessica
Robinson
Housing Manager
Jessica has worked with the housing sector for over 40 years, with a wide range of experiences and knowledge.
Main duties include tenancy & property management, Rent collection and resident support
Shanna Benstead
Housing Administrator
Shanna has worked within the property & contractor sector for over 20 years.
Her main responsibilities are contractor liaison, data control and financial processing.
Nigel
Byrne
Surveyor (Consultant)
Nigel is a Chartered Builder and Surveyor with over 40 years’ experience.
He works as a consultant helping Pine Ridge with fault diagnostics, conducts property inspections, and oversees the refurbishments whilst providing advice on our investment programme.