75th Anniversary - Members stories | The Almshouse Association

A new chapter for Manuden Almshouse Trust

The Manuden Almshouse Trust in Essex has handed the keys to a new family home following the successful purchase of two brand-new properties in Manuden Village.

James, Georgia and their daughter Lily-Rae were delighted to receive the keys to their new home, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the family and the historic almshouse charity.

The purchase follows a long-term project that began in 2013, when the Trust took the difficult decision to sell its original Grade II listed almshouses at 45 to 53 The Street, Manuden. The buildings were beyond economic repair for the charity, and the funds from their sale were carefully invested until a suitable opportunity became available within the village.

That opportunity came through a new development at Narley Field Road. Under a Section 106 Agreement, the two new homes form part of the affordable housing provision for the development, allowing the Trust to continue its charitable purpose of providing homes for local people.

The remaining Trustees, Matthew Hardy and Julian Eustace, have overseen the project through to its successful conclusion before handing over the management of the Manuden Almshouse Trust to Legacy East Almshouse Partnership (LEAP).

Matthew Hardy said: “It is wonderful to see this project finally come to fruition and to be able to provide a new home for James, Georgia and Lily-Rae. After such a long journey, seeing a young family receive the keys and begin their life together here in Manuden makes it all worthwhile.”

James and Georgia, both in their early 20s, had been living with their young daughter in a single room at a friend’s home while waiting to reach the top of the housing list. With another baby due in December, the opportunity to move into their own home could not have come at a better time.

The countryside location and limited transport links meant the homes were not as popular as other affordable housing options, but for Georgia and her family, Manuden was the perfect location. Her mother lives in the neighbouring village, allowing the family to remain close to their support network.

James works as a tree surgeon and landscape gardener, while Georgia is a full-time mum. Their new home has two double bedrooms, a spacious kitchen and dining area, a large lounge, ground-floor cloakroom and bathroom. Designed for modern living, it also benefits from solar panels and an all-electric energy system.

Julian Eustace said: “The original almshouses had been part of Manuden for many years, so it was important to us that the charity could continue to provide homes within the village. We are delighted that the Trust’s assets have been reinvested in a way that secures its future and enables another generation of local people to benefit.”

Management of the Manuden Almshouse Trust has now passed to Legacy East Almshouse Partnership (LEAP), which manages 18 charities across East Anglia and provides homes for more than 80 residents aged from one to 90.

The successful completion of the project ensures that the Manuden Almshouse Trust can continue its long-standing charitable purpose while providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local people well into the future.

posted 14 September 2026

St John’s Foundation appoints Laura Alexander as new CEO

St John’s Foundation has announced the appointment of Laura Alexander as its new CEO.

Laura joined St John’s in 2023 to lead St John’s Hospital Trading Company, which includes the charity’s commercial ventures, the House of St John’s and St Catherine’s. Since then, she has taken on a broader leadership role within the charity as Director of Operations, bringing a strong combination of commercial insight and ambition to St John’s. She has transformed the charity’s trading operations, strengthened governance across its almshouse provision and spearheaded a more strategic approach to St John’s extensive property portfolio – focused on making better use of its assets to further the charity’s purpose.

Laura’s ability to turn ideas into action, challenge established ways of working and bring a commercial perspective to the charity has helped shape St John’s direction for the future. Her appointment comes at an important time for St John’s. With an ageing population and growing demand for affordable housing for older adults, the need for the charity’s work is increasing. With more than 850 years of experience adapting to the changing needs of its community, St John’s is well placed to respond – evolving its almshouse provision and wider support for older adults to meet the challenges facing Bath and North East Somerset today.

Plans include creating new almshouses in the centre of Bath, and investing in existing homes, enabling St John’s to provide safe, secure and affordable accommodation to more older people.

The Board of Trustees at St John’s Foundation said:

“Over the last three years, we have seen first-hand the enormous contribution Laura has made to both St John’s Foundation and our trading company. She has brought energy, passion and strong leadership to the organisation, but just as importantly, she understands St John’s, our people and the responsibility we have to those we support. At such an important point in the charity’s development, Laura brings a clear vision for where St John’s needs to go next while understanding and respecting what makes the organisation so special. We are delighted to appoint her to lead St John’s into its next chapter.”

Laura Alexander, CEO of St John’s Foundation, said:

“I’m so proud to be taking on the role of CEO of St John’s Foundation. When I joined three years ago, it was to oversee our trading company, and I could never have imagined then that I would one day have the privilege of leading the whole organisation.

Over those three years, I have had the opportunity to work with some truly brilliant teams and to see first-hand the very real, human impact their work has on our residents and the wider community. Anything I have achieved during my time here has been because of the people around me, and I feel incredibly lucky to now have the opportunity to lead the organisation as CEO. We’re at an important point for St John’s. With an ageing population and increasing pressure on affordable housing, the need for what we do is growing.

We have big plans, including creating more almshouses in the centre of Bath so that more older people in financial need can have a secure and affordable place to call home, but there is much more we want to achieve. St John’s has been part of Bath for more than 850 years and throughout that time it has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community.

For me, the opportunity now is to build on that incredible heritage while being forward-thinking and ambitious about the role St John’s can play in the future. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m incredibly excited about what we can achieve together.”

St John’s Foundation has supported people in Bath for more than 850 years. Today, the charity provides almshouse accommodation for older adults in financial need and runs a grants programme supporting individuals and families who have reached financial crisis across Bath and North East Somerset.

posted 10 September 2026

Update: Liversage Trust almshouses development

In April 2026, we reported on the start of a significant £3 million refurbishment project at the historic almshouses on London Road in Derby. Phase 1 of the project is now underway, and the charity has kindly provided us with the following update.

Baggy Shanker MP, Labour (Co-op) MP for Derby South, visiting the site. Pictured from left to right: Martyn Allsopp, Baggy Shanker MP, Andy Mellors and Shaun Kerlow, Contracts Manager for Allsopp Construction Ltd.

Phase 1 begins to take shape

Work continues at The Liversage Trust almshouses on London Road, Derby, where Phase 1 of the refurbishment of the Grade II listed buildings is beginning to take shape.

The past few weeks have highlighted one of the biggest challenges of working with a building of this age and significance: balancing conservation and preservation with the practical requirements of creating modern, comfortable homes for future residents.

Progress is not always straightforward. Decisions about historic fabric need to be carefully considered and agreed, and there are occasions when work cannot continue as originally programmed while conservation queries are resolved.

However, despite those challenges, it feels as though Phase 1 has turned a corner. The new layouts are beginning to emerge, structural work is progressing and the first home in Block C is now ready to move towards second fix.

Block C: first home reaches second fix stage

One of the most significant milestones is in Block C, where the first home has now been plastered following completion of the first fix. Pipework, electrical cabling and ventilation ducting are all in place, making this the first home on the project ready to progress to second fix.

Externally, the chimney works have also moved forward. One chimney stack has been rebuilt to match the profile and measurements of the original, while the other two stacks have been repaired.

Brickwork repairs are underway across the block. Around 200 bricks have been identified as crumbling or beyond repair these will be removed and replaced one by one using reclaimed bricks, while those that can be retained will be repaired.

Major structural progress in Block A

There has also been significant progress in Block A, which forms part of the original almshouses facing London Road.

All structural steels are in, floors have been opened up where required for the new staircases.

Three staircases that needed to be removed have now gone, with the floors above put in. New staircases will be installed as part of the revised layouts, while some of the original staircases will remain within the building, boxed in rather than removed, preserving more of the historic fabric.

Work is also continuing to prepare the external walls for their thermal upgrade. The old render is being removed from the internal external walls preparing for damp-proofing works.

The approach to the original door frames demonstrates the level of conservation involved throughout the project. The frames cannot simply be replaced where deterioration is found. Instead, rotten sections are carefully cut out and replicated to the exact original profile before the new section is fitted back into the existing frame, retaining as much original material as possible.

Work moves into Block B

Strip-out is continuing in Block B and scaffolding has now been erected to allow roof investigations to begin. Structural steelwork is underway and openings have been formed between the homes that are being combined as part of the new layouts.

Under the original programme, work would not yet have progressed this far into Block B. However, delays elsewhere while conservation matters are resolved have meant the team has moved onto areas where work can continue rather than allowing progress on site to stall.

Despite the challenges, there is a real sense that the project has turned a corner. The new layouts are taking shape, the first home is ready for second fix and, for the first time, we can get a real sense of what the completed homes will be like.

There is still a long way to go, but Phase 1 is now moving along nicely.

Last home vacated
A small but significant milestone: The last of the former resident’s belongings were removed from the almshouses, marking the end of a chapter in the buildings’ history. The resident had already moved to Liversage Court Care Home, and today her family completed the clearance of the home where she had spent many happy years.

These photographs were taken midway through clearing the house.

It felt like a poignant moment in the charity’s history.

posted 10 September 2026

Celebrating centuries of service at Hedger’s

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.

Top photo: Willie Hartley Russell, Edward Martineau, Susan Martineau and Angela Sharpe

posted 10 September 2026

A garden party celebration of heritage, community and home

There was plenty to celebrate at the Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses in Watford on Friday 21 August, as residents, families and guests gathered for a delightful ‘Music on a Summer Evening’ Garden Party.

The event was made even more memorable by the 103rd birthday of the almshouses’ oldest resident, Mrs Kay (Catherine) Simmonds, who has called the almshouses home since 2007. Kay was presented with flowers by Watford legend Luther Blissett OBE, donated by Lilac and Willow of Battler’s Farm, while the Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, presented her with flowers on behalf of the Council.

The newly refurbished gardens provided the perfect setting for the afternoon, which brought together residents, families, local voluntary organisations and members of the business community.

Among the special guests were Luther Blissett OBE, Mayor Peter Taylor, Deputy Mayor Aga Dychton and Councillor Laurence Brass, former Leader of Hertfordshire County Council.

Luther Blissit OBE, Councillor Laurence Brass and Deputy Mayor Aga Dytchton

The celebration also highlighted the almshouses’ commitment to supporting the wider community. Two young care leavers, both heading to university in the autumn, received awards from the Dame Mary Morrison Apprenticeship Trust to support them as they take the next steps in their careers.

Young people from Watford Girls School also joined the celebrations. They, together with other sixth-form students, will take part in a special history project to record residents’ memories and conversations, helping to preserve the personal stories and social history of these remarkable almshouses for future generations.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon tea provided by local company Dallings of Kings Langley, while the beautiful gardens, maintained by Sunnyside Rural Trust, provided a wonderful backdrop.

Entertainment came from Lilly Belle, whose performance of songs from the 1940s was particularly enjoyed by the residents.

Built in 1580 and continuously occupied ever since, the Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses are an important part of Watford’s heritage. Today, they provide a home and a sense of community for 18 residents, while the trustees continue to care for these historic buildings and ensure their remarkable story lives on.

It was a joyful afternoon bringing together heritage, community and generations – with a very special 103rd birthday to celebrate along the way.

Photos and story kindly sent in by Felicity Evens MBE, Chair of Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouse Charity

posted 7 September 2026

Time capsule from 1959 found in Derby almshouses

Hidden message from 1959 discovered during Derby Almshouse Refurbishment

A handwritten message hidden behind a staircase almost 67 years ago has been discovered during the refurbishment of The Liversage Trust’s historic almshouses on London Road, Derby.

The note, left alongside an empty bottle of Black & White Scotch whisky, was uncovered by contractors working on the Trust’s £3.4 million refurbishment project. It had been concealed behind the staircase of No. 87A since 12 October 1959.

The discovery was made by a joiner working alongside Site Manager Steve Wooddisse as they removed the staircase to create space for a new downstairs toilet, helping to adapt the Grade II listed almshouse for modern living while preserving its historic character.

Written on the back of a Ciro nylon hair net packet, the note offers a remarkable snapshot of life in Derby on the day it was hidden.

It reads:

“The Best of Luck Mate. I hope you are not at war – it’s a terrifying thing war. This was bricked up Oct 12th 1959. Just after the general election when the Conservatives got in by a 101 majority. It is raining in Derby now for the first time since about April after a first class summer. Derby 1 Portsmouth 0. Not doing so well this season Derby.”

Signed W H Broad, 83 Swarkestone Drive, Littleover.

The note captures far more than a date. It records the writer’s thoughts about the prospect of war, references the recent General Election, comments on the weather after an unusually dry summer and records Derby County’s 1-0 victory over Portsmouth just days earlier, while also noting that the team was “not doing so well this season.”

Alongside the note was an empty bottle of Black & White Special Blend Scotch Whisky. Although the whisky had long since gone, the bottle itself has been identified as an authentic example dating from between 1953 and 1962. Had it remained full and unopened, similar bottles can be worth as much as £300 at auction today.

For Andy Mellors of The Liversage Trust, it is the handwritten note that gives the discovery its real significance.

Andy said: “Finding the bottle was interesting, but it was the note that really stopped us in our tracks. Someone took the time to leave a message for whoever might one day uncover it, never knowing if it would be found. The note captures an ordinary day in Derby’s history, yet today it feels incredibly special. It gives us a small but very personal connection with someone who worked on these buildings decades ago.”

The Liversage Trust’s refurbishment is transforming the historic almshouses into 17 modernised homes, carefully preserving the buildings’ heritage while ensuring they continue to provide high-quality accommodation for future residents.

The Trust is now hoping the discovery may help uncover more about the author of the note.

Anyone who recognises the name W H Braid, or remembers someone living at 3 Swarkestone Drive, Littleover, is invited to get in touch with The Liversage Trust.

After almost seven decades hidden beneath the staircase, one small note has become an unexpected link between the people who cared for the almshouses in 1959 and those preserving them today.

Roof Replacement Project

CASE STUDY: Rubgy’s St John’s Street almshouses roof replacement

Every almshouse charity faces moments when essential investment cannot be delayed. Whether responding to ageing buildings, unexpected structural problems or financial setbacks, securing the right support can be the difference between simply managing and safeguarding homes for generations to come.

As part of its commitment to members, The Almshouse Association provides grants and interest-free loans to help charities carry out vital repairs, improvements and development projects that might otherwise be beyond their reach.

This case study tells the story of the Butlin and Elborow Housing Trust in Rugby, whose trustees overcame significant financial challenges, unforeseen construction issues and the lasting impact of fraud to complete a major roof replacement programme. With careful financial management, determination and the support of an interest-free loan from The Almshouse Association, they have secured the future of six historic almshouses, ensuring their residents can continue to enjoy safe, comfortable homes for many years to come.

Background

The Butlin and Elborow Housing Trust (the Trust) manage two groups of almshouses in Rugby.

The first consists of six almshouses in Stephen Street. Originally built in 1860, they were replaced with the current properties in 1905. Each home provides single-storey accommodation with a lounge/kitchen, wet room and bedroom.

The second group comprises six almshouses in St John’s Street, built in 1885. These homes have a lounge, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor, with a bedroom upstairs.

Historically, one group of almshouses was managed by St Andrew’s Church and the other by St Matthew’s Church. The two churches decided to link the two almshouses together to form the Butlin and Elborow Housing Trust.

The need for the project

For many years, the roof at the St John’s Street almshouses had received only limited maintenance. As a result, coping tiles had become loose, several roof tiles had slipped or cracked, and the roof had deteriorated to the point where a full replacement was necessary.

The Trust faced an additional challenge. A former trustee had dishonestly misappropriated the Trust’s financial reserves over a period of years, leaving the Trust in a difficult financial position. Although we had already taken out loans to stabilise our finances, replacing the roof represented a significant additional expense.

In 2024, the trustees began seeking quotations for the work and appointed Hall & Co., a reputable Rugby-based contractor. At the same time, we sought grant funding to help finance the project. Despite approaching a number of funders over several months, the only grant secured was £3,000 from the Baron Davenport Trust.

Carrying out the works

Because of existing commitments, Hall & Co. were unable to begin work until November 2025, despite an original planned start date of September.

Once work commenced, a number of unforeseen issues emerged.

The first concerned the tall brick chimneys. Although no longer in use since the installation of modern central heating, they were found to be leaning and structurally unsafe. As they were not protected by any preservation order, the trustees decided to take them down as this was the safest and most cost-effective option rather than rebuilding them.

Further inspection revealed that several structural timbers within the roof had rotted and required replacement.

Another challenge arose when matching replacement roof tiles proved impossible. New tiles had to be sourced at greater cost than anticipated. To preserve the appearance of the building and control costs wherever possible, the builders carefully salvaged many of the original tiles. New tiles were used on the front elevation facing the road, while reclaimed tiles were reused on the rear. The finished result blends well with the character of the building.

The project was also delayed by exceptionally poor weather throughout November and December, which slowed progress considerably. Throughout this period, the residents were extremely patient despite having scaffolding around their homes for several weeks.

An unexpected requirement

During the project, the local authority’s building surveyor identified that there were no firebreaks between the roof spaces of the individual dwellings.

This work had to be carried out before the project could be completed, adding an unforeseen but essential element to the contract and increasing the overall cost.

Funding the project

The total cost of the project was approximately £81,000. Our original loan application to The Almshouse Association was for £70,000 over ten years. However, by carefully managing our finances and contributing significantly from our own reserves, we ultimately only needed to borrow £40,000 which we will repay over seven years.

We are particularly proud that the Trust was able to fund almost half of the overall project cost itself, especially given the financial difficulties we had faced following the fraudulent loss of our reserves.

Without the support of The Almshouse Association, this essential project would simply not have been possible, and the condition of the roof would have continued to deteriorate.

Resident response

When the scaffolding was finally removed, the residents were delighted with the finished result. Several expressed their appreciation, with one resident commenting:

“It’s wonderful to come out of my front door without having to look up and wonder whether a roof tile might fall on my head.”

Their comments reinforced the importance of investing in safe, secure and well-maintained homes.

Acknowledgements

The trustees would like to express their thanks to The Almshouse Association for its financial support and encouragement throughout this project. Their assistance enabled us to complete essential works that will protect these historic almshouses and provide safe homes for our residents for many years to come.

Case Study by Roger Evans – Chair of Trustees

The Almshouse Association was delighted to support this project through its grants and loans programme, helping to ensure that another historic almshouse can continue its long tradition of providing homes and communities for those who need them most.

We would like to thank all the people and organisations who so kindly donate to The Almshouse Association and leave gifts in their Wills. Without their generosity, we would not be in a position to help support almshouse charities with their renovations and new builds.

The Almshouse Association awards loans and grants to our member charities every year. In 2025, £1,198,500 was approved in new loans and grants totalled £50,000. Charities pay no interest on the loans, just a small administration fee. As they make repayments on the loans over a ten-year period, the Association can continue to offer loans to charities year after year, meaning that your donations continue to support almshouses and their residents in perpetuity.

If you are interested in making a donation to The Almshouse Association or leaving a gift in your Will, please do visit our Support Us pages here.

posted 9 July 2026osted August 2026

Chairman joins Vista celebrations

Vista Court almshouses celebrate 25th anniversary

Sunshine and a strawberry tea helped residents and guests celebrate a special anniversary for an historic housing development in Westbury.

The almshouses at Vista Court were built 25 years ago by the Laverton Housing Trust. The trust, which manages 15 homes in Westbury set up with funds from the sale of almshouses in Prospect Square, built by the mill-owning Laverton family in 1886.

Resident Kathryn had a special reason to enjoy the birthday celebrations at Vista Court – she was the very first person to move into one of the seven bungalows 25 years ago...

…and 87 year old Kathryn even has her own Laverton connection – as a young woman she used to work at one of the town mills.

Trustees and residents were joined in their celebration tea by guests including Westbury mayor Carole King and The Almshouse Association chairman Willie Hartley Russell.

Vista Court, so called as it was built on the site of the old cinema in Warminster Road, was the second housing project by the Trust which also built and manages Laverton Court off All Saints churchyard.

Association Chairman Willie Hartley Russell with Kathryn

The idea behind the trust is the provision of safe affordable housing for local people in need. When it was first set up, applicants for the almshouses had to have a link to the Laverton mills – an echo of its historic connections.

Find out more about the work of the trust and about the almshouses at www.lavertonhousingtrust.org.uk

posted 30 July 2026

16 new almshouses in central Cambridge

The Foundation of Edward Storey breaks ground on 16 new homes for people in housing need in Cambridge

For some, almshouses are still seen as a relic of a bygone era. In reality, today’s almshouse movement is thriving; combining centuries of charitable heritage with innovative, high-quality housing that meets the needs of modern communities. Across the country, new developments are challenging outdated perceptions and demonstrating that almshouses remain a vital and forward-thinking solution to housing need.

And we are pleased to report that another almshouse construction has just officially begun – this time, its 16 new one-bedroom almshouse apartments in Cambridge city centre. They mark a significant milestone for the Foundation of Edward Storey and it is also important to note that they were able to successfully argue for the removal of Section 106 contributions on this project.

Cocksedge Building Contractors have been appointed to deliver the scheme and are now on site, following a rigorous tender process led by Mole Architects in collaboration with Sherriff Tiplady cost consultants.

Designed for people aged 60 and over who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market, the new homes will provide high-quality, affordable accommodation that supports independent living. The apartments have been carefully designed to be bright, spacious and energy-efficient, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community.

Features include triple-glazed windows, air source heat pumps, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, helping to reduce energy use and keep running costs low. Residents will also benefit from a 24-hour warden call service and access to the facilities at the adjacent Storey’s House sheltered housing scheme.

In keeping with almshouse tradition, the development is arranged around a central courtyard to foster a sense of community. Research from Bayes Business School (2023) suggests that almshouse residents can live longer than peers of a similar socioeconomic background, with reduced social isolation and stronger community connections seen as key contributing factors.

Antony Warren, Chairman of the Foundation, said:

“With an ageing population and a chronic shortage of affordable housing in Cambridge, this development responds to a growing and urgent need. These new homes will help us continue the Foundation’s mission, supporting people to live in comfort and security, and making a meaningful difference to their lives.”

Planned development. Credit: Mole Architects Ltd

Ian Bramwell, director of Mole Architects said:

“This project builds on a tradition of almshouses, but reworks it for how people want to live today. The generous homes are arranged around a shared, planted courtyard that brings people together in a natural, everyday way, supporting independence while making it easier to feel part of a community.

The design takes cues from the surrounding red brick villas to create buildings that feel settled and familiar, using simple, durable materials that will age well. Each home is dual aspect, with views both into the courtyard and out towards the city, giving residents a strong connection to both community and place.”

Justin Buckingham, Construction Director of Cocksedge, said:

“We are delighted to have been selected to construct the new almshouse development which will be a wonderful addition to the accommodation provided by the Edward Storey Foundation. Whilst the site holds some logistical challenges, we will work closely with the local community to avoid disruption. As a regional main contractor, we are well placed to ensure that our supply chain includes local companies and encourage apprentice training, so the project feeds directly into the Cambridge economy. We look forward to working with Mole Architects to bring the thoughtfully designed scheme to life over the coming months”

The development is expected to be completed in spring 2028.

photo credit: Mole Architects Ltd

posted 23 July 2026

Wivenhoe Housing Trust breaks ground on six new almshouses

Construction has officially begun on six new almshouses in Wivenhoe, marking the first new almshouse development in the town for more than 50 years.

The new homes, to be known as Raven Court, are being developed by Wivenhoe Housing Trust on land behind Cross Farm, close to the fire station, Vine Parade shops and local bus services. Designed for local people aged over 60 who are in housing need, the development will provide secure, affordable homes that enable residents to remain part of the community they know and love.

The milestone follows more than 15 years of planning and determination by the trustees of Wivenhoe Housing Trust.

Peter Hill, Chairman of Wivenhoe Housing Trust, said:

“This is really exciting. We have been working towards this day for at least 15 years, when the trustees agreed that we wanted to create more almshouses in Wivenhoe and set about achieving that ambition. It will be a wonderful day next year when we finally welcome residents into their new homes.”

The land for the development was donated by Cala Homes as part of the planning agreement for its nearby Wivenhoe Gardens development. The provision of land for new almshouses formed part of the Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan, which was approved by local residents in 2019. Peter Hill and Vice-Chairman Bob Needham played leading roles in developing the plan.

Wivenhoe Housing Trust is a registered charity run by nine local trustees. In addition to the new development, it manages 13 existing almshouses at Jonathan Feedham Court and the historic Mary Ann Sanford Almshouses on Rebow Road, which were built in 1873.

The new homes at Raven Court will build on this long tradition of providing affordable, community-focused housing in Wivenhoe, ensuring that older people with local connections continue to have access to safe, secure and independent homes for generations to come.