As the present chairman person of A.R.F (Axiom Residents Forum ),I go along to explain ,what we are all about ,and how we can help .and how they can become involved.But before I go into my spiel about ARF ,I explain a bit of history of Axiom Housing Association.
Axiom was founded in 1967,by three Gentlemen .Michael Belton,Geoffrey Martin OBE and Alan Tapley.Around about this time,these three men were enjoying a pint in a Belgravia pub in London,and found they were all inspired by the BBC TV documentory Drama 'Cathy Come Home',I remember watching this and could relate to it ,I had a young family at that time ,and I could see many in the room nodding their heads as they too recalled this very touching programe.
As I said these men were also moved by the then typical story and ,the uncrupulous exploitation of tenants in the Notting hill area of London in the 1950's and1960's.One infamous man in particular was ,Peter Rachman who built up a property empire using mansion blocks for multi tenancies,he drove out( mostly white)sitting tenants,reletting properties to immigrants from the West Indies,from whom he charged exorbitant rents,it had a major influence on Goverment policy makers at that time, and we suspect the future direction of Axiom housing Association .
It was the wife of one of these Gentlemen who came up with the name Axiom ,which means TRUTH
I am also on the board at Axiom ,where amongst other things we are passionate about good quality social housing at affordable rents.
I haven't included the whole of my presentation but you get the gist ...
.Most of all I enjoy being with my fellow residents
I have made so many wonderful friends
And am truly blessed
Here you see Humphrey,thanking me for coming ,it actually was my pleasure, and as my Mum told me to say 'Thankyou for having me'
With my love