Award win for Wyggestons in Leicester

The last 12 months have seen major changes for Wyggestons, the charity which has been successfully providing sheltered housing, housing related support and care services for vulnerable older people in Leicester for the last 500 years.

Not only did they complete an impressive extension to their facilities, but they were also named as one of the best construction projects in Leicestershire, having won one of only seven awards given by ProCon Leicestershire awards.

Submitted by Corporate Architecture, Wyggestons were thrilled to win the award for ‘Large Residential Scheme of the Year’ at the annual award ceremony at the King Power Stadium on 10th November 2022.

‘Lancaster House’, the imposing new three-storey extension to the already established facilities, has added high quality accommodation, comprised of six bungalows and eight one and two-bedroom flats, as well as a new administration hub, conference room and community lounge.

Originally founded as an almshouse charity in 1513, Wyggestons has now improved current facilities for residents and staff, bringing them in line with modern day requirements whilst providing more housing to expand the amount of older people Wyggestons can assist, through a sustainable development. The project has enabled the charity to accommodate hundreds of residents across the almshouses and residential care facilities, set within five acres of private grounds in the Westcotes suburb, within easy reach of the city centre facilities and transport links.

Chris Jones, CEO of Wyggestons, says:

“The ProCon award really was the icing on the cake last year. We’re so proud of our new facilities and the difference they are making to our residents and visitors, and not to forget the staff too. It’s just wonderful that that project has been recognised in this way.”

Wyggestons worked with Andrew Granger and Co. whose role was to manage all the elements and liaise with the key stakeholders to bring this project to fruition, whilst working alongside local architect Corporate Architecture.

More information on Wyggestons can be found at www.wyggestons.org.uk.

Posted March 23

Southwark Charities new almshouse project

Chris Wilson, CEO/Clerk to the trustees of Southwark Charities recently recorded a podcast about the charity’s plans to build a new almshouse development in central London with construction starting shortly.

The architect of Southwarks new development, Justin Nicholls of Fathom Architects and Chris Wilson were contacted by Christine Murray from ‘The developer’ to talk about housing for older people in the city of London. 

“Figures from the 2021 census revealed there are 2.5m people aged 50 or older living in London, while the OECD estimates that older adults comprise 15% of the population of metropolitan areas of the UK. The OECD report calls for infrastructure and urban forms to be redesigned to consider walking, affordable housing and social participation as effective measures of preventative care.“

As Christine Murray from The Developer

“We know almshouses have been in existence for over 1,000 years yet they stand the test of time. They support independent living, yet alleviate the isolation and loneliness that exist in anonymous tower blocks. They are places of sanctuary and safety where residents experience a sense of community and compassion.”

Chris Wilson, CEO/Clerk Southwark Charities

To read the article and listen to the podcast, please click in the link below:

the developer
Ageing in place: a new almshouse for London

Could a new almshouse in Blackfriars be a future model for independent, affordable living for older Londoners? Chris Wilson, CEO of Southwark Charities and Justin Nicholls, founding director of Fathom Architects share their vision.

click here

posted 1 March 2023

Press Release: Nottingham Community Almshouse Charity

Preserving the legacies of the past, providing homes for the future

Press Release from NCAC

Almshouses are the original ‘social housing’. They offer low rent in often beautiful, quirky buildings.

At Nottingham Community Almshouse Charity (NCAC) we have a passion for preserving this legacy, whilst acknowledging our responsibility to provide safe, comfortable homes for future generations. It is a fine line to tread, between creating fit, modern energy efficient homes for our residents and complying with planning restrictions and conservation orders.

NCAC sits under the corporate trusteeship of Nottingham Community Housing Association. Formed in 2008 by combining seven charities into one, we now have a portfolio of 29 almshouses, offering 143 properties. We’ve also held management arrangements with a number of independent almshouse trusts.

Our service is award winning. In 2016 our sympathetic restoration of William Woodsend Memorial Homes in Nottingham was awarded the Almshouse Association Patron’s Award.

But don’t just take our word for it. In 2017 Councillor David Challinor contacted us on behalf of Haworth Miners Bungalows. There were concerns about an aging Board and the future prospects of the homes. Following consultation with the residents and local community, the bungalows were transferred to NCAC in 2019 whilst maintaining the same conditions of the original contract.

“Working with NCAC means we have the security that the almshouses will continue, they cannot be sold and the priority remains to support people employed at the Harworth Colliery. It was the most responsible decision for our organisation and the professionalism, level of contact and whole transfer process was excellent.”

Cllr Challinor

NCAC offer: As part of a management contract or by taking on sole corporate trusteeship of a charity NCAC offer:

  • Housing management, maintenance and development
  • Advice on the modernisation of trusts
  • Maintenance planning and budgetary control
  • Negotiation with the Charity Commission on the approval of revised schemes
  • Design and architectural services
  • Procuring funding.

To contact NCAC, please email gemma.debrito@ncha.org.uk or HWBusinessDevelopment@ncha.org.uk

Image above: NCAC-PR-22-015 William Woodsend Memorial Homes

February 2023

Charity welcomes former PM

Trustees and residents of The Haven of Rest Almshouses in Maidenhead welcomed the Rt Hon Theresa May MP to their almshouses last November.  

Teresa May, Jo Thomas (Chair of trustees) and Mr Ron Edgington, our longest resident who opened the garden when Mrs May was unable to attend

Above photo: Bob, Mary, Eileen, (residents)Jo Thomas (Chair) Richard and Ron (residents)Teresa May, Cath Rowley (trustee) Penny (resident) Jane Cottrell (trustee) Photo credit: Ian Longthorne at Maidenhead Advertiser’

“The Haven has 12 bungalows and two flats so is  comparatively small but it is a wonderful friendly and supportive community. We had invited Theresa May to open our newly refurbished garden in the summer but she was unable to do so and so we were very pleased when her office contacted us to arrange a visit.  She spent an hour talking to some of the residents, trustees and Jo Thomas, Chair of the trustees.  She was very interested in the history of the Haven of Rest and impressed with the quality and high standard of the dwellings, buildings and gardens.”

Trustee Jan Cottrell

.

On the day of the official opening of the newly redesigned and landscaped garden, residents all enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in their new garden.

Mrs Josie Thomas, chair of the trustees welcomed the residents and special guests Mr Peter Murcott trustee of the Louis Baylis Trust, Mr Robin Butler, President of Maidenhead Lions, Mr Don Evetts, Past President of Maidenhead Lions and Mr Ian Thomas, Deputy Chairman of Poole & Rings Charity and Treasurer of The Haven, whose generous donations have enabled a continual programme of maintenance. Also present were past trustees Mrs Bobby Cager and Mr Keith Whiteside accompanied by his wife Judith and Mr and Mrs Peter Davis.

Mr Peter Murcott was invited to unveil a commemorative plaque, following which Mr Ron Edgington, who has been a resident for 22 years, cut the ribbon to officially open the garden.
Two garden benches which are dedicated to two former much missed long-term residents take pride of place in the garden. The garden is a beautiful community space for all residents to use whether for a quiet place to relax or to socialise with their neighbours.

posted February 2023

Round&About: Wokingham news

We were thrilled to see our very own Gerry Harmon published in the local Round & About magazine this month (February 23).

The Almshouse Association PR and Engagement Manager has been achieving a great success rate in raising the profile of almshouses in local publications and her most recent project looks at the fascinating history of Hurst Consolidated Charities.

“The charity’s origins began with two (now Grade II listed) brick built almshouses, provided by local benefactors…the almshouses in Twyford were built in 1640 at the request of Sir Richard Harrison and have six apartments…William Barker commissioned the Hurst almshouses in 1664 for ‘eight poor persons’….. over the centuries, smaller charities amalgamated, many of which provided pocket money, bread, coal, blankets and ‘bibles’ for ‘inmates’…..”

Updates in your Local Area • Wokingham & Winnersh • Round & About Magazine (roundandabout.co.uk

To read the article in full, please click here.

Are you holding a special event or anniversary in the coming months? Does your almshouse charity have a captivating history or maybe you have topical story to tell about one of your residents (with their full permission of course)?
If you would like to see if Gerry can raise the profile of your almshouse charity, highlight the benefits of almshouse living and showcase the good work of your trustees and staff, please do get in touch via gerryharmon@almshouses.org.

posted February 2023

Southwark charities: Close to finalising contract

Chris Wilson CEO of Southwark Charities, and Trustee & Treasurer at Community Southwark writes:

“As we get close to finalising the contract to build our new almshouse, which has been my main focus for the last 10 years, Christine Murray of The Developer invited Justin Nicholls from Fathom Architects and me to make a podcast about the challenges of creating a contemporary urban almshouse. You can read the accompanying article and listen to the podcast here:“


https://lnkd.in/gab35KWe

posted 6 February 2023

News from the Charity of Ann Edwards

We always enjoy hearing from our members and its been great to work with Clerk to the Trustees, Kathryn Warner, who has been sending in stories and photos of the residents and events that have been taking place at the Charity of Ann Edwards, Diocese of Gloucester.

“As well as our Mews of 8 properties for singles and couples in Gloucester, the charity has also purchased two additional properties for beneficiaries – one in Cirencester for a couple, and one in Gloucester for a family.

The original Scheme was for women only, but it has been revised over the years to be more inclusive, which has enabled us to support families where appropriate. The Charity was originally set up for the benefit of widows and unmarried daughters of deceased clergy in the Diocese of Gloucester. It is now for people with an active Christian faith and who are in necessitous circumstances including, but not limited to financial hardship, disability (physical or mental), or age, with a preference for the widowed, and for children of deceased clergy who live in the Diocese of Gloucester. One of our younger residents recently told us about what living in an almshouse meant to her:”

“When I found myself a single mum with 5 young children, one of whom is disabled, I was terrified about how I would manage and where we would live. Would the needs of all my children be met? How would I provide for them? 

Living in an almshouse has provided us with the security we need, knowing we have support and a roof over our heads.

The house is adapted for my child with disabilities, and there are enough rooms so each of my children can have a bedroom each. I know without an alms house this would not have been possible and it is important they all have their own space. With the security of our home, we have been able to move forward together, put roots down and settle in a community. I have been able to care for my children whilst having a part time job.

I am so grateful for the provision of an almshouse, it has meant and continues to mean such a tremendous amount to my family. We are now thriving not surviving.”

Resident

Kathryn also sent in some great photos of when they welcomed local MP Richard Graham to the almshouses where he took the time to chat with residents and visit their beautiful gardens.

Karen Czapiewski, Chair Diocesan Board of Finance, MP, Kathryn Warner Clerk to the Trustee, Muhammed on work experience with MP
MP with residents and church members
Residents and church members
In the courtyard
Letter of thanks from Richard Graham MP
MP with gardener resident and church member
Richard Graham MP and Chris Hill Trustee

Please keep on sending in your photos and stories to us at karenmorris@almshouses.org; we love receiving them. it really makes our day!

January 2023

Worcester charity opens new almshouses

Former Worcester warehouses converted to almshouses

The Almshouse Association was delighted to be represented at Worcester Municipal Charities on 13th January for the official opening of four splendid flats that the charity has created for the single homeless in the City Centre in what were two derelict warehouse annexes in the town.

Richard Inglethorpe, a wealthy benevolent brewer, originally donated six almshouses in his will of 1618 and the charity has developed to a great extent over the decades to the point that the new flats bring the total number of almshouse dwellings to 100. Due to the foresight, commitment and determination of the trustees yet more people in need in the area will be provided with safe, comfortable homes which are beautifully constructed and finished to a high standard. This is a great example of a long-established charity developing in modern times.  

Posted 19/01/2023

Wiltshire Life: Finding Friendship

In his third and final look at Wiltshire’s almshouses for Wiltshire Life magazine, Gary Lawrence visits two rural communities that provide a secure, happy home for people from an incredible variety of backgrounds.

“It is a long way from the troubled hills of Romania in the carefully manicured splendour of St John’s hospital in Heytesbury but Alex Wilson has many reminders of her homeland around her.

She and her husband Barnabus’ well-ordered flat on the first floor of the Grade II listed almshouse, which gazes out over beautiful lawns, is decorated with paintings and photographs that trace her circuitous route here.

She and her English mother fled the communists who had seized power and came to England, the place of her mother’s birth, in 1955 when her father, the celebrated philosopher and author Constantin Noica was arrested and eventually jailed. “My father was not liked by the regime because he was a philosopher and they rook him away,” recalls the 78-year-old. “His only sin in this world was being able to think and write things that were nor communist based.”

Her father was eventually freed in 1964 after a campaign by the fledgling Amnesty International and support from the likes of Graham Greene, a friend of her mother. “it was a difficult time, very hard but so long ago now,” she adds….

Gary Lawrence, Wiltshire Life December 22

Wiltshire Life has kindly provided us with a full copy of this third article which can be read in full here.

Our thanks to Gary Lawrence for taking the time to raise the profile of the almshouse movement through his sensitively written articles about the beautiful almshouses of Wiltshire and shining a light on the work of the volunteers and staff and the lives of their residents.

Further reading:
Providing a safe haven over the centuries | (almshouses.org) | November 22

Almshouses in Wiltshire Life: Centuries of supporting independence | | October 22

December 2022

Christmas Fund spreading cheer

Every year, The Almshouse Association is very pleased to be able to offer Christmas vouchers to almshouse residents over 90 years old and this year has been no exception!

It has given us enormous pleasure to post out 599 Christmas vouchers to almshouse residents all over the country and we could not be more thrilled to have received these wonderful photos of residents receiving their Christmas gifts.

The story of our Christmas legacy fund goes back over 70 years, when Major Allnatt, a successful businessman and philanthropist who worked closely with and supported our founding General Secretary, Leonard Hackett, left a Christmas legacy to the Association. The Almshouse Association invested the money to support his wish that every Christmas, gifts were given to almshouse residents over 90 years old. He wished his name to remain a secret until his death, many years ago now, but his legacy lives on, and it has been a great pleasure for the Association to be able to continue to honour his wishes every Christmas.

“What can I say our resident was delighted and repeatedly asked why me, I told her she was special and the where the gift had come from; I delivered on Christmas Eve , could you please pass on the sincere thanks from The Tattershall Bede House Trustees and of course our 91 year old who has been a resident for 30 years plus. ” Kathy Roberts 
Trust secretary 
Uppingham residents Sheila and Mary gifts were delivered by Rev Debbie Smith-Wilds, St John and St Anne almshouses
Mr-Brooks-Pontefract-and-Ackworth-Almshouse-Charity
Almshouses of Countess Elizabeth de la Warr – Lady de la Warr presents to giftcard to resident Alan
Norwich Housing Society

Pictured top and below, residents from Liversage Trust in Derby and Municipal Owen Carter Almshouse Charities in Dorset

Christmas vouchers are delivered to the homes of residents by Davenport Homes Chair David Corney
Residents at Philipot’s almshouses receive their gifts at their Christmas party
Sir John Jacob’s Almshouses in Gamlingay
Residents at Maldon Housing Association almshouses
Resident Dot, Cardington, Cople & Eastcotts Almshouses
Resident Maud receiving her gift voucher she has lived at the Hornchurch Housing Trust almhouses since 2006 and will be 98 this year . She loves playing bingo and socialising in the communal hall with the other residents.
Resident Jean, The Robert Thompson Almshouse Charities 
Sloswickes Almshouses – resident Mrs Antcliffe
Sloswickes Almshouses – residents Mr & Mrs Downe
Residents at Thorngate Charities received their legacy giftcards
More Thorngate residents of 90+ years young!
Paula Alderson, Homeyard Homes, Veryan

It is fair to say that when The Almshouse Association Christmas Fund began over 70 years ago there were a lot less 90-year-olds in almshouses; every year we have more and more residents in almshouses that are over 90 years old. This is a great testament to the almshouse movement and the caring dedication of trustees and staff!