FCHO staff recognised for long service

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) staff who have accrued hundreds of years’ service with the housing association were honoured at an afternoon tea event with the Mayor, Councillor Eddie Moores this week.

The 28 employees have been with FCHO for between 10 and 45 years and those able to attend were given awards by the mayor and FCHO Chief Executive Mark Gifford on Wednesday. 

Among those honoured was joiner Phil Sidlow (61), who joined FCHO’s predecessor organisation then run by Oldham Council in 1980 aged 15 as an apprentice. 

The father and grandfather from Failsworth said: “I’ve stayed for 45 years because the company has always been good to me and the people make a difference – I’ve built some good friendships. 

He added: “It’s also nice to be recognised for the role we play.” 

Another long server is plumber Chris Taylor (56), also from Failsworth who has 40 years’ service. 

He was an apprentice plumber straight from school aged 16 and is now a mentor for FCHO apprentices. 

The father and grandfather said: “I’m a people person. I like meeting customers and doing different things every day – it keeps me motivated. 

“The long service afternoon tea is absolutely brilliant. It’s nice to be recognised.” 

 And community services coordinator Paula Taylor Smith (58), has completed 30 years’ service. She started in 1995 as a temporary worker and has since worked across many departments. 

She said: “Over the years I’ve seen the move from Oldham Council and watched FCHO evolve and become the organisation it is today.” 

The mother-of-two from Stalybridge explained: “I came as a temp and thought it was a stepping stone, but the head of homelessness services spotted my potential and offered me a permanent role. My work has been so varied, I can’t believe the time that has passed.” 

She added: “I’m pleased to see this event as we’ve never actually celebrated long service as much as we are doing. It recognises colleagues for what they do.” 

Mr Gifford said the long service afternoon tea at FCHO’s Union Street office will now be an annual event and he thanked the mayor for attending. 

In his speech he said: “We are here to recognise the extraordinary contribution of colleagues whose combined service adds up to hundreds of years of wisdom, experience, and effort. It is remarkable—not just for the length of time, but for the depth of commitment it represents. 

“Some of you started when we were still part of the council, when housing services looked very different, and when the challenges facing Oldham were in many ways very different too. 

“Some of you joined in a world with no mobile phones, no internet, no digital systems—just pens, paper, radios, and an enormous amount of teamwork. And yet, here you are—still committed, still delivering, still shaping the future.”