Committee Members
Ian Holmes
Chairman
Ian is a highly experienced Design and Construction professional with 30 years’ experience, qualified in Architecture, Construction and Project Management.
He is extremely passionate about protecting the Estates core values and the general environment. Ian strives to enhance and improve the Estate for residents, visitors and for future generations. This is only possible through the support, dedication, commitment and hard work of the talented Committee members and staff, who all share the same values and passion for protecting our wonderful Estate.
Scott Savin
Vice Chairman & Airport Representative
Having designed several properties in Darras Hall as an Architect, Scott decided to move to the estate in 2017 to build his own family home. He joined the committee in the same year to offer his professional expertise and to support the local community in the management of the estate.
Scott has a wife and two boys, and is the co-founder of Architectural and Interior Design practice ALT STUDIOS in Newcastle.
With regards to residential development, having personal experience as a homeowner, Architect and ‘the client’ it gives him a unique perspective and empathy towards all parties.
David Haley
I have lived on Darras Hall since 2004 and love being part of this special community and estate. I am passionate about ensuring that our beautiful estate continues to develop in line with the Byelaws and Trust Deed and continues to be a safe place to live, walk, run and drive for all owners.
I have worked in senior management, in corporate IT and outsourcing, for many years and I will look to bring these skills to the Committee. I will be focussing on communications and engagement with the Owners and Committee. There’s a lot of work to do to ensure that the levels of understanding and engagement improve and I’m excited at the prospect of developing that in 2021 and beyond.
David Richards
David is a solicitor specialising in litigation and complex claim resolution. He has lived with his family in Darras Hall since 2018 and is interested in helping to preserve what is special about the Estate.
Amit Bahanda
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I lived in Darras Hall as a child and have recently moved back to the estate that I have always called home. I am passionate ensuring that our estate continues to develop in line with the Byelaws and Trust Deed and continues to be a safe place to live, walk, run and drive for all owners.
I am in a Senior IT Management position as a day job, director of a Newcastle based community radio station and a wedding and event specialist as a hobby. I aim to bring these skills to the Committee. I am excited to be on the committee and have already starting working on the IT landscape and communications channels of the committee.
If you have not already registered on this website and you live in the estate, I would ask you to please do so, as there will be a lot more communication and surveys for you to complete on the website.
Alastair Gilchrist
I have lived in Northumberland all my life and on Darras Hall Estate since 2001. It is a unique environment that we are very privileged to enjoy being a part of.
I feel that it is important that we preserve the legacy that the founders and residents past and present have given us. We need allow the Estate to evolve as the Committee has over the previous century to ensure that it remains one of the most prestigious areas to live in the region for all present and future residents to enjoy.
Mrs Sangeet Jaidka
Qualified Accountant by profession I am experienced in working in community focused areas having experience of working in Local Government and the NHS, and Housing Company.
The Darras Hall Community spirit and green spaces attracted us to move here in 2009 having lived in Newcastle most of my life.
In this changing world I am keen to ensure that that this is preserved and further developed for the not only for the current residents but also for the next generation of residents and beyond.
Andrew H S Pile
I have been a resident of Darras Hall for a long time now and have been a member of the committee for a good part of that.
I joined the committee as I was concerned about the environmental facilities that the Estate had and wanted to ensure that they may continue to be enjoyed by residents long into the future. As both a member and as chairman of the Land and Property sub-committee I have spent much time managing and working on both the Darras Hall Grasslands SSSI and Bridlepath, although as I work full time and volunteer with a local youth organisation there is never the time to do everything that I would like to do.
During my time on the committee, I have developed a good understanding of the Trust Deed, which is our rule book for managing the estate, along with court rulings and other factors which we must take into account when making decisions.
Christine Thompson
I have lived on Woodside since 1998 with my husband Deryck. Our three sons have now flown the nest.
I still remember the feeling of excitement and appreciation when I drove to my new home for the first time. With every season we have very different and beautiful street scenes and I feel very passionate about retaining the garden city reputation of the Estate for the benefit of all. I hope owners, planners and architects will keep this in mind when planning new developments.
My whole career has been in accounts starting with hand written double entry book-keeping through to computerised accounts. For the past thirty years I have worked within the legal profession, twelve of them in Ponteland village.
I very much hope I can make a positive contribution to the work of the Estate Committee and look forward to meeting or hearing from fellow owners in the future.
David Stangroom
Highways Sub-Committee Chairman
I am one of the newer members of both Darras Hall, and the committee, after returning to the North East from Cheshire. Darras Hall was always aspirational, and my wife and I were delighted to finally move here in 2017. We’re onto our second house already so have had to learn the Trust guidelines and rules, and especially since joining the committee.
I qualified into quantity surveying but have been in senior management roles with financial services institutions and private banks. My aim is to help and support the existing and new committee members in upholding the character and individuality of this great estate for the future generations.
Atul Malhotra
I’m currently the COO of the Malhotra Group, I joined the group in 2003, undertaking a breadth of divisional roles to gain an insight into the business. My primary role was to work in security but wherever possible I would intern on development projects to further my knowledge of the portfolio.
This journey has been instrumental in moulding me into the businessman I am today. Overcoming challenges whilst bringing my visions to life through the styling and direction of our International and National award-winning venues, I have deeply widened both my operational knowledge and business acumen. I have overseen construction development in excess of £100m across Care Facilities, Hotels, Bars, Restaurants.
Outside and away from the Organisation, I have two young daughters and a Governor at Darras Hall Primary School which they both attend, and I am on the Board of various charities. Furthermore, I am a mentor to local young entrepreneurs through our membership at the Entrepreneurs Forum. I have also been nominated for the following, GBEA Entrepreneur of Year North East Finalist, North East & Yorkshire Institute of Directors Finalist and Northern Asian Power List.
David Gardner
Land & Property Sub-Committee Chairman
I have recently moved to Darras Hall with my wife and son and am looking forward to joining the local community and living in this beautiful part of Northumberland.
I have a keen interest in conservation and environment, which I will be working hard with other committee members to maintain this special estate we all live in.
