Almshouse Association loan Case Study: Hugh Boscawen Charity chimney renovations
By Colin Brown, Clerk
The Almshouses, or the “gallery” as it is locally known, was built in 1696 to house “10 indigent housekeepers” of Tregony. In 1875 it was declared that the almshouses had become so dilapidated that plans were drawn up by Silvanus Trevail and in 1895 the building was renovated.
Fast forward to current times and the trustees had to face the challenge of replacing the roof and managing the deterioration of the chimneys. To this end they appointed Scott and Company (Cornwall Ltd) in late 2018 to apply for planning permission to carry out works to this prominent grade II * listed building and to investigate possible grant funding.
On receiving planning permission in late 2019 the trustees accepted the recommendation of Rothwell Historical Restoration Limited to complete the renovations of the chimneys and Wheeler Roofing Services to strip and replace the roof.
The delay in commencing the works due to the pandemic, led to rising costs, meaning the project cost had risen by some 20% to £101,164. But the work was important to preserve the longevity of the building.
The application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund was rejected as we did not meet their criteria but our submission to The Almshouse Association for a £30,000 loan was accepted, for which we are thankful. If this had not been the case the works would have needed to be spread over a further year. The Almshouse Association loan covered the cost of the chimney restoration and we used funds from our Extraordinary Repair Fund, together with capital in our business bank account for the roof which gave the Trustees confidence they could complete the project.
Although living with scaffolding for over two years was difficult, the residents have felt that the appearance of the building has been greatly enhanced and our village community has been impressed with the result.
With some exterior works still to be completed the spring will be an ideal time to invite the public and hopefully raise some money towards the ongoing upkeep.
We would advise any other almshouse charities to meet their contractors and their employees. This, without doubt, makes life easier dealing with them on a first names basis and it certainly helps to resolve any problems should they arise.
Many thanks to the Hugh Boscowan Charity for sharing their Almshouse Association Loan Case Study with us all.
If you have an almshouse story you would like to share, how living in an almshouse has changed a resident’s life, how a grant or loan has ensured residents keep safe and warm, how a trustee is making a difference to the charity,.. please do get in touch via karenmorris@almshouses.org
posted December 2023