Elspeth has recently retired and ended her most recent period as Chair. Elderpark wanted to ensure that her retirement did not go unmarked and has hosted a celebration dinner for her.

The dinner took place in Elderpark’s community centre in Govan last week and was attended by staff, past and present committee members and Elspeth’s friends and family. Elderpark staff member Alana Park specially produced a “memory book” which was created for Elspeth to highlight her many years of service.

Elspeth said she was “very touched” by the occasion, which marked the end of “one of the happiest periods in her life”.

She is now in her early 80s and remains a vibrant member of the community who is closely involved with the local church and is a regular hospital visitor.

Her first contact with Elderpark emerged after she say an advert in a copy of the Evening Times from Elderpark Housing Association offering newly-built
shared ownership homes in Govan. “I thought to myself this just might be something right up my street,” she said.

Elspeth said that herself and friend then ventured down to Govan and met the current deputy chief executive Shirley McKnight. She said McKnight “enthusiastically told us all about shared ownership. I loved the idea and signed up for it virtually right away.”

She added: “Soon afterwards Shirley suggested to me that I might consider becoming a member of the Association and in due course perhaps join the management committee.”

She then thought to herself: “I’m retired now – why not. Housing Associations do the most wonderful work – why not be part of it. And the rest is history.”

Elderpark chief executive Gary Dalziel expressed gratitude to Elspeth, saying: “Elspeth has shown outstanding commitment to Elderpark Housing and to the whole community over the last 23years. We are immensely grateful for all that Elspeth has done and wish her a long and happy retirement.”