Charlie Lunn first became involved in the governance of housing associations in 1987 when he joined a steering group with James Nisbet Housing Co-operative to tackle poor housing issues. Charlie was very quickly nominated to be chairperson of this group and was fully involved in the registration process, leading to the registration as James Nisbet Housing Co-operative on 1st April 1989.

James Nisbet was a fully mutual housing co-operative and Charlie along with other steering group members had to speak to over 200 residents to encourage them to vote favour of the co-operative taking over their homes from Glasgow City Council. This exercise was an overwhelming success and almost every resident in the area voted to join the co-operative.

Once the co-op was fully established Charlie was appointed chairperson and has held this post almost continuously for 26 years now but he has overall worked voluntarily with the association for 29 years.

Over the years Charlie has worked tirelessly for the community, campaigning for the improvement of our land, houses and facilities. He has been involved in the interviewing, selection and appointment of staff, consultants, professionals, legal representatives etc.

He has had numerous meetings and dealings with elected councillors, MSP’s and MP’s to ensure the progression of a once run down slum in Royston was transformed into a community to be proud of.

As a result of Charlie’s knowledge and expertise, he has also been asked to serve as an appointee on the board of 2 other community based housing associations. These appointments were for 12 months in one case and 18 months in the other. The reason for the appointments was as a result of difficulties being experienced by the organisations in question.

Charlie was able to offer a sound knowledge and understanding of housing and small community based organisations. Charlie made a very valuable contribution to these organisations and both are now very successful and performing well in their peer group.

Partick Thistle FC said: “Having worked tirelessly to help his local community it is no surprise to see Charlie nominated to be today’s Community Champion. Everyone at Partick Thistle, along with our friends at McDonald’s Maryhill, hope that Charlie has a great afternoon at Firhill.”

Today Charlie is the chairperson at Spire View Housing Association.