FCHO's longest-serving employees retires after 38 years' service

One of First Choice Homes Oldham’s (FCHO) longest-serving employees has retired after nearly 38 years’ service.

Leigh Rourke started on the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) just days after leaving school aged 16 in 1987. 

She worked her way around nearly all the departments of FCHO and its predecessor organisation then run by Oldham Council. 

The 55-year-old left the social housing provider on Friday, November 28 as its lead ICT system development manager. 

“The day after school finished on Friday my dad said to me, 'you can’t sit around here all day', so I started on a Monday on the YTS at the housing department in the council,” Miss Rourke said. 

“After a few months I was offered a job as clerical officer and over the years I worked as a rent officer, an ASB officer, in lettings, repairs, accounts and neighbourhoods before around 20 years ago I went into ICT.” 

Miss Rourke is now looking forward to splitting her time between her home in Oldham and her apartment in Turkey and spending more time with her husband and her parents. 

“I am looking forward to getting into some hobbies. I have bought a sewing machine, I want to do some reading, and I will see where that takes me. I started work at 16 so it is time to try something new,” she explained. 

When asked what has changed in housing over the years, Miss Rourke did not hesitate. 

“Computers have changed everything. When I started, we had ledgers in triplicate, filing cabinets, carbon copy papers, and we used to deliver rent books in person. 

“Now things are much easier and more transparent as information is at hand and not in those filing cabinets.” 

She added that she would miss her colleagues and the work. 

“I love my job, and I love working at FCHO, it's just t I want to do other things now. I will miss it but I am opening a new chapter.” 

FCHO chief executive Mark Gifford said: “Everyone at FCHO wishes Leigh the very best for her retirement. She has been a constant here and a wonderful colleague for so many years. Her knowledge and expertise in the business will be sorely missed.”