We're celebrating the remarkable residents of Bradeley Village, delivered by our affordable housing provider Staffs Housing - after their dedication to the community was recognised in Parliament by local MP David Williams.
Staffs Housing residents Val and Wendy have become cornerstones of village life, volunteering behind the bar, running activities such as bingo and helping to organise events throughout the year, including the village’s popular summer fayre and Christmas celebrations. With the support of their neighbours, the pair have also raised thousands of pounds for important causes. Previous fundraising generated more than £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, while their latest efforts raised over £1,000 for a local sight-loss charity that was at risk of closing.
Residents also invited the charity to attend community events at Bradeley Village, helping it to raise more than £600 in additional donations. To recognise their contribution, David Williams MP celebrated Val, Wendy and the wider Bradeley Village community in Parliament. He later joined residents at a special village event, where he presented Val and Wendy with a copy of the official parliamentary transcript featuring their recognition and a signed letter thanking them for everything they do.
David Williams MP said: “My team and I have been proud to support the community at Bradeley Village. I come from a working family and I’m proud to be a Potter, so I understand the importance of people coming together and supporting one another. I wanted to use my time in Parliament to thank everyone at Bradeley Village for everything they do as a community, including the fantastic amount they have raised for such important causes.”
Wendy said the recognition belonged to the entire village community. She explained: “We organise things, but it’s the wider village and all the great people who live here who truly make a difference. Whether it’s donating or giving their time, it all goes such a long way. Events like these are a vital lifeline.
"We want to bring people out of their apartments so they can celebrate, talk and spend time together. Val and I were blown away by the recognition in Parliament, but we can’t take all the credit. We have so many supporters in the village who help us do what we do. It’s wonderful for the whole community to be appreciated on such a big scale.”
Betty has lived at Bradeley Village for more than 14 years and runs its thrift shop. Having spent over 30 years working as a pottery painter, she believes the village shares the strong community spirit traditionally found across the Potteries. She said: “It’s the people here who make Bradeley what it is. We have a caring community that goes above and beyond for one another every day.”
Sheila, who has lived at the village for 12 years, added: “It means everything to live in a community where people care so much and are willing to go above and beyond. Val and Wendy are the backbone of this place, they’re good people with the biggest hearts.”
Honeycomb Group Chief Executive Julie Guildford Smith said: “We’re incredibly proud of Val, Wendy and the whole of the Bradeley Village community. This recognition celebrates what makes the village so special: residents sharing their time and talents, supporting important causes and looking out for one another.
"At Honeycomb Group, we want to create happy homes and thriving communities where people feel connected and supported. The wonderful community spirit at Bradeley Village brings that ambition to life, and we’re delighted to see its residents celebrated in Parliament.”
Click here to learn more about Bradeley Village.
