Commendation for community contribution
West Bridgford-based resident Joan Stagg has been formally recognised for her outstanding contribution to the local community. The sprightly 87 year old was nominated for the inaugural Colin Smith Memorial Award, presented at the AGM of the East Midlands Tenant Participation Forum – hosted by the Government Office for the East Midlands.
Joan has been living in sheltered housing for 22 years. She recently stepped down from her numerous commitments with our various residents groups.
Joan narrowly missed receiving the award itself she was presented with a special certificate commending her work at the AGM, held in Melton Mowbray. She was then invited to a networking event for our residents where she was able to show them her certificate and explain about the work that she has carried out.
Joan said: “I’ve always been interested in all aspects of Social Housing and thoroughly enjoyed the work that I’ve done. I’ve attended all the training sessions and I’m delighted that people feel that I’ve made a difference.
“I was absolutely stunned when I found out I had been nominated for an award, it was such a surprise. I’m really touched that so many people have written testimonials on my behalf.”
Although she has stepped down from both her regional and local responsibilities, Joan is still in demand for various resident initiatives and recently helped to judge our annual ‘Best Garden’ competition, which meant that she met people from across all the areas we serve.
Joan was one of the first residents to become involved with Rushcliffe Borough Council when they first established a Resident Involvement Team and developed the first Tenant Compact with tenants. She was an original member of the first Tenant Consultative Group and continued tirelessly to work with and influence Rushcliffe Homes in a range of ways.
Yvonne Cannaby, our Vice Chair said: “Joan is a strong-minded caring lady who puts the needs of others before herself. She used to live in Hilton Court. When it was demolished to make way for the Hilton Grange project, which must have been a tremendous upheaval for her, she only thought of other people. She worked tirelessly alongside the staff to make things easy as possible for other residents.
“I feel privileged to know her and call her a friend.”
Mike Peck, Head of Customer Service, added: “I have known Joan since I was Head of Customer Service with Rushcliffe Homes. She is in so many ways the "ideal" contributor - in addition to her proactive approach to problem solving, she is an excellent listener to a point of view that might be anathema to her own, but nonetheless prepared to listen.
“The Tenants Consultative Group grew in stature as time progressed, and it was in no small measure due to the unquestionable skills Joan brought to the table that it was successful in meeting its objectives.”