50 Years of Service | The Almshouse Association

Celebrating Tim Kenny’s Commitment to The Poland Trust

Congratulations to Tim Kenny, a trustee of The Poland Trust, the almshouse charity serving Brockham, near Dorking in Surrey, who celebrated an extraordinary 50 years of trusteeship in 2026.

Tim marked this remarkable milestone alongside his wife, Vicki, at the annual Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 12 May 2026. Hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, alongside The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the event recognised guests for their public service and contributions to the nation.

As a local Chartered Surveyor, Tim managed the extensions to all the original six units at Poland House and also the construction of two pairs of semi-detached bungalows in the grounds, with all ten units providing excellent one-bedroom accommodation in a lovely setting looking towards the North Downs.

Tim Kenny with HRH The Duke of Gloucester, September 2024

In 2016 Tim, by now retired, was instrumental, after a 6-year search, in identifying the site which has now become the Poland Meadow development, negotiating its being gifted to The Trust, overseeing the obtaining of planning permission for 12 almshouses for younger people, and, together with the Chairman and Treasurer financing and managing the build contract.

With this, and the recent acquisition of Anthony West House, the Trust’s expansion to 37 almshouses over the last 50 years, demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to meeting local housing needs, which reflects the continuing importance of almshouse charities in not only providing affordable homes for local people but also ensuring they remain available to local people. Tim has played an important part in that expansion.

Over five decades, Tim has played a part in the work of The Poland Trust, which provides almshouse accommodation and supports the local community. The Trust’s commitment to meeting local housing needs reflects the continuing importance of almshouse charities in providing homes and helping communities thrive.

Tim’s 50 years of service are a wonderful example of the dedication and commitment that trustees bring to almshouse charities. We congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and thank him for his longstanding contribution to the almshouse movement.