2019 and 2020 Awards

With the outbreak of coronavirus at the beginning of 2020, we had to put the 2019 Patron’s Award and the Award for Excellence and Inspiration on hold but towards the end of 2021, when restrictions were beginning to ease, we were delighted to be able to make our visits to the shortlisted almshouses. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that we can announce the 2019/20 recipients of the Patron’s Award, the 2019 and 2020 Excellence and Inspiration Awards and the 2020 Gardens and People award.


The Patron’s Award – Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity

The Patron’s Award was instituted by HRH The Prince of Wales and introduced in 2000 to encourage and celebrate excellence in architectural and living standards and to recognise outstanding projects and developments. It is sponsored by The Charity Bank and recipient of the award is chosen by HRH The Prince of Wales

Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity, Colchester, Essex

The trustees of Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity made the decision to demolish nine bungalows endowed by George Rose in 1934 as the properties were no longer fit for purpose and had been empty for several years. The buildings were poorly laid out internally, had an inefficient heating system and had suffered damage through subsidence. In 2015 the charity received planning permission to replace the old bungalows with nine new, modern almshouses.

The new almshouses are in keeping but not identical to the early twentieth-century almshouses adjacent and opposite, and so maintain the integrity, authenticity and pre-eminence of the listed terrace.

Each apartment is light and airy with an open plan kitchen and living room. The kitchens are fully fitted and there is level access throughout the property. Wet rooms have been installed and allow for the use of a hoist should these become necessary for the residents. A new call system has been installed, which is not reliant on a landline phone system. Internal detailing throughout is ideal for almshouse accommodation.


The Almshouse Association Award for Excellence and Inspiration 2019/20

For charities who can demonstrate unique innovations within a project that has added significant value to a resident’s life.

The Charity of Elizabeth Wadsworth, Calderdale, West Yorkshire

This project was to refurbish the Grade II listed railings and reopen the original right-of-way. Initially, part of the stone wall at the footpath entrance had to be demolished and a gap created for the new gate. The finished railings and gate complement the almshouses beautifully.

William and Julia E Chafyn-Grove Charity, Zeals Almshouses, Wiltshire

A restoration and building programme on three out of the charity’s four almshouses and the building of a fifth almshouse. The upgrade is as environmentally friendly as possible, creating comfortable and appealing homes.

Hurst Consolidated Charity, Wokingham, Berkshire

In 2017, the charity decided that three apartments could be comfortably fitted in the space available at Lodge Close. The almshouses are built to the latest standards and complement the existing almshouses.

Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, Bond’s Lodge, Coventry, West Midlands

A newly built three storey development offering 45 self-contained apartments together with a communal lounge, mobility scooter storage, laundry, guest room and courtyard garden.

W.C. Lee’s Resthouses, Windlesham, Surrey

The project entailed the development of single storey side extensions to provide separate bedrooms for two of the almshouses, following demolition of two out-buildings.

Hugh Sexey’s Hospital, Bruton, Somerset

The Blackford Room replaces a historic reception and a community room with a new light and airy space. It has been designed to meet the social and support needs of older people. The contemporary design uses traditional materials. Its styling ensures that the historic buildings remain the dominant feature


2020 Gardens and People Award

For charities that can show how they have enhanced the lives of their residents by providing gardening and/or outdoor activities.

 Jesus Hospital, Ravenscroft Lodge, The London Borough of Barnet

The project included seven single storey almshouses at an existing almshouse development with extensive external works and landscaping. Each property has an area of flower beds for the residents to maintain and enjoy.

 The Eleanor Hirst Trust, Wilshaw, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

During 2018/2019 substantial refurbishment of the almshouses was undertaken, with considerable care taken to ensure the character of the listed buildings was retained. The gardens and views are spectacular and allow a community spirit to thrive.

 Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, Bond’s Lodge, Coventry, West Midlands

The trustees are fully aware of the benefits a garden can bring to residents and visitors. The city centre site provides a place of tranquillity and beauty. A living wall was installed which creates a green ‘lung’ within the courtyard area and is much admired.

 Wivenhoe Housing Trust, Jonathan Feedham Court, Wivenhoe, Essex

Trustees turned an existing drab courtyard into a beautiful communal space. Ambitious plans were agreed to make the courtyard a better space for residents to relax and socialise, as well as promote physical health through exercise and mental wellbeing by taking a greater interest in gardening

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