New naming honour for popular housing manager
A training facility run by Incommunities has been named in lasting tribute to a popular Keighley-based housing manager who died in 2000.
The ‘Gerry Pickersgill ICT suite’ is based at the housing group’s Construction Training Centre and provides a valuable computer training facility for its apprentices, job club customers and young people.
Gerry’s widow Janet and family members joined Incommunities’ Group Chief Executive, Geraldine Howley at the naming ceremony this week.
Over the last 18 years, Janet has supported the annual Gerry Pickersgill Awards run by Incommunities and the Bradford District Tenant and Residents Federation.
In that time the awards have recognised many unsung community heroes, however after discussions with the family it was decided the time had come to find another lasting legacy to his life.
Janet Pickersgill said: "The family is delighted by this dedication and tribute to Gerry’s time in housing.
"Gerry was passionate about helping people and it’s great to have been part of these annual awards which recognised so many special local heroes.
"Thanks to Incommunities this tribute will continue his connection to a career he loved and the futures of those starting out in housing and people wanting to better themselves."
Geraldine Howley, Incommunities' Group Chief Executive said: "We have liaised closely with Janet and her family to arrange this fitting tribute to Gerry.
"Having worked with Gerry I saw first hand his dedication to serving others. Giving his name to this important training resource will be a special legacy – one which will benefit our apprentices, housing staff and people from the wider community."
