Oaklee Book Launch - 24 March 2010
Madam Chair, ladies and gentlemen - good morning,
I should like to begin by thanking Sylvia and the Board of Oaklee Homes Group for inviting me along this morning to launch your 30th anniversary publication.
It is difficult to believe that housing associations such as Oaklee have been in existence for only some 30 years, such has been their impact. In the early 1970’s we faced enormous housing problems across Northern Ireland and in 1976 registered housing associations were introduced to complement the work of the Housing Executive, which at that time was in its infancy.
James Butcher and NIH, were quick to take up the challenge and were amongst the very first to register. Those organisations became Oaklee Homes Group and now, 4,500 homes later, we have a very different organisation, with an impressive group structure, operating across both parts of the island.
We have come a long way since those early days. Housing has improved beyond all recognition. Thirty years ago, who could have imagined the standard of accommodation that we have now? The Housing Executive and Housing Associations have made our public housing amongst the very best in the UK.
We are now building homes to ever increasing levels of sustainability and energy efficiency. Oaklee, of course, has just taken up the challenge of delivering a new demonstration project to Code 5 that will deliver one of the largest mixed tenure schemes of its kind across Great Britain and Ireland. We can be proud that social housing continues to lead the way.
Madam Chair, since becoming Minister I have visited many Oaklee housing projects throughout both parts of the island. I have seen for myself the marvellous work being carried out by your professional and dedicated organisation.
I am therefore delighted to have been given the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made over the past three decades.
While this new publication deservedly highlights the triumphs of Oaklee, and necessarily focuses on one particular housing association, it also stands as a tribute to all of our housing providers, many of whom are represented here today. I’m not going to spoil your read of this potential best seller by detailing any more of the Oaklee journey. Suffice to say, much has been packed into the years between that very first scheme in Coleraine and the Cross Border Housing Award that I presented just last month. Don has done a magnificent job in tracking the progress throughout all that time and it certainly is a tale worth telling.
I was honoured to be asked to provide the foreword and Don has also included what he calls ‘Margaret Ritchie’s Story.’ These are my own personal reflections from growing up in social housing in rural Downpatrick, through to where I see housing going in the future.
I have had a preview of some of the contents and would thoroughly recommend Don’s book and I congratulate Oaklee for having had the foresight to commission it. It really is a unique reference point for all with an interest in social housing.
I was particularly taken with the end of my story where Don says, and I quote him here, ‘the little girl from the cottage with no water had travelled a long way, but in her own mind, not yet far enough.’
Given this interview was conducted before my recent elevation within my party, I wonder if Don hasn’t some kind of gift for seeing into the political future. And more importantly, can he tell me what happens next?
Sylvia, I should like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and Board Members past and present, for the time, foresight and expertise that you have so freely given to help bring our community to where it is today.
I should also like to thank Chief Executive Ian Elliott and his team for all they have done and continue to do to drive forward service to tenants.
I know there are past members of the Oaklee organisation present with us today and my thanks also extend to all of you for your contribution over many years.
Oaklee Homes Group can look back with pride to all that has been achieved in the past 30 years and for making such a positive difference to people’s lives.
Best wishes to all for 30 years of dedicated service and continued success for the future.
Thank you.
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