Longhurst Group’s Double Celebration
News Section: Longhurst Group RSS Feed
Publish Date: 26 June
Author: L Bell
This week sees a double celebration at Longhurst Group with Bob
Walder enjoying 20 years as Chief Executive of Longhurst Housing
Association and then Longhurst Group, after it was formed in March
2000. Also celebrating his 70th birthday this week is Barrie
Gosling, the Chairman of Longhurst Group.
After 12 years in the housing sector, Bob joined Longhurst Housing
Association on 1st July in 1989 from Staffordshire Housing.
The company has come a long way with Bob helping to steer the
Association and more recently Longhurst Group through a significant
period of growth. From the small, local housing association,
operating out of a semi-detached house in Mainridge West, Boston
with around 800 properties to the successful organisation that it
is today, based in modern, energy efficient offices on the
outskirts of town. Longhurst Group is one of the largest
providers of affordable housing and care services in the Midlands,
managing over 15,000 properties.
Bob is also
committed to improve local communities as the Chairman of the
Regional Housing Group, a member of the Regional Assembly, an
Executive Member of Lincolnshire Housing Forum and a Director of
the Boston Area Regeneration Company, which supports current
redevelopment projects to help shape the future regeneration of the
Boston area over the next 10 years.
Despite his success as the Chief Executive, Bob humbly
acknowledges the support of colleagues and staff for their hard
work and contribution to the growth of the Company: “I would
like to take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues over
the last 20 years. Like any successful organisation, the growth of
Longhurst Group has been the result of an excellent team. Their
continued efforts are essential as we continue to grow and meet the
challenges of today’s current housing and financial climates.”
Barrie Gosling was elected Chair of Longhurst Group in May 2000
following 17 years as a board member of Longhurst Housing
Association, for which he was chairman for the last five years.
Barrie added: “I am proud to chair Longhurst Group. We’ve grown
steadily year-on-year, providing new homes, housing support and
care services as well as improving communities and existing
properties. It is a delight to be celebrating my 70th birthday
alongside Bob’s achievements over the last 20 years.”
To celebrate Bob’s long service and Barrie’s birthday friends
and colleagues across the housing sector attended a dinner at
Harlaxton Manor, Grantham on Thursday 25thJune.
Longhurst Group is the parent company of dynamic team of housing
companies including Longhurst Homes, Spire Homes, Friendship Care
and Housing, Havelok Homes, and Keystone Developments.