Fairfield’s Latest Newsletter (14/10/09)
The Autumn Edition of Five News is available to download.
Click here for your copy.
Gail’s charity trek for Diabetes (12/10/09)
 Marking her 30th birthday and finding a challenging way to fundraise for charity inspired Gail Park, Fairfield’s Housing Administrator, to walk the whole of the West Highland Way over 6 days. Having insulin... more
Fairfield Committee (12/10/09)
 The Co-operative is delighted that all 15 places on it’s Committee of Management have been filled this year and the tradition of a strong and active tenant board continues in Fairfield. Familiar faces remain at the... more
Leonard Street Development starts (12/10/09)
 The Co-operative’s newest development has started on site with the demolition of the old garden machinery workshop at Leonard Street in Perth city centre. The demolition of the existing building is an awkward... more
Another qualification for Fairfield staff (12/10/09)
 Fairfield’s commitment to staff development and training has paid off again. Joyce Scott, the Co-operative’s Finance Officer has successfully completed a two year, part time course and obtained an HNC in... more
Fairfield's Fifth Perthshire Civic Trust Award (02/09/09)
 Fairfield Housing Co-operative collected their fifth Perthshire Civic Trust Award at a presentation ceremony in Perth's Concert Hall yesterday. The biennial awards celebrate good design and contribution... more
Delight at New Bathrooms (04/08/09)
 Fairfield Tenants have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the finished products as the three year programme of bathroom replacements moves into full swing. Forman Construction have been installing... more
Muirton Homes Completed (04/08/09)
 Fairfield’s first tenants in Muirton will be moving into their new homes in August. ‘The Rookery is the crescent shaped centrepiece of the regenerated Muirton Park, comprising of striking townhouses... more
300,000 Website hits (04/08/09)
The success of Fairfield website continues with over 20,000 visits in the last year and 300,000 hits truly amazing. Our intention is to enhance the website and balance its sharp concise content with even more user friendly features. Watch this space...
Fairfield's 21st AGM (06/07/09)
 Fairfield Housing Co-operative's 21st Annual General Meeting was held on Monday night, in the heart of the community at the Fairfield Neighbourhood Centre. A packed out audience comprising... more
Dunfermline Building Society (23/04/09)
 Fairfield have a long history of working with the Dunfermline Building Society and were extremely saddened by recent events which saw the takeover of DBS by Nationwide in another ‘government... more
Annual Garden Competition (20/07/09)
 Fairfield’s annual Garden Competition will be judged on Tuesday 28 July at 3pm, so we hope all you budding horticulturists out there will be getting your entry forms in soon. The competition will be... more
Fairfield wins High Praise from Perth Civic Trust (26/05/09)
 The Co-operative's newest developments at Menzies Court and Angus Court have been jointly awarded a Highly Commended Certificate by Perth Civic Trust in their Biennial Award Scheme, following a... more
Fairfield Challenge Affordable Housing Reform (23/04/09)
 The Scottish Government have confirmed that no funding will be available in 2009/10 to commence work on the third phase of the regeneration of Muirton, and to progress the site FHC will have... more
Doubt over Muirton’s Third Phase (23/04/09)
 The Scottish Government have confirmed that no funding will be available in 2009/10 to commence work on the third phase of the regeneration of Muirton, and to progress the site FHC will have... more
Spotlight on Morris Court (23/03/09)
 The Co-operative is delighted to be assisting Perth & Kinross Council in meeting housing need in Perth by providing 15 new, high quality homes for affordable rent. The Axiom Development... more
Dunfermline Building Society Savings & Loan Scheme (26/01/09)
The Co-operative has been advised that the Dunfermline Building Society has decided to end the Loan element of it’s Savings & Loan Account. You may remember that the Co-operative signed up to this in 2007, allowing... more
Fairfield’s Latest Newsletter (27/10/08)
The Autumn Edition of Five News is available to download.
Click here for your copy.
PKAVS Party... THIS SATURDAY! More info...
Fairfield Recycling Points (23/03/09)
The Co-operative is pleased to report that our long-awaited recycling bins are now in place. They are situated on either end of Fairfield Avenue and can take the following items... more
Malawi Update (23/03/09)
Do you remember your first pair of shoes? Well there are 256 students at Mkomachi School in Malawi that now can, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Grant Ager and his team of fellow house builders who... more
Re-energising the Lade (23/03/09)
The Co-operative is delighted to be the ‘host’ of a new project aiming to look at how the Lade can be re-energised as one of Perth’s key green corridors. The aim is to increase it’s footfall by transforming... more
Save Up For Christmas (20/01/09)
Ok, so we’ve only just finished with last year’s festivities, but are you now waiting on your credit card statement to drop through the letter box or are you too scared to look at your bank statement? So many people treat... more
Malawi Update (20/01/09)
You may have read the article posted earlier in the year about Grant’s trip to Malawi to assist the charity Habitat for Humanity, and if you attended our last AGM you would have seen photos of Grant’s trip... more
Green Resolutions (20/01/09)
Turn over a new leaf this year and go green! With energy bills sky high, and another three or four months before the heating is switched off, now’s the time to get up to speed on saving energy and saving cash... more
Re-energising the Lade (20/01/09)
The Lade is one of Perth’s key landmarks. The canal was originally built to power the main mills within the town, and runs from the river Almond four miles North West of Perth before dividing in two upon reaching... more
Spotlight on Fairfield Committee – Tracey Furness (16/12/08)
Tracey Furness has been on Fairfield’s Committee of Management for around 2 years and has recently taken up the position of Vice Chairperson. Tracey has a hectic lifestyle, raising 3 young daughters... more
Fairfield Corporate Facilities First Booking (27/10/08)
We are delighted that the S.F.H.A. are the first organisation to book the Co-operative’s Corporate Facilities to hold three highly popular training sessions. Our modern facilities cater for a range of... more
Fairfield Recognition at Chamber of Commerce Awards (27/10/08)
The Co-operative is delighted to have been short-listed for the prestigious Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards 2008. Entered in the ‘Business in the Community’ Category, Fairfield is vying... more
Fairfield Corporate Facilities (20 August 2008)
Fairfield has the venue for every event. Click here to find out how we can cater for your corporate events.
New Payment Facilities at Fairfield (20 August 2008)
As well as accepting cash and cheques in the Co-operative’s Office, we will be shortly be offering the facility for tenants to make payments using a credit or debit card. The facility should... more
Money Advice (14/10/08)
Are you feeling the pinch from the recent increases in food, fuel or petrol? The credit crunch is affecting all of us: debt is a fact of life for many people but there are steps you can take to avoid getting in to debt... more
Muirton Community Flat Partnership (14/10/08)
A partnership agreement between Fairfield and Perthshire Housing Association has been agreed that will formalise the management of the Muirton Community Flat. Under the terms of the agreement, Fairfield has... more
Fairfield Sponsors Battle of the Bands (14/10/08)
The Co-operative is delighted to be sponsoring a Battle of the Bands night in aid of the Lintel Trust’s Malawi Appeal. To be held in the Glasgow Club, Arta, in Albion Street on 13 November, 3 bands will battle... more
Spotlight on Fairfield’s Committee of Management (14/10/08)
After one of the best ever turn-out’s at this year’s AGM, the new line-up for the Co-operative’s Committee has been confirmed for 2008-2009. This year we are welcoming on two new members, Sonya Powell and... more
Eat or heat? (14/10/08)
The increased cost of living and the effects of the Credit Crunch are having an effect on everyone’s finances. Energy suppliers have already hiked their prices by around 35% and we are told there may be further... more
Fairfield Fashion Show Benefits PRI Appeal (14/10/08)
A cheque for £623.18 was presented to Macmillan Cancer Support by the aspiring models who tool part in Fairfield’s hugely successful Fashion Show held in August. The celebration of fashion over the last 20 years... more
Fairfield Scoops Top Perthshire Business Award (16/12/08)
Fairfield Housing Co-operative has come out on top at the glittering Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.
The Co-operative won the Business in the Community category, sponsored ... more
Christmas Opening Arrangements at Fairfield (16/12/08)
Click here to find out our Christmas opening hours and emergency numbers (PDF)
Fairfield’s Own Santa Sleigh (16/12/08)
The residents of Fairfield are getting an unexpected help from Santa this Christmas. Fairfield Staff Susan Duncan and Jane Guthrie came up with the idea of asking for a bit of help in laying on a bus for... more
SCARF Energy Advice (16/12/08)
The Co-operative’s recent Energy Advice drop-in session was a huge success with tenants turning out in large numbers to seek help on how to reduce their heating bills. Our thanks goes to Alison Campbell from SCARF... more
Sustainable Housing Design Guide (20 August 2008)
The Co-operative has been featured in a Communities Scotland publication which seeks to encourage developers and housing associations to make all of Scotland’s homes environmentally friendly. The guide addresses... more
Kitchen Replacement Programme (20 August 2008)
The Co-operative has completed another successful programme of improvements. Tenants in McCallum Court, Crieff Road, Leslie Court, McKenzie Court and McLeod Court have been enjoying... more
Grant's African Adventure (20 August 2008)
Click on the link below to hear Grant Ager, Director of the Co-operative speak about his recent trip to Malawi. http://www.chrissmithonline.co.uk/ ...photos
Fairfield Fashion Show (20 August 2008)
A celebration of fashion over the last 20 years has taken place thanks to the Co-operative. With the support of the local business community a team of local models took to the catwalk. The sold out show... more
Credit Crunch Impact on Housing (20 August 2008)
You may have seen our previous article on the Scottish Government’s Green Paper, Firm Foundations, which outlines it’s plans to reform housing provision across Scotland. There has been great debate... more
Fairfield’s 20th A.G.M (9 July 2008)
Fairfield held it's 20th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 June 2008 with record numbers of tenants attending. This year more than 80 residents, staff and invitees packed the... more
Fairfield Annual Garden Competition (20 August 2008)
Fairfield Housing Co-operative, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, held it’s highly popular Annual Garden Competition recently with a record number of entries. Councillor Callum... more
Fairfield Fashion Show (18 July 2008)
Continuing with the Co-operative’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations, the Fairfield Fashion Show takes place on Thursday 7 August 2008. Showcasing 20 years of fashion, past and present, we will be helped by retail ... more
Plastic Fantastic (18 July 2008)
Continuing our series of updates on how the Co-operative is doing in it’s drive to become ‘greener’ and less wasteful, this month we’re focusing on plastic. Around 275,000 tonnes of plastic are used ... more
Fairfield Micro Library (9 July 2008)
After the success of the Mobile Library, Fairfield now has it’s own Micro Library situated in the Fairfield Neighbourhood Centre. The library has a good selection of books... more
Annual Garden Competition (9 July 2008)
Fairfield’s annual Garden Competition will be judged on Thursday July 17th, so we hope all you budding horticulturists out there will be getting your entry forms in soon. The competition... more
Dorothy’s Departure (9 July 2008)
Dorothy Meaden, one of the Committee’s longest serving members has stepped down after nearly 6 years of service. Dorothy has been a loyal and valued member of the Committee but due to... more
Fairfield's Dancing Queen (28 May 2008)
Fairfield born Lauren Townsley has an impressive list of achievements for a 14 year old. An accomplished dancer of Freestyle Disco, Lauren was crowned Overall Champion of Champions... more
Fairfield Focus on New Challenges (28 May 2008)
Following two very successful Business Planning Review days with Board and Staff Members, the Co-operative has set a challenging agenda to move the organisation forward... more
Tenant Participation Strategy (28 May 2008)
The Co-operative’s Committee of Management have recently approved the latest version of our Tenant Participation Strategy. Our main aim for this year is to try to develop a Resident Consultation Panel which we hope will help us find out more about what you think of the services we offer, and get tenants involved in a range of participation activities. We hope this will be done by a combination of phone surveys and group discussions and we will be in contact with tenants soon to find out if they would be interested in becoming involved. Click here to see our Tenant Participation Strategy.
Grant’s African Adventure (14 May 2008)
When Grant Ager, Director of the Co-operative was recently approached with a holiday proposal, by Gordon Campbell from the Co-operative’s partners the Dunfermline Building Society, he... more
Five News Special Edition (14 May 2008)
Click here to get all the results of our recent Tenant Satisfaction Survey.
100% of Fairfield Resident’s think it’s a great place to live.
Compost Bin Giveaway (14 May 2008)
In keeping with our drive to embrace greener ways of doing things, the Co-operative took delivery of a number of compost bins recently to give away to tenants in Fairfield. We hope this... more
Fairfield’s Kitchen Programme (01/4/08)
Tenants at McCallum Court have been reaping the benefits from their newly fitted kitchens, which are being installed as part of the Co-operative’s programme of improvements. The kitchens were... more
20 Years of Fashion at Fairfield (01/04/08)
To continue with the 20th Anniversary Celebrations, we are planning to organise a Fashion Show incorporating fashions from the last 20 years. Remember leg warmers and shoulder... more
Fairfield Donates to McMillan Cancer Fund (28/02/08)
The Co-operative was delighted to be able to present a cheque for £500.00 to the McMillan Palliative Unit Appeal. The money was raised by the recent ‘Happy New You’ community event and significantly topped... more
Hug a Tree (28/02/08)
Continuing our series of ‘green’ updates, this month we’ve turned our attention to saving trees. 85% of office waste is made up of paper, most of which is relatively high quality white paper which is the most... more
Fairfield Rent Increases (28/02/08)
Following an extensive consultation of all tenants by letter and public meeting, Fairfield will increase all rents and service charges by 1% above December 2007’s RPI. This will mean an increase of... more
Capital Investment Programme continues with... (25/01/08)
Last year was a busy year for the Co-operative’s housing investment programme and this year it is set to continue. Our first major improvement programme starts in February 2008, when residents of...more
Fairfield helps save the Polar Bears (25/01/08)
If you’re a regular reader of the website, you’ll know that since last year, we have been trying to become ‘greener’. Amongst other things we’ve been doing more recycling, re-using more paper and car...more
Partnership brings 200 Affordable Homes to Perth (25/01/08)
A partnership agreement between Fairfield and Kingdom Housing Association has been agreed that will deliver 200 new affordable homes in Perthshire over the next three years. The investment agreement...more
Toolkit Trainee
The Co-operative was delighted to learn that Tollkit Trainee, Dean Rendall who had been working with Clachan Construction, has been offered a full time position with the company. Dean was a...more
Green paper - Future of Housing In Scotland
The Scottish Executive published its proposals last week on the future of housing in Scotland. ‘Firm Foundations: The Future of Housing in Scotland' outlines the Executive’s plans to reform... more
Link Housing Visit
We were delighted to be visited by some of the Senior Management Team from Link Housing in early December. They had been intrigued by articles in "Scottish Housing News" and on our website, on the energy... more
Eco Homes Handover
The Co-operative was delighted to take handover of properties at it's newest development in Menzies Court this week. Tenants of the newly completed terrace of 'eco-homes' were delighted... more
New Affordable Homes for Perth
Work is underway on a development to bring seven much-needed new affordable homes to Perth. Communities Scotland has invested over £600,000 in the project by Fairfield Housing Co-operative... more
Ceilidh Funds
Crieff Road Pre-School Centre benefited from the proceeds of Fairfield’s recent Ceilidh and decided to use the money to help pay... more
Kids Christmas Party
Fairfield held it’s usual Christmas party for local kids in the Neighbourhood Centre. Over 30 children attended for music, food and party games. No Christmas party would be complete without Santa... more
Merry Christmas
Fairfield Housing Co-operative Staff & Management Committee would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year... more
Website attracts 170,000 hits in first year !!
Fairfield's website has now been on the go for over a year and judging by the usage statistics, it's been an invaluable resource for our residents and the general public. It's had over 170,000 hits... more
Fairfield's St Andrew's Night Ceilidh
Fairfield’s St Andrew’s Night Ceilidh was held on Friday 30 November in the local neighbourhood centre. Local residents enjoyed music from Jack High as well as some traditional Scottish... more
The ‘Greening’ of Fairfield Continues
You might have seen our previous article on the Co-operative’s efforts to make it’s office greener. We’ve reduced the amount of paper we use overall, and as well as re-using as much as possible... more
Read Fairfield’s latest Newsletter?
Save paper and read the latest Fairfield Newsletter,
click here to download...
Strike a Pose
Some of Fairfield’s youngest residents have been getting a taster of their 15 minutes of fame. Kids from Crieff Road Nursery in Perth had their photographs taken by Brian J. Fischbacher... more
Menzies Court Development Takes Shape
Our 6 property eco terrace at Menzies Court is progressing well and it is hoped that the houses will be available for let at the end of September 2007. All the properties have 3 good sized bedrooms, spacious lounge... more
Annual Garden Competition 2007
Fairfield Housing Co-operative held it’s Annual Garden Competition this week, with competition again very high, despite the unseasonal July weather. The competition was judged by Perth in Bloom’s.... more
Fairfield’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations
The first of the Co-op’s events to celebrate our 20th year in operation begins in September with a photographic exhibition of Fairfield residents old and new, by Brian J Fischbacher. The images are striking... more
External Painting Begins
The Co-operative has appointed Logie Building Services as the main contractor for a programme of painting which includes all windows and external doors, along with redecoration to roughcast bin... more
Fairfield’s Green Office Initiative
If you’ve read our Development News recently, you’ll have learned about how green and sustainable our new eco-homes in Menzies Court will be. It’s something we bang on about quite a bit and we’re... more
Fairfield Amateurs win Consolation Cup
Local football team Fairfield Amateurs have picked up their first cup after beating teams from all three divisions of the Perthshire Amateurs League. Clearly delighted with their win, this is the first... more
Meet Fairfield’s Newest Member of Staff
Fairfield’s newest member of staff joined the organisation last week. Paul Green takes up the role as Housing Officer and has a wealth of skills and experience which will be put to good use at... more
Fairfield’s 19th A.G.M.
Fairfield held it’s 19th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 13 June 2007. More than 60 residents, staff and invitees packed the hall to hear how the Co-operative is performing and what it’s... more
Dunfermline Building Society Savings & Loan Scheme
Cast your mind back to late last year and the thousands of people who lost their savings when Farepak, the Christmas savings company went into liquidation. Millions of pounds in savings... more
Fairfield Annual Garden Competition
All you green fingered residents out there will have already been hard at it in the garden for a good few weeks now, and we’re pleased to announce that Fairfield’s Annual... more
Digital Switch On
The Co-operative’s Maintenance Officer, Ian Beeching has successfully secured the enhancement of Television Services for all our residents. Work will commence in June 2007 to... more
Warm Deal For Fairfield Tenants
Tenants throughout Fairfield have recently benefited from the installation of draught-proofing to their front and back doors. This has been made possible through the Warm Deal Grant... more
Fairfield visit The Lords
Director of Fairfield Housing Co-operative, Grant Ager, was recently invited to the House of Lords to give evidence to the select Committee on Science and Technology. The evidence... more
Gas Boiler Replacement Programme
Following the successful replacement of gas central heating boilers last year in many of our properties we are continuing the programme of renewal of all the gas heating systems... more
Nursery's New Wheels
The Co-operative has long been supportive of the local Crieff Road Nursery and it's latest donation has helped the nursery purchase some new bikes. From push bikes to three wheelers, the kids seemed... more
Recognition of Fairfield's Green Efforts
The Co-operative received national recognition this week, for it's impressive green credentials and efforts to make homes environmentally friendly. The Fairfield estate is given star billing in a new... more
Fairfield's Honorary President Wins Community Award
Another accolade was bestowed on Fairfield's Honorary President Alice McGuire last week, as she was presented with the Cairncross Award. The gong was awarded by the Rotary Club of Perth and is... more
Stage 3 Adaptations
"Due to ill health, Marion O'Brien was finding it increasingly difficult to get in and out of her bath. Despite having an over-bath shower, getting into the bath itself was becoming impossible and more precarious as her balance and mobility deteriorated. That's when Marion's Occupational Therapist approached the Co-operative to request a walk-in shower for her. This was made possible by Communities Scotland who provide additional funding every year for adaptations which will improve the lives of tenants and allow them to stay in their own homes. The types of adaptations funded include installing walk-in showers, handrails and ramps.
Marion is delighted with her new shower, she can now bathe much more easily and has the benefit of a bath chair as well as the safety of not having to climb in and out the bath.
If you think an adaptation would assist your mobility or safety in your home, please get in touch with the Co-operative for further details on how you can access this.
Housing Advice for Perth College Students
Fairfield was recently approached by a group of Perth College students, keen to learn more about housing and how they would go about getting a house of their own and living independently.
The students are all enrolled on the SteppingOut.com course which is designed to enable the them to develop the skills and confidence to help them progress to paid employment or further training.
As part of this course the students look at Support Services within their local community. Most of the students would like to live more independently and require support to find new accommodation and may require further support to move, settle in and adjust to the new challenges.
Gillian White, Housing Manager went along to see the students to talk to them about how they might go about accessing local housing and some of the pitfalls, and pluses of living independently.
Kitchen Replacement Programme
Tenants of Menzies Court have been enjoying new kitchens which were installed by the Co-operative late last year. The kitchens were supplied by local manufacturer JTC, and our photos show a few of our tenants delighted with their new kitchens.
Caretakers Training
Fairfield's three Caretakers enjoyed a day's Health & Safety training a few weeks ago, provided by ACS Environmental Services. The training covered subjects such as Manual Handling, dealing with Blood and Bodily Fluids, dealing with Sharps and carrying out risk assessments. An awareness of Health & Safety is vital for the Caretakers and it ensures that they are aware of the dangers involved in keeping the estate clean and tidy.
The Co-operative is committed to ensuring that all staff are qualified and receive appropriate training to make sure that they are able to carry out their jobs to the best of their ability.
Fairfield Away Days
Fairfield staff and Committee Members enjoyed two days away from the office at the end of January, to discuss the future direction of the Co-operative and formulate a Business Plan for the coming 5 years.
After a successful first day, staff and Committee highlighted a number of issues and priorities for action both for the short and long term. These will now be fed into a Management Plan which will identify what the Co-operative wants to achieve, how we hope to achieve it, the timescales we will work to and which member of staff or Committee is responsible for carrying out the work.
Staff and Committee at Crieff Hydro
H.A.s HELP KIDS ENJOY FUTSAL
Kids in Fairfield have been enjoying Futsal session on a pitch sponsored by three local RSLs - Fairfield Housing Co-operative, Kingdom Housing Association and Servite Housing Association.
The event was co-ordinated by Perth and Kinross Council's anti social behaviour team and leisure services and the pitch is being made available throughout the Perth & Kinross area.
Grant Ager of Fairfield Housing Co-operative said this was a simple but excellent idea and the kids in Fairfield love it although, "I'm a bit old to play", he joked.
The pitch will be touring around various locations in Perth including Muirton, Letham and Fairfied.
GARDEN COMPETITION
The Co-operative's Annual Garden Competition was judged recently and although we say this every year, the competition was again, very high. The entrants really do, 'do us proud' and their gardens look fantastic year after year.
The winners this year are:
- First Prize: John & Sandra Mathieson, 11A Menzies Court
- Second Prize: Dave & Isabel Jorgenson, 20 McLeod Court
- Third Prize: Alexander Cumming, 5A Leslie Court
This year, there were a number of additional commendations:
- Award for Consistent Gardening Excellence: Alex & Helen Dobbie, 7McLeod Court
- Award for Excellence in Re-generation of Park Area: Charles McRae, 4A Menzies Court
- Highly Commended: Betty Martin, 11 McLeod Court
- Highly Commended: John & Margaret Mailer, 3A Angus Court
- Highly Commended: Walter Gatt, 1D McDonald Court
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE GARDEN COMPETITION PICS
The Co-operative would like to thank all this year's entrants and thank all those tenants who look after their gardens and help to make the Fairfield green and lush over the summer.
REPAIRS SATISFACTION
If you've reported a repair recently, you might have noticed that your repairs receipt asks you to comment on the service you received. Every quarter, we report the results of all your responses to the Committee of Management. This helps us to identify any problems or issues with the repairs service and the contractors, and most importantly, allows us to make improvements to the service you get.
From 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006, the Co-operative carried out 846 repairs and out of these, 35% of tenants were surveyed.
- 61% of tenants were shown identification by the contractor
- 91% of tenants reported that their repair was carried out within the priority time given
- 90% reported the contactor cleaned up after the job
- 91% reported that the repair was carried out to their satisfaction
- 94% were satisfied with the way the Co-operative staff dealt with their complaint.
Although satisfaction levels are high, we realise that there are areas where we could do better. We continually look at how we can improve our repairs service and along with the individual repairs contractors try to better these results year on year.
FAIRFIELD'S A.G.M.
The Co-operative's Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday 15 June 2006 in the local Neighbourhood Centre.
More than 60 tenants, staff and other invitees packed the hall for the annual meeting to hear how the Co-operative is performing and what it's been up to over the past year.
Grant Ager, Director gave an overview of the year and highlighted the improvements in the Co-operative's performance in a number of key areas.
Over the last year, the Co-operative has seen the completion of 6 new properties in Menzies Court and the newly extended office at 5 Fairfield Avenue. Looking forward to the year ahead, the Co-operative has a number of new developments in the pipeline, including further development at 9 & 10 Menzies Court and Angus Court. In partnership with Kingdom Housing Association, the Co-operative will be involved in building affordable housing in Errol, Scone and on a site near Perth College. Over the coming year we will continue our involvement in the regeneration of Muirton, along with Perthshire Housing Association.
 Joan Williamson of Findlay & Co. Accountants reported on how the Co-operative had performed financially over the year. Joan noted that overall, Findlays are satisfied with the way the Co-operative's funds and properties are being managed, the internal controls in place, and the level of governance shown by the Co-operative's Committee of Management.
To round off the official business of the evening, Raymond Young, Chair of Architecture and Design Commission, Scotland, gave a presentation. Raymond has a long association with the Co-operative and a background in sustainable housing and regeneration. Raymond gave a short history of the Co-operative and looked at reasons for it's success.
No Fairfield A.G.M. would be complete without refreshments and dancing, and this year, George Barnett provided the entertainment.
Fairfield’s Billy Does The Honours
It was fitting that a man who has lived in Perth’s Fairfield his entire life opened the estate’s new housing office. Billy Lindsay (69) was guest of honour at the opening of Fairfield Housing Co-operative’s extension. He cut the ribbon and welcomed guests to the new building on Fairfield Avenue which has been converted from flats into bright new offices.
Director Grant Ager, who has spearheaded Fairfield Co-operative for the past 15 years, said: “This is a big day for the Housing Co-operative. We now have a fabulous office extension – and who would have thought it? Years ago, the Fairfield estate was grotty and there were no gardens."
“Now we have a super resource in a great area and its success is all down to the people who live here. Their drive, commitment and support have helped us reach this stage. They really wanted a new office and they’ve now got one.” And Mr Ager expressed his delight that Billy was the one to declare the development open. The housing director added: “Billy has been here all his days so he was the natural choice to open the new- look offices. He was one of the first occupants of the flats built before the war. He has seen the estate through all its changes and we’d like to think it has returned to the days when homes were keenly sought by Perth people.” A memorial bench to acknowledge Billy’s late wife Isobel and her key role in the original co-operative was included as part of the new premises.
 The opening was attended by Councillors Alexander Stewart and housing convener Gordon Hunter. Wellshill Councillor Stewart, leader of the Conservative Group, welcomed the opening of the extension. He said: “The development gives us all inspiration. It is now one of the great achievements in Perth. Today we’re celebrating success and it’s thanks to the huge inspiration from the people who live here. It was obvious from the start that this was a committed and professionally run organisation and to have turned round the fortunes of what was a problem part of Perth is a magnificent achievement. Starting with 150 properties, the co-operative now manages nearly 400 and this success has been recognised in awarding them a substantial involvement in the Muirton re-generation initiative. I would like to congratulate them on their achievements to date and wish them every success with the new project.” In addition to the current property total, there are another 160 in the Fairfield pipeline.
Muirton Councillor Gordon Hunter was glowing in his praise for the new-look premises, which have been specially adapted for the disabled and mums with prams.
Source: The Perthshire Advertiser
Development
After the successful refurbishment of 11 Menzies Court, the Co-operative is pleased to announce that work on the site at 9 & 10 Menzies Court will start during the summer months. This artist’s impression of the site shows the two blocks demolished and in their place, an ‘eco terrace’ of 6 family houses, all three bedrooms. It is expected that the work will take around 7 months to complete. Keep checking the website for updates and the exact start date.
Planned Maintenance
The rent you pay as a tenant of Fairfield goes towards the running of the Co-operative and gets put to a variety of uses including salaries, administration costs, loan repayments and planned maintenance.
This year, the Co-operative has a number of different maintenance programmes planned:
Kitchen Replacement at Menzies Court
For those of you who live in Menzies Court, we will shortly be arranging to come into your home to measure-up for your new kitchen. There is a range of kitchens to choose from and the actual replacement programme will start later on in the year, probably around September.
We will shortly be starting to replace the bin store doors in McDonald & Leslie Court as well as carrying out external window painting in the same area during the summer.
Lastly, we hope to begin replacing gas central heating boilers in McDonald Court this year. This programme of works will be put out to a number of contractors who will be asked to tender for the work, and it is hoped that this work should commence some time during the summer.
Refurbishment of 11 Menzies Court Complete
The Co-operative's newest development at 11 Menzies Court is now complete and tenants have moved into their newly refurbished flats. We spoke to a couple of tenants to see how they were getting on in their new flats.
On the ground floor, Sandra and John Mathieson are delighted with their new accommodation. After Sandra became ill and started using a wheelchair, their home was no longer suitable. Sandra says, "I now have more room to move around in my chair, I can do the laundry and help in the kitchen which I couldn't do in my previous house. I"m looking forward to the summer when I'll be able to get outside and enjoy the garden.
Upstairs, Joseph and Dawn Garton (above) have benefited from their gas central heating and the central location of their new home. Joseph and Dawn previously lived in a rented cottage in rural Perthshire which suffered from chronic damp and no central heating. The one coal fire that they had didn't heat the whole house, so now they're finding their flat at 11 Menzies Court almost tropical. They are now nearer their work and the shops so are being fit and environmentally friendly by using their car less.
The next phase of the project is for the Co-operative to take ownership of the remaining council blocks at 9 & 10 Menzies Court. It is hoped that work will start on site during the summer. Keep checking the website for updates.
If you are having difficulty moving around your home, the Co-operative can carry out a range of alterations to help you. These might include handrails, ramps or a walk-in shower. All you need to do is contact the Co-operative's Office and we'll help you from there.
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