Housing stalwart Ralph steps down
Housing champion Ralph Hewitt is stepping down from his busy involvement work with Incommunities stretching back 17 years.
Ralph from Haworth Road has been a staunch supporter of the housing group including serving as a Board member until 2013, as Chair of its former West City Local Management Trust and as a member of the group’s Community Trust Panel.
Throughout he has been committed to standing up for tenants’ rights and working to improve local housing services. In 2015 Ralph received a special award from Incommunities for his dedicated long service as an ‘involved tenant’.
As a member of Incommunities’ Customer Equality Steering Group he has been passionate about promoting diversity and ensuring the group’s customer services meet the needs of everyone.
Ralph has also been busy in his own community and was Chair of the Haworth Road Tenant and Residents Association for over 20 years until 2011. He was a school governor for 23 years and also Vice Chair of a European funded community project, based at Holroyd Court, in the Haworth Road area.
Geraldine Howley, Incommunities Group Chief Executive said: "Ralph knows housing inside out right from the Council housing days and he played a key role in the setting up of the business at the time of stock transfer in 2003.
"He has sometimes challenged us to ensure the right improvements were made for the benefit of local tenants.
"However, his contribution is greatly appreciated by everyone at Incommunities and he will be missed.
"We all wish Ralph and his wife Joan many years of happiness ahead."
Ralph said: “It has been an honour to represent the interests of tenants locally and across the district and at the same time be a part of the development of Incommunities.”
"A great deal of credit must go to staff and ‘involved customers’ for their hard work over the years and also the leadership shown by Geraldine. Joan and I are now looking forward to putting our feet up and leaving housing matters to others!"
In recognition of Ralph’s tireless work Incommunities arranged the presentation of a Betty’s hamper and Joan received a bouquet of flowers.