Winner:
Eileen Baker, Holmwood Tenants Housing Co-operative

Eileen Baker is currently 95 years old and only retired from the management and finance committee of Holmwood Tenants Co-operative last year at the grand age of 94.

After she staunchly stood up to the Council who were going to demolish the properties, Holmwood was the first co-operative to be formed in Birmingham in 1978, Eileen becoming a member in 1985.

She has always been a strong advocate of housing co-operatives and community involvement, always willing to give her time, visiting prospective tenants and explaining the benefits and joys of being a member. Eileen was also Secretary of Holmwood and Storrs Allotments and has always played a very active part in all aspects of the community.

Award sponsored by:

Winner:
Paula Farrow, Minster Housing Co-operative

Paula has been Chair of her co-operative on the Isle of Sheppey for over 28 years.  She is a Founder Member of 5 housing co-operatives, and was on the Board of Management of CDS Co-operatives for over 15 years, also serving on their Housing Services Sub Committee.

After recently completing her 9 year term of office as the Chair of CCH, Paula is now a CCH Associate Consultant providing member training, support and advice.

During her time in the housing co-operative movement, Paula has gained an HND in Housing and obtained a first class honours degree in Housing Management at the University of Kent.

Award sponsored by:

Winner:
Helen Russell, CHIBAH

Helen joined Two Piers Housing Co-operative in 1983 and was Chair during the development of the co-op’s new build. She helped set up new co-ops, was acting Chair of the former National Federation of Housing Co-operatives 1991 – 1992, and collaborated with other co-ops, and Concerned Co-operators, in founding CCH.

Helen has undertaken policy reviews, member training, represented Two Piers at the local housing co-op networks, CHIBAH, and CCH. Helen is a founder member of the Brighton & Hove Community Land Trust and has been active in supporting the Push Back Brighton campaign, amongst many others.

Award sponsored by:

Winner:
Nic Bliss

Nic first joined 20/20 Housing Co-op in Birmingham back in 1987, moving into his first co-op home in 1989.  His first soiree with the national movement started in 1992 when he attended the first conference  for Concerned Co-operators in Newcastle. This was the start of the Confederation of Co-operative Housing and it was at this conference that Nic agreed to join the General Council.

CCH was, in those days, a voluntary organisation and Nic put in many hours of his own time writing policy, organising conferences and helping our members. Nic was also our longest serving Chair.

After a strategic review in 2014, and after many years of struggling on shoestring resources, CCH was professionalised leading to Nic working for CCH as Policy Officer, stepping down from the role in 2022.  He continues to work with housing co-operatives in the Midlands.

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