Celebration of 750 years at The Hospital of St Bartholomew in Hythe, Kent

St Bartholomew’s Day, 24th August 2024 – The trustees of The Hospitals of St Bartholomew & St John almshouse in Hythe, Kent held a celebration to mark 750 years since the first known recorded mention of the above almshouse being in this ancient Cinque Port town in 1274.

This date was a recent discovery in the ‘Kilwardby Survey of manorial accounts for properties of The Archbishop of Canterbury’ . Nobody knows exactly when or by whom Hythe’s two ancient almshouses were originally founded, but the records show that in 1274, there was a payment of “Statutory Alms” from The Archbishop of Canterbury’s property of Saltwood of seventeen shillings and four pence to The Hospital of St Bartholomew and, in the Hospitals’ archives of 1,200 items, two of the earliest documents are the 1336 and 1348 charters by The Bishop of Rochester re-founding the almshouse.

So from the time of King Edward I (or maybe even earlier), Hythe’s two almshouse charities of The Hospital of St Bartholomew and The Hospital of St John have, throughout the reigns of no less than 35 monarchs, greatly improved the lives of hundreds of local people.

From the archives of the two almshouse charities of Hythe

  • In 1348, the then Bishop of Rochester, who was born in Hythe, “Looking with eyes of pity on the poor of the town” re-founded St Bartholemew’s almshouse.
  • In 1573, St Bartholemew’s almshouse was visited by Archbishop Parker, who said “This place is filled with rogues and vagabonds” and dismissed the two trustees.
  • By 1685, when the two almshouses (The Hospital of St Bartholomew and The Hospital of St John) were managed by the same trustees, between them they owned some 150 acres of land in and around Hythe. Sadly over the years, all of this land was sold off with the proceeds put into safe investments. St Bartholomew’s Hospital was also sold off after being badly damaged by the bombing in The Second World War and the proceeds of sale were used to modernise and extend St John’s Hospital, the latter is the only real estate remaining.

The Charity is now The Hospitals of St Bartholomew & St John and the almshouse building has been converted into seven self-contained flats with all mod cons; a comfortable retirement home run on kindness. In accordance with the standards of The Almshouse Association, the residents enjoy peace, privacy, companionship and security under the protection of the ten trustees and the very caring and conscientious Prioress.

There was a Service of Thanksgiving in the Parish Church attended by over one hundred people, followed by a very good buffet, a well attended exhibition of the Hospitals’ Archives in The Town Hall and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on the remaining Almshouse by Lady Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent. The building was then blessed by The present Bishop of Rochester, whose predecessor had re-founded St Bartholomew’s Hospital all those years ago. Association CEO, Nick Phillips was unable to attend so it was with great pleasure that he received this wonderful article and photos after the event. Nick is looking forward to visiting this historic almshouse in the future.

750th Anniversary Celebrations – 24th August, 2024

posted 18 September 2024

Trustees and Clerks Shrewsbury Seminar

The Almshouse Association Trustees and Clerks Seminar on 4 September 2024 in Shrewsbury, Shropshire was attended by an enthusiastic and engaged group of volunteers and staff from across the county.

  • Association Chair, Willie Hartley Russell gave an uplifting presentation about the future of the almshouse movement.
  • Sue Missin highlighted the work of The Almshouse Consortium with regards to arranging funds for charities to undertake remodelling projects.
  • Association CEO, Nick Phillips gave a presentation on Independent Living.
  • Tim Richardson, Quinquennial Inspections Ltd presented a detailed examination of EPCs & Quinquennial inspections.
  • Tim Rutherford, Stone King LLP gave a detailed and clear review and guidance on Changes to Governing Documents.

A good, informative day. Thank you to all our speakers.

A Royal Visit to Poland Trust almshouses

The Poland Trust welcomes The Almshouse Association Royal Vice Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester

Surrey almshouse charity, The Poland Trust hosted a royal visit at the launch of its stunning new almshouses on the 10 September 2024.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester, Nick Phillips, Martin Smith and Tim Kenny

Greeted by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey Michael More-Molyneux, Cadet Flight Sergeant Lucas Reeve, Association CEO Nick Phillips, and Chair of The Poland Trust Martin Smith, HRH The Duke of Gloucester was warmly received by everyone at the new Brockham site.

A keen architect himself, the Duke showed great interest in the architectural plans for the site which were presented by CEO Martin Smith and trustee, Tim Kenny. Architect, Chris Tizzard provided insights into the design and logistics of the project and the Duke was treated to a live demonstration of the flood water deterrent system!

An introduction to Simon and Juliet Dumas, the generous land donors for the almshouses followed and the Duke was then taken on a tour of several of the new homes where he met residents Rachel Smith and Will Harrow with their children, Jessica, Ella,  Neve and new born baby Oliver, as well as Rosemary Lawlor with her sons, Marc and Riley.

The visit concluded with tea and cake with residents and special guests and a commemorative plaque unveiling. In a heart-warming gesture, the children of the residents presented the Duke with a special book, ‘Artwork by the Children of Poland Meadow’, featuring their hand-painted depictions of their new homes.

Martin Smith expressed his gratitude to the Duke, saying:

“We were honoured to host this memorable event for His Royal Highness. It was a pleasure to show him the almshouses and to introduce him to everyone who played a role in bringing this successful project to life.”

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, added:

“We are deeply honoured by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester’s visit to Poland Meadows. This remarkable site, partially funded through self-build homes, harmonises beautifully with the surrounding landscape. We owe our gratitude to Simon and Juliet Dumas for their generous land donation and to Mole Valley Council for their collaborative efforts with The Poland Trust in making this project a reality.”

HRH chats with Juliet Dumas, one of the land doners who made it all possible.

The success of this site, grounded in philanthropic generosity and a decade-long dedication by trustees, has made affordable housing available to young people who might not otherwise have been able to remain in the area.

To learn more about Poland Meadows and The Poland Trust see also:

– Case Study: Poland Trust

– Almshouses for young people in Surrey

posted 16 September 2024

Local councils supporting almshouse regeneration

Two excellent articles were recently published on local county council websites where they had awarded funds to community projects, highlighting the strong appreciation local councils have for both the historic significance of the buildings and the positive impact almshouses provide to the community.

On the Derbyshire Dales District Council website

Historic almshouse embraces new technology – 10 September 2024

After 440 years Wirksworth’s original almshouse has received a major refurbishment that creates affordable housing fit for purpose for many more years to come – and your District Council has helped.

In 1584, Anthony Gell of Hopton Hall, near Wirksworth, stipulated in his Will that his executor and brother Thomas Gell should “within a year and a half of my death bestow of the making and building of one Almshouse in the side of the Hannage near the new bridge the sum of £60”.

The Almshouse originally comprised six flats, though by 1963 the accommodation had been altered to allow for four larger flats. Over the last 60 years these flats have received some upgrade, but the fabric of the building had deteriorated significantly with age.

Last year the the Anthony Gell and Anthony Bunting Almshouse Charity was awarded a grant from Derbyshire Dales District Council not only to refurbish the property, but to achieve a real step change in the energy conservation of the building. This presented a major challenge given that the building is Grade 2 listed. Reducing the residents’ fuel bills and improving the quality of their accommodation was also an important consideration. To achieve this the very latest of technologies have been employed, whilst incorporating them in a sympathetic way.

wirksworth almshouse back to brick restoration

The building work was completed in June of this year, taking seven months. An air source heat pump has been installed to heat the flats, via both underfloor heating and radiators, ensuring that the temperature in the flats is maintained at 21 degrees. This has been made possible by stripping all plasterwork back to brick and applying the latest technology in insulating plaster material. In addition, a full ventilation and heat extraction system and double-glazed windows have been installed to ensure a steady internal temperature is achieved. Each of these elements has been necessary to achieve the required objective.

The opportunity was also taken to install new kitchens and bathrooms, to a high standard, and, where possible, improving the ease of use for those who have mobility issues.

Nigel Johns, chair, the Anthony Gell and Anthony Bunting Almshouse Charity, said:

“This project has demonstrated that, with careful planning, an historic building can be refurbished in a way that delivers a considerable improvement in its energy efficiency, whilst not compromising the historic fabric of the building.

“The trustees of the charity are delighted that such a historic building is set up for many years to come, whilst protecting the legacy of Anthony Gell. At the same time this has provided comfortable and affordable accommodation to the residents, which is so important.”

wirksworth almshouse

On behalf of the District Council, Director of Housing Rob Cogings said:

“The Council is pleased to have worked in partnership with the almshouse charity to secure the long-term future of the four flats and significantly improve the energy efficiency of the homes. The Energy Performance Certificate for the flats has improved from a poor F rating to D.

“This is one of a number of schemes financed by the Council to support small community-based housing providers deliver much need homes for rent. It is great to see these historic homes given a new lease of life.”

On the Sunderland City Council website

Scheme to transform Minster Quarter comes to a close – 2024

A Scheme to restore some of Sunderland’s best loved heritage buildings has come to a close after six years of making improvements to the city’s Minster Quarter.

Sunderland City Council was awarded £1.9m in funding thanks to National Lottery players via The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme in 2018. This combined with contributions from the owners and tenants has seen over £3m invested in the city centre buildings and activities throughout the scheme.

The Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme has focused on repairing historic buildings, improving public spaces, and hosting events and activities to promote the history of the area. It has aided restoration works at The Peacock, The Dun Cow, the rear wall of the Gibson Almshouses and the roof of the Sunderland Empire Theatre and Box Office, as well as repairs to buildings on Low Row, Church Lane and High Street West.

Minster Park was completely revitalised as part of the scheme in 2020, with new landscaping that features a central sensory garden and historic features of the area reinstated.

Now the scheme has come to a close with a celebration event at the Sunderland Empire Theatre.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Business, said:

“As the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme comes to a close it is the perfect time to reflect on the brilliant work which has been carried out as part of the project since 2018.

“We have seen Minster Park completely transformed into a beautiful green space for the city centre, and iconic Sunderland buildings like the Empire Theatre, Dun Cow and The Peacock repaired and preserved. This has made a big difference to the Minster Quarter and complements the ongoing work on the Riverside Sunderland development where we are transforming the city centre into an extraordinary place to live and work and a vibrant destination for leisure and culture.”

Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, said:

“The work that has been undertaken as part of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme has helped to improve the look and feel of a vibrant new cultural quarter in the heart of the city centre. Maintaining and preserving our beautiful heritage buildings means that they can be be enjoyed for many more years to come.”

Since its launch, volunteers have spent more than 2,000 hours participating in the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme, including activities like carrying out historic research, recording lost voices with community actors, music workshops and crafting an embroidered banner that now hangs in Sunderland Minster.

The project also saw 63 students on construction courses at Sunderland College spend over 850 hours on site undertaking training and learning opportunities, and 13 young people learning media skills were also offered placements.

Louise Sutherland, Head of Engagement, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“It is fantastic to see the completion of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage project and the hard work of all involved. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project has transformed a local green space, restored the fabric of late Victorian and early Edwardian buildings of Sunderland’s historic townscape and shared the areas fascinating heritage, ensuring it can be enjoyed by local people and visitors from further afield for years to come.”

posted 12 September 2024

Refurbishment of the Ufford Almshouses – End of Project Case Study

A mission to bring a 17th Century Hospital in Ufford, Suffolk, into the 21st Century

In 2023, Ufford Almshouses received a £75,000 loan from the Association towards the extension and refurbishment of their two almshouses.

By November 2023, as you can read in their mid-project case study, the Ufford Almshouses Refurbishment Project was in full swing with property 2a almost complete and a new roof installed.

If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses, part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is financial help in the forms of grants and loans.

Thanks to Judi Hallett, Clerk to the Non-Ecclesiastical Charites, Ufford, we are pleased to be able to bring news of the completed project and demonstrate how funds have been spent.

November 2023 to July 2024

Whilst completion of 2a took longer than anticipated (delays were a result of contractors working on other projects and difficulties with the supply of some materials), on 1st March 2024, Mrs C, a resident of the almshouses for over 20 years, successfully moved from number 2 to number 2a. This was thought to be a record short distance by the removal company!

The almshouses were refurbished sequentially, rather than at the same time and rather than move temporarily to a house further away, Mrs C opted to stay in No. 2 whilst work was being carried out to No. 2a. She then moved into the completed No. 2a whilst work was being undertaken at No. 2. Having lived in No. 2 for two decades, Mrs C was always adamant that she wanted to move back when it was completed and we had reassured her that this would be possible. Two days after living at the completed 2a, however, she changed her mind, and asked if she could stay!

According to her son, “she loved the new home so much she didn’t want to move back!”

The new home gave Mrs C a downstairs bathroom with walk in shower. She also had a dedicated downstairs bedroom and a garden further away from the road, which gave her greater privacy.

Property No. 2

The day after Mrs C moved to number 2a, demolition started in number 2.

We had made the assumption that the property was a mirror image of next door, but it soon became obvious it was not.

Measurements for kitchens and bathrooms had to be tweaked but we worked closely with our architect and builder to overcome any issues.

The work to number 2 also took a little longer than anticipated.

This meant our new resident, Mr Whitehand, had to remain in his existing accommodation longer than planned, but we are pleased to be able to confirm that he was able to successfully move in on 1st July 2024.

Funding

Much of the funding for this project has come from the Charity’s endowments and Extraordinary Repair Fund.

The Almshouse Association reviewed the project in detail and held an onsite meeting with two of the trustees before awarding the Charity a loan of £75,000. This is to be paid back over a 10-year period, and we have already started to make the payments.

The charity trustees were also able to secure a grant from Homes England. To secure this grant we worked with Saffer Cooper Consultancy via Almshouse Consortium Ltd, experts in grant funding and project management who provide a pathway to obtaining financial support from Homes England. The grant was for approximately one third of the total cost of the project.

What will the benefits be of the project?

Now complete, the Ufford Almshouses are fit for living in the 21st Century. They are accessible and allow for ground floor living, when required. They have modern heating and are fit for purpose for at least another 30 years.

Opening Ceremony and Open House Afternoon

On 26th June 2024, we held an Opening Ceremony and Open House Afternoon inviting everyone involved with the project, retired trustees and their relatives and our residents. Our newest resident, Mr Whitehand, cut the ribbon and we all enjoyed cake and bubbles.

We then welcomed over 80 visitors from the village through the door to view the refurbishments.

Did you know?…

Funds used by The Almshouse Association to make loans to charities last in perpetuity. Loans to charities are interest-free with just a small setup fee. As they pay back the loan over a 10 year period, the Association is able to re-lend out the funds over and over again, ensuring more almshouses can be built or older almshouses can be preserved with a new roof or modernised with extensions or wet rooms. So if you are thinking about contributing to our rolling charity support fund by making a donation or leaving money in your Will, you will know that your money will be helping to change people’s lives for the better for many, many generations to come.

To find out more, please click here

posted 5 September 2024

Municipal Charities present grants at annual garden party

Almshouses in the community

This year’s Municipal Charities Garden party was held at their Guild Cottages almshouses on 1 August 2024.  Special guests including the Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon Jason Fotjik, the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Rajvinder Kaur Gill and the new MP for Stratford-upon-Avon Manuela Perteghella, joined trustees, staff and residents for a wonderful afternoon in the grounds of the almshouses.

Mayor Jason Fotjik presented a grant cheque for £2,500 from the Relief in Need charity to the Stratford Youth Collective and the High Sheriff, Rajvinder Kaur Gill presented a grant cheque for £2,500 from the Relief in Need charity to the Friendship Project.

Andy Smith, Chair of Municipal Charities said,

“We are delighted to be able to give these two organisations funding to help them in their work. The grant to the Stratford Youth Collective will support their Holiday Activities and Food Fund programme which provides healthy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families, benefiting their health, wellbeing and learning during the summer. The grant to the Friendship Project will enable them to provide volunteers to offer one to one support to disadvantaged children in Stratford who by virtue of their family circumstances are withdrawn and lacking in confidence or suffering from low self esteem.”

MP Menuala Perteghella (centre, red blouse) was introduced to Phil Sweet, almshouse resident and DDay veteran (front, holding framed photo) who proudly showed her his photograph with Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh, taken at Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance to mark D-Day 80, at the National Memorial Arboretum.

She commented after, “It was a wonderful event and I am very grateful that I was able to see the good and important work almshouses do at so many levels.”

The grants are from The Relief in Need Charity, which is part of the Municipal Charities of Stratford-upon-Avon.  The Relief in Need Charity has given out over £70,000 of grants in the last year to help those in financial difficulties in Stratford-upon-Avon. These grants have supported families by providing items including washing machines, cookers, fridges, school uniforms for refugees, food vouchers at Christmas and carpeting.    To find out more, please get in touch with the Chief Officer on chiefofficer@municipal-charities.org.uk 01789 293749 or via their website https://www.municipal-charities.org.uk/relief-in-need-charity/contact-relief-in-need

posted 4 September 2024

New home for new resident at Jesus Hospital almshouses, Canterbury

Case Study: Jesus Hospital refurbishment project

If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry our necessary works to their almshouses, part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is financial help in the forms of grants and loans.

In 2023 Q4, the Association received a grant request from Jesus Hospital, and we were pleased to be able to provide a grant of £2,000 towards the refurbishment of one of their flats.

As the keys were handed over to a very happy new resident, new warden, David Roper, shares their story with us:

Background

The 1595 building with chapel (below the clock)

The ‘Hospital’, or almshouses, was founded in 1595 by Sir John Boys, who had made his fortune in law, for 8 poor men and 4 poor women, known as ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters‘. He had perhaps been inspired by Sir Roger Manwood’s foundation set up 20 or so years before. He also set up a school for boys.

Click here to find out more

Today there are 14 flats which can provide homes for 19 people over the age of 55 on low incomes who live in the Canterbury area. There is an on-site warden and residents benefit from a communal garden and all within easy walking distance of shops, doctor’s surgery, restaurants, and a cinema. In recent years the Weekly Maintenance Contribution (WMC) had been kept quite low and the trustees had limited access to investment funds. In April 2023 the resident warden retired and the present warden took up his post on 1 October 2023.

In the latter part of 2022, an elderly resident developed increasingly difficult health issues and sadly, after many years as a resident, needed to move into a care home in June 2023. It was a difficult situation to manage at the time, especially without a warden in post.

The project

After assessing the condition of the vacant flat, the trustees realised that a substantial refurbishment was required before a new resident could be invited to move in. The flat needed decorating throughout, plus a new kitchen and bathroom. Fortunately, the carpets came up well with a deep clean so did not require renewing.

There was a lovely surprise when the old kitchen was stripped out – they found a tiny fire hearth hiding behind the units, though coal allowance is no longer a resident benefit!

Once the contractors had finished, a working party of residents enjoyed a happy day cleaning windows and revarnishing the window frames which provided both an enjoyable social event for the community and a considerable cost saving.

The total cost of the project including loss of WMC (flat was vacant for 8 months whilst renovations where undertaken), council tax liability and utilities came to £19,000.

New home for a new resident

Jesus Hospital now has a new resident who received her keys in March 2024 and is very happy to have joined the community.

Click here to find out how you can help us support almshouse charities build new and renovate older almshouses, ensuring safe, warm and affordable homes in friendly communities are available for people who need them for many years to come.

posted August 2024

Seaside Day at Wyggestons

Some people really are charmed with good luck. When Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses put their first ‘Seaside Day at Wyggestons’ in their calendar, they could meticulously organise all the games, food and invites, but could only keep their fingers crossed for good weather….

What a relief when it didn’t disappoint! There was hardly a cloud in the beautiful blue sky. They sent us these fabulous photos of the day, writing:

“First annual Seaside Day at Wyggestons! There were so many fun games for people to enjoy as well as a paddling pool, tombola, fish and chips and an ice cream van for our residents and their family. We got really lucky with the weather as well! A huge thank you to everyone who put so much effort into making it a lovely day, we look forward to having another one next year!

Deckchairs and sandcastles!
Coconut shy!
Paddling pool!
Drinks on the patio
It wouldn’t be a day at the seaside without fish and chips!

A wonderful idea that became reality – thanks to the hard work and kindness of the Wyggestons trustees, staff and volunteers!

Thank you for sharing your day with us!


posted 29 July 2024

AWARDS – The Almshouse Association Awards announced

Congratulations to The Almshouse Association Award winners

The Awards Panel is delighted to announced the five recipients of this year’s awards for work completed in 2023.

Weston Consolidated Charity, Spalding

Two single-storey, one-bedroomed, bungalows (with a car parking area and the facility to charge a mobility scooter) were built to wheelchair accessibility standards, with the inclusion of integrated solar panels on the roofs of each property.

This will greatly improve energy efficiency and the new tree and shrub planting will promote biodiversity.

Sloswicke’s Almshouses, Retford, Nottinghamshire

In 2017, the Charity purchased a former joiner’s workshop that dominated the road where their existing nine almshouses are situated.

Planning consent was granted to demolish and replace it with five single bedroom almshouses, two of which are bungalows.

They also added a single communal garden with a central seating area as well as a mobility scooter store with appropriate access.

Girton Town Charity, Cambridgeshire

Girton Town Charity trustees made a commitment to increase and future proof its almshouses by creating 15 new homes at Dovehouse Court in the heart of the village. They replace six existing bungalows which had been built in the 1930s and 1960s and no longer provided an appropriate standard of accommodation.

The new almshouses are built to conform fully to certified Passivhaus standards, with excellent sustainability credentials, and are situated around a central courtyard. The contemporary homes were designed for extended independent living for the over 55s, with an internal layout to include a master bedroom and small second room, open plan living, kitchen and dining area, with access to balconies or individual terraces on the ground floor.

The Charterhouse, London

The Awards Panel consider this initiative deserves a special award that has not been granted before. The project consisted of a ten-week programme of drawing masterclasses, guided by an artist/facilitator. These culminated in a co-curated three-month exhibition at The Charterhouse, featuring accompanying text interpretation collaboratively developed by the masterclass participants and professional staff from Charterhouse.
Its specific goals included addressing issues of isolation and exclusion and aimed to strengthen connections between the internal older community and external groups by actively involving local community organisations.

Appleby Blue, United St Saviours, Southwark

Appleby Blue is an innovative social housing development that reimagines the almshouse concept for contemporary, inner-city living. By marrying heritage with modernity, Appleby Blue offers an affordable housing solution embracing a resident support model to elevate their quality of life and foster a sense of belonging.
Central to its ethos is community and the communal centre spaces, exemplified by the sociable kitchen at its core which hosts a myriad of events.
In tandem with its 63 residents across 57 homes, Appleby Blue’s diverse intergenerational community programme encompasses digital skills sessions, dance and exercise classes, and culinary experiences.

Congratulations to all our worthy award winners for your outstanding achievements!

kindly sponsored by

The Almshouse Association Awards recognise the vital role almshouses and almshouse charities play in today’s social structure and future affordable housing. The hard work and inspired innovations of our members not only enrich the lives of almshouse residents, they also support the continued longevity of the almshouse movement.

So many members have incredible sites and have been working hard to make improvements, increase the number of almshouses and improve the standard of almshouses available to local people in housing need.

We encourage you all to share your work with your peers and the wider public by partaking in the award process.

posted 18 July 2024

Restoration of Capel Almshouses

Case Study – restoration of Capel Almshouses dwelling

The Capel Almshouses in Surrey were built in 1871, financed by the Webb family from Clapham to provide “residences for people in need in the Parish of Capel”. The declaration of trust is dated 10 February 1873. The property is Grade II listed and consists of six one bedroom flats.

With the exception of some flat roof extensions at the rear of the property that were added in the early 60s to allow for larger kitchens and bathrooms, the sandstone front and side elevations are all as built. Maintaining the fabric of the building is expensive, and the requirement to use specialist contractors who have experience with listed buildings makes it even more so.

Part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is to help support them with grants or loans if they do not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses.

We recently provided The Capel Almshouses with a £25,000 loan to support the refurbishment/renovation of Flat 3, No.137.

Gary Collins, Treasurer of Capel Almshouses, has kindly shared with members his report on the restoration:

Background

Five years ago the trustees decided to implement a renovation plan of all six units over a ten year period, on top of an ongoing stone work restoration project.

By the summer of 2023 they had renovated two of the properties and wanted to start on the third. They realised that financing this project would require more funds than their finances would safely cover and after approaching several other organisations to no avail, they talked to the funding team at The Almshouse Association.

“The very helpful Loans and Grants team guided us through the application process and in due course we were extremely fortunate to be awarded a £25,000 interest free 10 year loan.”

Resolving the damp issues

The loan allowed the Charity to complete the internal renovations to the third property and have extensive work done to provide restored, less draughty, sash windows for their new resident.

The renovation for this property started early August 2023 with quotes coming in from specialists in damp solutions who stripped back render, injected and tanked areas of high moisture and re plastered.

The buildings suffer from damp, mainly due to condensation but also with rising damp, which is not unexpected in a building of this age. When built, the open fire places would have warmed the house and allowed circulation of air. These fireplaces have long been bricked up and along with windows being kept firmly shut due to the cost of heating, damp is inevitable.

Within the renovations, they have added humidity triggered extractors to both the bathroom and the kitchen to help mitigate the moisture levels and so far these are providing a successful solution. The trustees also reminded their residents that having a window ajar is good for their health and their accommodation.

Finished kitchen and shower
Windows removed in one of the rooms
Windows during painting

Bedroom during renovations

Restorations

The trustees also contracted suppliers to fulfil all aspects of a complete restoration:

  • Electrics: a complete rewire including new distribution board and updating lighting to LEDs. Installing mains powered heat/smoke alarms and connection to a central TV arial
  • Plumbing: a new boiler and upgraded radiators, a full bathroom refit including a walk in shower and kitchen plumbing
  • Fitters: a new kitchen and appliances, boxing in of unsightly pipe work, tiling in both the kitchen and the bathroom
  • Painters: a top to bottom re-paint
  • Decor: carpets to the lounge and bedroom and vinyl floors to the kitchen and bathroom, as well as new curtains rails and blinds.
Lounge during and after renovations

Project Management

The trustees report that they have been very well served by their contractors and with the project management skills of a local builder, Paul Childs creating, within five months, a property which is warmer, dryer and much more enjoyable to live in.

Treasurer, Gary Collins comments

“We hope that we will benefit from less running maintenance in the years to come. We are about to start on the fourth refurbishment and along with the ongoing process of maintenance to the stone work and windows we will certainly be in need of further funding and grant opportunities to continue the updating of the remaining properties.”

Click here to find out how you can help us support almshouse charities build new and renovate older almshouses, ensuring safe, warm and affordable homes in friendly communities are available for people who need them for many years to come .

posted July 2024