The Almshouse Association

THE PATRON’S AWARD

PRINCE HONOURS ALMSHOUSE DEVELOPMENTS
PRESS RELEASE July 2008

PRESS RELEASE
July 2008

PRINCE HONOURS ALMSHOUSE DEVELOPMENTS

HRH The Prince of Wales has honoured three very different almshouse development projects with a Patron’s Award. All the almshouses concerned are members of The Almshouse Association, of which HRH is Patron.

The diversity of almshouses and the wonderful accommodation that is provided in them to those in need is highlighted by the choice of the selected projects. One concerns St John’s Hospital Bakewell Almshouses in Bakewell, Derbyshire and the restoration of a beautiful old, uninhabited building which has been converted into three new almshouses. The second involves The Hospital of God, Greatham, Hartlepool, Cleveland and the re-development of Brother House and Hospital Close, providing fifteen new almshouses. The third project relates to The John Dakyn Trust at Kirkby Ravensworth, North Yorkshire where renovation of Grade II listed almshouses has been undertaken.

Recognising the vital role of almshouses in the social infrastructure of the U.K., HRH The Prince of Wales introduced The Patron’s Award of The Almshouse Association in 2000 to encourage the highest standards in almshouse developments. The award celebrates excellence in architectural and living standards and recognises outstanding projects and developments which may relate to new building or major refurbishments.

Commenting on the scheme and the three almshouses which received the award, HRH The Prince of Wales said, “ The purpose of the award scheme is to encourage those trustees of almshouses considering building or re-furbishing the almshouses of which they are custodians to strive for levels of excellence and to create a legacy of which we and future generations can be justly proud. The three recipients of the award can feel confident that they have achieved the highest standards and they are to be highly congratulated”.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

There have been almshouses in the United Kingdom for over 1,000 years. Today there are some 1,800 almshouse charities providing 35,000 dwellings accommodating around 40,000 people.

Thirty per cent of almshouse charities occupy listed buildings but there is also an increasing number of new almshouses incorporating the best of modern design.

The Almshouse Association assists trustees to promote good quality housing for needy people, promotes the welfare and independence of residents, preserves the historic tradition of almshouses and guides trustees in managing charitable resources as effectively as possible.