Paresh Modasia has stepped down from Chairman of the Association after four years. Here we assess and pay tribute to his leadership of one of the most active Residents' Associations in London:

Paresh, a local businessman and J.P., must rank as Wimbledon Park's most recognisable resident. Despite the demands of family life, his profession and his numerous other but unsung voluntary activities, he has energetically and successfully steered Wimbledon Park Residents' Association at an important time in its development. 

As Chairman, he has had the delicate task of liaising with the Council, especially the planning department, local businesses, residents and other associations. He has chaired public meetings and has been the voice of the Committee and the Community. That this has been harmonious throughout is a tribute to his public relations skills and his tact in handling occasionally conflicting issues. In Committee meetings, the agendas were completed quickly without anyone feeling that an individual or a topic had been neglected. Good decisions were made and implemented.

As Chairman, he was first in the queue to receive the occasional brickbat deflected by his unshakeable good humour. In all this he has been ably supported by Kish, his wife, taking on the roles of Personal Assistant, personal typist and computer buff. She has coped with numerous daily telephone interruptions without ever appearing exasperated, however trivial the call or regular the caller.

"If you want a job done well, give it to a busy person", a remark particularly true of Paresh. We are grateful to him for his commitment, his skills, his insight and his achievements.

            Editors

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