Marie Cole - Chair

I was born in Worcester where I lived until I moved to Kidderminster in 2013. I trained and qualified as a hairdresser before becoming a full-time carer for my partner from 2008 onwards. During this time, I continued to stay active in my community by volunteering at my children’s schools and being a member of the PTA, where I helped organise a range of events and activities.

Since Covid, I have taken part in a number of focus groups as well as some scrutiny reviews, which have highlighted to me the importance of tenant involvement. This experience has shown how valuable it is for tenants to have a voice and real opportunities to help influence and shape changes within housing services.

Jade Gourley - Member

I was born in Kidderminster, moving to Stourbridge in 2007 for 6 years before returning to my home town.

My working career has been varied including factory work, retail, Teaching Assistant, customer service and voluntary work.

I have been an active member of a local resident's group and more recently been involved in engagement opportunities including assisting with service reviews for Community Housing.

I enjoy gardening and I am an amateur radio enthusiast linking up with people all over the world.

David Cater - Member

I was born in Bedford where I spent my youth, moving to Hemel Hempstead where I spent the majority of my adult life.

I completed a 5 year apprenticeship in engineering and have held managerial positions in various businesses.

I have spent 50 years in various roles both commissioned and non-commissioned within the armed forces working my way through to the position of Captain.

I moved to Kidderminster in 1988 and have been an actively involved tenant for many years providing tenant insight into value for money, communications including digital initiatives and independent living services.

David Eagles - Member

I was born in Northfield Birmingham and raised in the West Midlands. I moved to the Wyre Forest district in 1980 before retiring to Cyprus in 2011.

I moved back to Kidderminster in 2016 and have been actively involved as Parish Councillor and Chairperson for a period of 10 years during my time living in the Wyre Forest.

My career, though varied and broad, has always been sales focused mainly on the floor covering industry involving manufacturing, distribution, restructuring and management.

I am an avid sports fan, albeit restricted to mainly armchair viewing but still active in Lawn bowls and Pétanque.

Happily living in Berrington Court and proud to be a member of Tenant Voice, ensuring that the views and opinions of tenants are heard and acted on.

Lee Farmer - Member

I am originally from Birmingham and started working in engineering when I was quite young. I trained and worked in the famous Jewellery Quarter a place known for its skilled craftspeople and rich history. It was a great experience that taught me the value of hard work and precision.

In 1992, I made the move to the Wyre Forest area, which I now call home. Since then, my career has taken a few different turns. I have done cleaning contract work, worked in warehouses, and had jobs in retail.

I like to stay informed and involved in what is going on locally, which is why I am an active member of West Mercia Police's Neighbourhood Matters online forum. It's a great way to stay connected with community updates and learn more about what issues the police and other agencies are dealing with.

Torie Fletcher - Member

I have lived in Stourport all my life, with the exception of a few years in Kidderminster, and I have been a proud tenant for the past 24 years. As a parent of four children who have all gone through local schools and colleges, I have always been deeply rooted in the community.

My working life has been based locally too, with experience in retail and domestic work. I am currently balancing the demands of family life while launching a new start-up business.

For the past 13 years, I have also been a committed volunteer with the clubs my children have attended, including football and judo. I became a qualified football coach and supported the administration side of the clubs, which gave me a real insight into how much community groups bring people together.

I care deeply about the local area and love making the most of its natural beauty by walking our dogs through the many lovely spots nearby. In quieter moments, I enjoy sewing and crafting, a creative outlet I always find rewarding.

Keith Cairns - Member

I was born in Dartford, Kent, and moved to Stockport in the early 1970s. After my father passed away in 1976, I relocated to Evesham in the Wychavon area.

After leaving school, I worked in retail progressing to a grocery manager role. After meeting my wife, I moved to the Wyre Forest in 1997 and worked for as a logistics process technician.

Following a visual impairment that meant I could no longer drive, I worked briefly in fabrication and following redundancy in 2009, I spent around 10 years as a bakery assistant in Kidderminster, before medically retiring in 2019.

Alongside my career, I have been a long-term volunteer school governor and I now volunteer with Sensory Matters Worcestershire, supporting people with sensory impairments to live independently.

Sofia Zmuda Jlassi - Member

I was born in the UK and left to study in the USA which was a fantastic opportunity.

I worked in healthcare for 35 years, across both the public and private sectors which was extremely rewarding.

I have travelled extensively around the world for both work and pleasure. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, spending time with my cats and exploring new places. I am pleased to be a Tenant Voice member and look forward to using my experience and perspective to help make a positive difference.