We are residents elected by other residents at the Annual General Meeting of the Residents’ Association.
Chairs
Russell Shaw Higgs
The Pembury Estate has been my home since 1995. I am enthusiastic about encouraging as many of our neighbours as we can to take an active role in our local community.
Email Melissa and me at: chair@pemburyestate.com
Melissa Barnaby
I’ve lived on the Pembury Estate for just over ten years now. I’ve enthusiastic to get more involved in the Residents Association and to continue helping where we can.
Email Russell and me at: chair@pemburyestate.com
Secretary
Heather Mendick
I love Hackney, was born in the Mother’s Hospital in 1970 and moved onto the Pembury in 2008. As well as being secretary, I’m active locally in the Palestine solidarity movement and as the secretary of Morning Lane People’s Space.
Email me at: secretary@pemburyestate.com
Treasurer
Maria Lee
I’ve lived in Hackney since the early 90’s and on the Pembury since 2005. I’ve raised my children here so the future of Pembury is really important to me. I’ve been involved in the community garden and I’d love to see the estate become even greener with more trees and flowers. Until recently I was a nurse and therapist.
Email me at: treasurer@pemburyestate.com
Executive Committee Members
Coming soon bios and photos from Jane Hurley and Lewis Fleming.
Ash Patel
My name is Serene Patel, AKA Ash, raised and residing on Pembury Estate. I would like to see everyone being inclusive regardless of their status and abilities, and social housing for the next generation.
Cindy Shuster
I’m a South African who’s been living in Hackney and on the Pembury Estate for 12 years and who works in the NHS England.
Jenny Harrison
I’ve lived in Hackney for 25 years and joined the committee because I believe residents have real influence when we act together. I want the Pembury to be safe, clean and well looked after, so that people can live happy and healthy lives here. That means repairs done properly and on time, holding Peabody to account and making sure residents’ concerns are heard and acted on.
Kat McLoughlin
I’m Katherine or Kat to my friends. I’m a Londoner born and bred. I’ve lived in Hackney now for 24 years and always lived on Pembury. I’m a Social Worker and I’m passionate about social justice. I’m always an ear and will do everything in my power to support.
Lizzie Houghton
I’ve lived on the Pembury since 2018, after moving down from Liverpool. In 2020, I helped re-establish the Residents’ Association as one of the secretaries. I’ve worked for trade unions, and acted as a workplace rep and chair of my union branch.
Lottie Story
I’ve lived on the Pembury Estate for 12 years and in Hackney for 16 years. I’d like Pembury to be a greener and safer place for the children that live here. I work for a prison reform charity.
Senait Mebrahtu
I have lived in Pembury home for 14 years, and I genuinely care about the community we live in. Pembury is a big estate, but I’d love to see it feel more like a village a place where neighbours know each other, look out for one another and feel proud to be part of the community. That’s why I started the Residents’ Association: to give us a voice, bring people together and make sure residents have a say in what happens on our estate. I’d love to see everyone get involved and help make Pembury a stronger, friendlier community for us all.
Richard Harris
I was born in Limehouse with periods in France and Spain. I moved to the Pembury Estate in 1991, and have been an active member of residents representation over the whole time. I was a secondary school teacher for ten years in Tower Hamlets and a Senior Project Manager for Southwark Council.
Stephen F
I’ve lived here since the Seventies and seen countless changes both good and bad. I would like to see more changes benefitting us on the Pembury Estate. I’m particularly interested in building community and helping Peabody become more accountable and responsible for the welfare of all who live here.
Stephen Knight
I’ve lived in Hackney since 2012, and on the Pembury Estate since 2018. In 2020 I helped to re-establish the Residents’ Association as one of the secretaries. I work as a barrister and am keen to use my skills to encourage residents’ control of their community.
Trustees
Our Trustees are:
- Senait Mebrahtu
- Lottie Story.
Want to join us?
Come along to the monthly General Meeting (last Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Pembury Community Centre) and then stand for election as an Executive Member. All members who stand to become Executive Members will automatically be elected. Alternatively, stand at our Annual General Meeting to be elected to one of our Officer positions.
