Magna says a fond farewell

7/30/2009

Magna has said a fond farewell to long-standing board member, Ted Wakeham, following his retirement from the board this week.

Ted played a large part in setting up Magna West Somerset Housing Association (MWS) following its transfer from the council to the Magna Housing Group in 1998. As the first independent chairman of MWS, he placed great importance on making sure that promises made at that time, to residents, were kept.

He says, “We promised that we would set up an autonomous subsidiary in Magna. We needed a completely new organistion with all the necessary policies and procedures in place to allow us to move forward, but also to knit in as part of an existing group.”

He continues, “I like to think we have a positive approach to business and we look very much at the culture of our organisation which has certainly helped us to be successful.”

Magna West Somerset has seen a great deal of work during Ted’s 12 years on the Board, not least of which was funding a £22 million repairs and improvement programme over the first five years of the association’s existence.

Tony Murray, MWS Director, says, “Ted has made a huge contribution to Magna’s success over the last 12 years. We have gone from strength to strength with his backing and really changed the lives of our residents.”

Ted adds, “Magna has been a big part of my life for many years. I feel very close in particular to staff and board members in West Somerset and am proud of what we have achieved. I would like to thank all those who have supported me in my time as a board member and wish all the best to those who are continuing Magna’s good work.