Charlotte Levy is standing down after a lifetime of service to her community and 24 years of unbroken dedication to Thenue and its tenants.

First elected in September 1996, Ms Levy was described by chief executive Charles Turner as “one of our most loyal, passionate, faithful and constant supporters.”

She served five years as Thenue’s vice chair before becoming the association’s fourth chair, for a further five years in 2002.

Ms Levy’s involvement with Thenue began when the association acquired around 1,500 properties in the East End of Glasgow, from what was Scottish Homes. One of those houses which Thenue bought was Ms Levy’s.

Not unhappy with the transfer from Scottish Homes to Thenue, but very unhappy with the degree of tenant consultation and involvement, Ms Levy decided that it was time to let her feelings be known.

After taking out housing association membership, she was subsequently invited to participate in Thenue’s Management Committee.
Jousting and learning with some formidable characters helped mould her into a strong and formidable character herself but always willing to listen, reason, and when persuaded, happy to concede a point.

A key achievement by Ms Levy was establishing the principle that the chair of a community-controlled housing association such as Thenue, must always be a local resident. That was then and has been that way ever since.

Charlotte likes to achieve things, not for her, but for others, so that in her own words, “ordinary people get a better deal”. What she thrives on is ironing out difficulties, reaching a consensus achieving results. She never walks away and likes a challenge.

She was also involved in SHARE for 15 years having joined its management committee in 2000.

Paying tribute to Charlotte, Charles Turner added: “Charlotte is one of the most selfless people we have known. She would never see anyone stuck, and she has helped with the governance of not just one, or two, or three, or four, or five, or six, or seven, but eight voluntary Committees, cumulatively spanning over 60 years given to voluntary committees, which is why she deserves a big ‘thank you’ from all of us!”