Melville’s Longest Serving Board Member Steps Down

Barbara Shearer, a pillar of the community in Midlothian, has decided to step down from her role as the longest-serving board member at Melville Housing Association after dedicating 20 years of service to social housing. Living in Mayfield near Dalkeith, Barbara has been an integral part of the organisation’s growth and impact on the local community.

Since joining the board in 2004, initially as a member and later as the secretary, Barbara has been actively involved in over 200 meetings and has played a significant role in expanding Melville’s housing portfolio. Reflecting on her journey, Barbara shared, “When I first joined the board, Melville wasn’t constructing new homes, and the stock levels were declining due to the right-to-buy scheme. I am proud to say that we have added nearly 500 homes since we started developing, providing quality affordable housing to those in need in Midlothian.”

Turning 75 this year, Barbara, originally from Edinburgh, has resided in Midlothian for almost five decades. She joined the Melville Board after retiring from a physically demanding job at a local nursery. Recalling her initial days on the board, Barbara admitted, “I lacked confidence at the beginning, but with proper training and support, I quickly adapted and acquired new skills. I became involved in major home improvement projects that have transformed people’s lives. The quality of our homes today is a testament to the progress we’ve made.”

Despite stepping down as a board member, Barbara plans to remain actively involved with Melville by continuing as a tenant representative, advocating for residents in Mayfield. She is also considering an offer to join the Board of Ironmills, a subsidiary managing Melville’s mid-market rental properties.

Expressing her thoughts on retiring from the board, Barbara shared, “While I will miss the board, I feel it was the right time for me to step back. I believe I have contributed all I could, and it’s essential for organisations like Melville to stay connected with their communities through board members who understand local challenges and issues.”

Barbara’s commitment to volunteering extends beyond Melville. For over 32 years, she has served as a Guide leader, a role she continues to fulfill, albeit in a reduced capacity. Additionally, Barbara volunteers at the Grassy Riggs project in Woodburn, assisting with a talking group for the elderly and contributing to a knitting group that creates handmade items for various causes.

Donna Bogdanovic, the chair of Melville Housing, praised Barbara’s dedication, saying, “To dedicate 20 years of voluntary service to one organisation is a remarkable achievement, showcasing Barbara’s unwavering commitment to her community. Her presence on the board will be greatly missed, as her expertise, experience, and understanding of the local community are invaluable.”