Residents, trustees, former trustees, volunteers and friends gathered at Hedger’s Almshouses in Guildford on Hedger’s Founder’s Day, 19 August 2026.
They came together to celebrate the retirement of Edward Martineau as Managing Trustee and Susan Martineau as Clerk to the Trustees and special guests included friends from Caleb Lovejoy’s Almshouses, Hilliers Almshouses and the French Hospital in Rochester.
The special occasion began with the dedication of a commemorative tree at the almshouse site, followed by a buffet lunch at a local village hall.
A lasting tribute
Willie Hartley Russell, Chairman of The Almshouse Association, unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. Angela Sharpe, Hedger’s longest-serving trustee, spoke about the significance of the tree and plaque as a lasting tribute to Edward and Susan’s dedication to the charity.
She reflected on how they would provide a beautiful addition to the gardens and serve as a symbol of remembrance, gratitude and the enduring connection between Edward and Susan, the site and its past, present and future residents.
Beth Nagle ex Trustee, Martin Suttie Trustee and Kathy Marsden Resident
Francesca McPhail, Cllr Jane Tyson Mayor of Guildford
A family tradition comes to an end
Founder’s Day traditionally sees Hedger’s trustees serving roast beef to residents, but Sue Howson, the new Managing Trustee, hoped that the buffet — complete with beef and horseradish sandwiches — would more than suffice.
After lunch, Willie Hartley Russell spoke about the importance and history of almshouses and the support provided by The Almshouse Association to its 8,000 trustees across the country.
Sue Howson reflected on the significance of Edward and Susan’s retirement, marking the first time in Hedger’s 228-year history that a member of the Hedger’s family, however distantly related, would not be serving as Managing Trustee.
“That we have managed 228 years with family members so closely involved is nothing short of miraculous, as is the fact that Edward first joined the Board in 1972, becoming Managing Trustee in 1991 on the death of Mrs Lilian Disney (Edward’s grandmother’s first cousin’s wife). I did say “no matter how distant”. He has been the constant guiding hand over the last 35 or so years. I’m not sure when Susan actually first became Clerk but together, they must have given around a hundred years of service to the charity. Quite an achievement I think you’ll agree. Edward, I am sure, is taking a much-earned rest, but Susie hasn’t really retired quite just yet as she has become one of our trustees, for which we are enormously grateful. And we continue to benefit from Susie’s vast knowledge both specific to Hedger’s and more generally about the almshouse movement.”
In her own words: Susan Martineau reflects on how things have changed over her years as Clerk – click here
A place to call home
Resident Mary Dawson recalled her first impressions of Hedger’s:
“I couldn’t believe such a welcoming, peaceful haven existed.” She added that since moving in, “living here has been all that I wished for, and much more; the friendliness, peacefulness and safeness. Every time I walk into Hedger’s I still feel privileged that this is my home”.
Mary presented Edward and Susan with National Garden Gift Vouchers on behalf of the residents, while Sue presented a specially commissioned watercolour of the Hedger’s site on behalf of the trustees.
A toast and a cake!
The Worshipful the Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Jane Tyson, proposed a toast to Edward and Susan, with Edward offering a few words of thanks.
The celebrations concluded with the Mayor cutting an impressive cake depicting Hedger’s, created by trustee Francesca McPhail.
It was a fitting and memorable afternoon, celebrating two remarkable individuals and their extraordinary contribution to Hedger’s and its residents.
The speeches
Top photo: Willie Hartley Russell, Edward Martineau, Susan Martineau and Angela Sharpe
posted 10 September 2026