West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) has presented its first Community Champion award to a tenant who has shown incredible dedication to organising voluntary activities in her area for over 50 years.

Janette Oliver of Fernhill played an active role in forming the Fernhill WSHA Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) in 2009 and the group runs a popular weekly bingo night for up to 70 players.

Bingo donations are used to support charities including MND Scotland, Rutherglen Community Carers, Yorkhill Children’s Charity and Macmillan nurses. One event raised an impressive £518 last year.

Janette is also on The Fernhill Neighbourhood Board and helps the Association coordinate a regular tea dance and men’s group in Fernhill Community Centre.

She said: “I love being involved because it keeps me busy. I’ve seen Fernhill change over the years and it’s great to have so many positive activities for people of all ages. I’m lucky to have a great committee to help me with events and really appreciate the help of West of Scotland Housing Association too.”

Janette is active in the community all year round, helping with days out to Blair Drummond in the summer and children’s Christmas parties in the winter. Her biggest event with TRA is Fernhill summer fete which is attended by hundreds of people. Janette is also a member of the WSHA Tenants Advisory Group (TAG) and an inspector for the WSHA Rate Your Estate Initiative.

Lynne Donnelly, chief executive of WSHA, said: “It is people like Janette who turn a neighbourhood into a community. She has worked tirelessly over the years to create positive opportunities for everyone around her, and sets a wonderful example for active involvement in neighbourhood groups.”

Janette moved to her new build WSHA home eight years ago but has lived in Fernhill for most of her life. When her previous flat on Galloway Street was converted, WSHA ensured the tight-knit community was preserved by placing her alongside her neighbours on Castlefern Crescent.

Michael Gallagher, housing services manager at WSHA, added: “Janette has been a respected and valued resident for many years and is well deserving of recognition. She has established a thriving social scene which makes Fernhill a great place to live. We look forward to seeing many more people following her example.”