JUST A MINUTE: PETER HOWDEN, CALVAY HOUSING

Peter Howden, Chair of Calvay Housing

# How did you get started in the industry? The house we lived in was taken over by the then Calvay Co-Op in 1992; I thought it would be a good idea to see what and who they were. I was extremely lucky and nominated onto the committee.

# Your biggest professional achievement: Staying alive and enjoying almost everything in taking part of the Glasgow, if not Scottish, scene in housing. Pride in our committee through the hard times and every new scheme built by pure determination from both Committee and staff. The newest scheme of some 71 houses, through this especially hard time, where banks would not lend a dime.

# Your biggest mistake: Under-estimating the true intentions, and reasons, for the original stock transfer from the Glasgow District Council.

# Best advice you received: Believe in what you say or keep your mouth shut.

# What do you like most about your job? It is not a job, though some may say it’s a vocation (not the one that Connie Francis sings about). Meeting people.

# And least? Time can be a nuisance.

# What you would most like to change in housing? Everyone to have the home of their dreams or more realistically, a proper safe home.

# What future issues do you see arising in housing? Black Market housing causing problems for all concerned except the few. A conflict of interest between the Glasgow Council and GHA. The Governments trying to grab all our reserves no matter what.

# Do you read a daily newspaper Evening Times sometimes, as the Herald is too much.

# Are you making more use of the internet? Yes.

# Hobbies and interests: Not upsetting “She who must be obeyed”; Reading; Alcohol; Chess; Swimming;

# Favourite holiday destination? Paris.