Long-serving former Elderpark chair awarded British Empire Medal

A true servant of the housing association movement has been honoured with a British Empire Medal. Former Elderpark Housing Chair Elspeth Millen received the accolade in the New Year’s Honours list. The honour is for services to social housing and to the community in Govan.

Now in her early 80s, Ms Millen remains a vibrant figure in the Govan community, is closely involved with her local church and is a regular hospital visitor.

This week marks the 25th anniversary of her coming to live in Govan.

Ms Millen, who retired from Elderpark Housing in 2019 after 23 years of unbroken service, said: “I’m obviously delighted and immensely grateful, but it came as a bolt out of the blue! I had to read the letter, giving me the news, more than once before it sank in.

“My time with Elderpark Housing has represented a wonderful period in my life, and I look back on it with great fondness.”

Paying tribute to Elspeth, Elderpark Chief Executive Gary Dalziel said: “Elspeth has shown outstanding commitment to the work of Elderpark Housing and to this community over 23 years. We are immensely grateful for her selfless dedication to housing, and the wider community, and one of the aspects which is most unique abut Elspeth is how humble she is and has never looked for praise for the remarkable work she has done over the last few decades.

“The awarding of the British Empire Medal is a fitting honour for someone who has always put the needs of others before her own and continues to be a vital member of the Govan community.”

This is not the first time Ms Millen’s contribution to the social housing sector has been recognised. In 2017, she was awarded the Employers in Voluntary Housing Helen McGregor Committee Member of the Year Award which recognised her dedication and commitment to Elderpark Housing.

Pictured: Elspeth pictured at Elderpark’s new offices in Govan.