Member Article

Joyce’s joy! High-rising moment captures national accolade

A Salford housing provider has finished runner-up in a national photography competition for its striking image of a tower block’s longest-serving tenant

Salix Homes’ image of Joyce Cotgrave’s joy outside her home of more than 50 years, Arthur Millwood Court – which had undergone major improvement works – illustrated the “real value” of housing, according to The Big Picture organisers The Chartered Institute of Housing (CiH).

Joyce, aged 85, and her late husband Stanley were one of the first couples to move into the Islington tower block in 1964. Now she is the only original resident left in the 14-storey building.

Joyce’s pride of her home, expertly captured by photographer Eric Howard in 2014, was among the many qualities the CiH revealed when the housing professional body chose it as the runner-up from more than 120 entries across the housing sector.

The CIH had organised the competition to celebrate their centenary and showcase the real value of housing.

Theatregoer Joyce, who loves where she lives, has been volunteering in the area for decades, helping several organisations.

She said: “When the love of my life Stanley and I moved into the flat we quickly made it our home and we have spent many happy years here.

“I have had over 50 years of memories in this home, full of fun and laughter, and I’m glad I could show that in this picture.

“I may be a bit older now, than what I was in the picture, but I’m still very much young at heart.”

The picture was announced as runner up on social media this month and featured in a national exhibition, organised by the CiH.

Steve Hayes, communications manager at CiH, said: “Joyce’s pride for her home of more than 50 years is there for all to see in this striking photo.

“We particularly liked the juxtaposition of Joyce’s vibrant outfit and the building as a backdrop.

“The picture tells a touching story about the stability someone’s home can give them amid the many changes which happen during the course of their life.”

James Allan, marketing and communications manager at Salix Homes, added: “We’ve loved this photo ever since we captured it and I can’t imagine anyone not smiling when they see it. Joyce was fantastic on the day and was in typically great spirits after the refurbishment of Arthur Millwood Court which really shines through in this image.

“It’s a real honour to be selected as one of the top two photos that represent the changing face of housing over the last 100 years and a real credit to Joyce who encapsulates the spirit in our communities.

“This image showcases so much of what we stand for as an organisation, working hard to create better quality homes for our residents and creating great pride in our communities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hayley Collins .