New Housing Assistant and keen horsewoman Ellie Grace is enjoying getting out to meet tenants and seeing more of her home town.
The 24-year-old, from Swindon, admits that she is seeing areas of the town she has never been to, despite living there her whole life. “I’m seeing loads of new places so it’s really nice,” she said.
She joins after working in a similar role at Fairways Retirement Village in Chippenham and said she jumped at the opportunity to work as part of a smaller team. “What I liked about this job is that everyone knows everyone and they’re constantly communicating,” she said.
“I enjoyed the last job but I thought it was the right time to move because it is more flexible and I’m closer to home.”
Her time has so far been occupied by supporting Operations Director Belinda Eastland with shared ownership tenants, helping Housing Assistant Tracy Crook with scheme visits and working with Asset Management Officer Sarah Occleshaw on grounds maintenance plans.
“It is just little bits of everything and I dip my hand in everywhere I can, which is great because it is so varied,” she said. “Meeting the tenants has been so good because they’ve all been really lovely. It's really positive and refreshing and they’ve been very welcoming.”
She said she is enjoying adding to her housing knowledge. “I like to constantly keep my brain busy and I’m learning loads,” she said. “I’ve done my Level 3 housing qualification and I’m hoping to do my level 4. I like picking up new skills and getting on with it really.”
Each day is topped and tailed with caring for her new horse Honey, 16, who is at a yard in Wroughton. “I've always had ponies growing up and I love horses,” said Ellie. “I’m up there at 6.30 in the mornings to ‘poo pick’, feed her and give her some water. Then in the evenings I ride her out to Barbury Castle. I like being outside and it gets me out in the evenings, although that won't last long coming into winter.
“Honey is very loving and every time I walk down to her field she gives me a neigh.”