Dale & Valley Homes appoints new chair

Following the sad and untimely death of Norman Button, Wear Valley company Dale & Valley Homes has appointed a new chair and vice chair.

Button, who died unexpectedly on March 10, had been the company’s chair since it was formed in 2006.

The new chair is Colin Stockwell, 61, from Durham, a company secretary and solicitor who has been a member of the board since 2007.

Stockwell said: “Filling Norman’s shoes will not be easy. He was well respected and well known in the area, and he was totally committed to the work of Dale & Valley Homes.

“The company is going through many changes at the moment, as is the whole social housing sector. It will be interesting and challenging to chair the board through all of these developments. I am sure that all staff and board members will rise to the challenge.”

Leonora Pattinson, a tenant board member from Stanhope was elected as vice chair. Pattinson, 63, joined the board when the company was formed because she wanted to be a voice for people living in Weardale.

Dale & Valley Homes is currently asking for tenants to come forward and stand for election to the board. There is currently one vacancy and tenants will be asked to vote for their choice in July.

The deadline for expressing interest in standing for election is Thursday 21 April.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the role of a tenant board member can visit the company website at www.daleandvalleyhomes.co.uk or speak to governance officer Emily Butler on 0800 0830 333 or 0300 2000 194.