Two campaign launches and a new Chair ensured that this year’s Almond AGM had a lot to share.

Firstly, Chair Adam Turner stepped down after over four years in the role. Although he will be staying on as a member of the Board, he reflected with pleasure on his time as Chair:

“It's been a real privilege to have held this role for such an inspiring organisation.  I’ve particularly enjoyed the role the Chair plays in guiding the Board towards collective and clear decisions, whether that’s responding to the challenges that inevitably arise or in steering Almond into the future. 

"A recent highlight was attending the premiere of “The Squinty Tree” hosted in our Big Living Room at Almond HQ.  It was a pleasure to experience first-hand the positive difference we make to the communities we serve, and the key role we play in bringing the community together.  Creating a home beyond a house is important to Almond and I'm delighted to have supported the Association in this role.”

Taking over the reins is Vicky Bluck, who is Almond’s second ever female Chair.  Vicky hails from Aberdour in Fife and lives with her husband Matt and seven-year-old daughter Grace.  She has had a long career in Risk Management and currently leads a large team within the Consumer business of Lloyds Banking Group.  

When asked what she is looking forward to about this new role she said: “Almond Housing is looking to the future, with a focus on how we continue to provide quality social housing for communities across West Lothian and it’s a real privilege to be leading the Board through this period of exciting change.  I’m also looking forward to spending time with our communities and seeing the amazing work of Almond in action.”

Community was a strong theme at the AGM with the soft launch of the BeeKind campaign.  Devised by Community Engagement Officer Jane Deary, BeeKind is an initiative that will run for the next 12 months with a calendar of events planned for each month. 

The main launch coincided with Scottish Housing Day on Wednesday 17th September, which this year had the theme of ‘Everybody needs good neighbours’.  Jane explains her thinking:

“Kindness is one of the values for Almond and I thought it would be lovely to expand on this.  Linking in with the Scottish Housing Day theme felt like an ideal opportunity.  At the moment life in general feels tougher for everyone, but a little kindness can make all the difference.”

AGM members were given a number of bee orientated gifts including a crocheted bee from Spark Creations in Craigshill and a beeswax food wrap from Queen Bee Wraps in East Lothian.

Also introduced at the AGM was the interim Development and Regeneration Strategy but rather than a standard presentation, Almond had innovatively updated their Squinty Tree animation to engage the audience.  The original animation followed the story of what the tree’s all-seeing eye had watched in the past, this new version considered what the tree might see in the future.

Engagement consultations will commence soon, and anyone interested in getting involved should email: enquiries@almondha.org.uk