75th Anniversary - Members stories | The Almshouse Association

Blue Plaque for Marlborough Almshouses

Blue Plaque commemorating life of Duchess of Marlborough

written by: Laura Bell
Published: 11:34 AM August 8, 2022

[photo: Marlborough Almshouses in Hatfield Road. – Credit: Google]

Back in February 22, we picked up the story published by the Herts Advertiser which showcased the amazing legacy left by local Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. The article also lamented the lack of public recognition for her achievements, so it was wonderful to read their next instalment published on 8th August 2022….

“A Blue Plaque celebrating the life of courtier, politician and local landowner Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, will be installed in St Albans later this month.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant David Williams is the guest of honour at a special public ceremony at 2.30pm on August 29 at Marlborough Almshouses in Hatfield Road. The project is being funded by Blue Plaques St Albans, made up of several local organisations, businesses and representatives from the St Albans area including the district council and St Albans BID, working together to help make the city a vibrant and interesting place to live, work and visit.

Chairman Tim Boatswain explained:

“This is the fourth blue plaque installed by Blue Plaques St Albans and certainly well-deserved. Sarah was an extremely clever and astute woman who rose to be one of the most influential people of her time through her close relationship with Queen Anne.

It is said that because of her knowledge of government she could be a powerful friend but a dangerous enemy. Her almshouses have been a fine legacy for St Albans and we are delighted the trustees have invited the Deputy Lord Lieutenant to officially install the Blue Plaque.“

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) circa 1700 by Sir Godfrey Kneller – Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

As a close confidante and advisor of Queen Anne (1665-1714), Sarah Churchill became the second most powerful woman in England.

Her husband John Churchill won many battles during the War of the Spanish Succession which led to the Queen awarding them the titles of Duke and Duchess of Marlborough plus the Manor of Woodstock which became the site of Blenheim Palace.

Sarah was probably born at Holywell House, St Albans in 1660 and John and Sarah maintained their strong connections with St Albans, regularly returning.

One of Sarah’s greatest legacies to St Albans was the Marlborough Almshouses, completed in 1736 for 18 men and 18 women, primarily veterans of her husband’s battles and servants, at a cost of £50,000 (the equivalent of £4 million today).

Back then, the residents of Marlborough Almshouses had to be sober and pious and with an income of less than £20 per annum. Rules for the residents included taking the sacrament three times in the year, observing a curfew of 9pm in winter and 10.30pm in summer, keeping the premises neat, with no swearing and no sub-letting, and not leaving the almshouses for a period longer than three days!

Today a voluntary Board of Trustees runs the almshouses providing unfurnished dwellings designed for the needs of older people (and rules have been relaxed somewhat!).

In 2018 Yorgos Lanthimos directed the film The Favourite in which the Duchess was played by Rachel Weiz and Olivia Coleman, who won an Oscar for her performance, was Queen Anne. “

There are many more nominees for a Blue Plaque. The cost of producing and installing a plaque is £550 and to help raise more funds St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society (SAHAAS) are holding a talk on Sarah Churchill on Tuesday August 30 at 7.45pm: Dr John Morewood, President of SAHAAS will give a 45-minute talk via Zoom. The cost will be £8 per person and all receipts will go to fund more Blue Plaques in St Albans.

You can register for the talk via SAHAAS Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/not-just-a-favourite-the-formidable-sarah-duchess-of-marlborough-tickets-394936464597

If you are interested in becoming involved or want to donate to Blue Plaques St Albans, please contact: blueplaquesstalbans@gmail.com or phone Tim Boatswain on 07873 586074.

Case Study: Adam Cottam Almshouses, Lancashire

Trustees of Adam Cottam Almshouses have been working hard on their almshouse project over the past 4 years, with the assistance of funding from The Almshouse Association. In 2022 they embarked on the next stage of their project using the most recent loan and grant provided by the Association.

Project outline

The 2015 the Quinquennial Inspection Report showed that all 3 dwellings were in dire need of complete refurbishment, so in 2016 the Adam Cottam Almshouses Trust commenced a 4 year refurbishment project to make them damp free, safe and energy efficient.

The work would entail completely stripping out the dwellings and fitting out with new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and central heating.

When one of the properties became vacant in 2017, they began the ambitious programme to refurbish all 3 dwellings. The first dwelling was completed in 2017, the second in 2018 and the third in 2020.

The project

The project started by consulting a local architect to advise on how the dwellings might be refurbished. His estimate to remodel the living space and act as Clerk of Works ran to some thousands of pounds. A meeting between two trustees and the contractor led to a design which was adopted without the need for further architect involvement thereby making a significant cost saving.

The objective was to remodel by making maximum use of the limited space available. This involved removing internal walls in all 3 properties.

All 3 dwellings needed the walls to be completely stripped and tanked with K11 solution to act as a barrier to damp. No. 30 was plastered but Nos 34 & 36 were dry lined which was less costly and, more importantly, dried out quicker!

The almshouses do not comply with modern Building Regulations so ‘escape’ windows have been provided where possible, the contractor keeping the Borough Council Building Regulations Inspector involved at all times. All windows have been replaced with new double glazed units and the ceilings have been lowered and insulated.

The bathrooms were fitted with new shower cubicles, toilets and wash hand basins. New units were installed in all kitchens as well as new cookers, cooker hoods, hob units and fridges. All new electrics have been fitted throughout and a new boiler and central heating system installed. New carpets and blinds completed the internal renovations.

Finally all 3 dwellings have been fitted with new front doors/frames to further improve energy efficiency.

Project cost and funding solution

The total cost to refurbish all three properties and temporarily re-house residents was £100,000. The charity was able to cover some of the costs by drawing down from their trust funds and investments, however the remainder was covered by a loan and a grant from The Almshouse Association and a £20K grant from Whalley Parish Council.

The final stage

The 2015 Quinquennial Report highlighted the poor condition of the stone flag roof which requires frequent repairs with many flags delaminated and broken.

In 2021 the charity were awarded an additional loan and grant from The Almshouse Association and in 2022 embarked on the project to remove the existing flags and replace with reconstituted stone flags. In their latest progress update, the charity advised that they have just appointed a painter to paint the external woodwork and elevations and hope to have it finished by early September. Only the lopping of the trees to get organised now!

Many thanks to Clifford Ball of Adam Cottam Almshouses for sending in photos and reporting on the project. Congratulations to everyone involved.

August 2022

Almshouse celebrates its bicentenary

John Baker Charity – Almshouses in Aynho – sent in by trustees Kathy White and Andrew Bellamy

“There was a special bicentennial afternoon tea held in the gardens of the almshouses in Aynho, West Northants on Wednesday 22^nd June. The trustees, residents, families, friends and previous Parish councillors celebrated the amazing generosity of John Baker more than 200 years ago who wanted to help men and women equally in Aynho – first by clothing them, then by giving them some extra pennies and then, after his death, his trustees built these amazing houses with the funds in his Trust in 1822.

To think of all the beneficiaries over those 200 years – all the residents who have lived alongside each other in these houses. Some for a short period and some for many years. There have been a lot of changes and the houses have been improved and upgraded with modern facilities as time has passed.

We tried to find some family links back to John Baker and his family through genealogical research to invite them to celebrate with us – but sadly to no avail despite a great effort from our local History Society, however, we can just remember the great Baker family, one-time glaziers in Oxford, with their personal links to Aynho, and buried in magnificent tombs on the south side of St Michael’s Church.

We raised our cups of tea in thanks for endowing our village with houses where the current, and many generations before them, have been so pleased to live – independently and in a house they can call home……and no longer expected to attend Church four times on a Sunday!

To John Baker – and the next 200 years! “

St John’s Winchester Almshouse Charity support for Ukraine

The work of the St John’s Winchester Charity was recently celebrated in the Hampshire Chronicle.

20th June 2022 by Kimberley Barber Winchester charity St John’s Winchester supports Ukraine | Hampshire Chronicle

“RESIDENTS and staff at a charity that helps older people in Winchester have shown their support for the Ukraine.
The group from St John’s Winchester said they are determined to do what they can to support Ukrainian people suffering as a result of the invasion of their country.
The charity has donated equipment such as beds, hoists, furniture, and medical equipment from its former Moorside Care Home to a Polish charity, Pomagamy Foundation, which transports equipment and supplies to support refugees and local populations in Ukraine including the Ternopil Region, East of Lviv.
So far, 17 trips with donated equipment have been made.
Clive Cook, St John’s chief executive, said: “We can only imagine the pain and suffering of those living with the consequences of the war in Ukraine. I want to thank Ukrainian colleague, Ina Matthias, and our staff and residents for inspiring us to take the small actions we can, to help victims of this terrible conflict.”
The trips have been organised by Ina, who is from Ukraine and works at St John’s and lives in Southampton.
As well as the donations, St John’s has opened staff recruitment to suitably qualified Ukrainian refugees.
Its almshouses are also available for occupation by evacuees coming to the country under the ‘Ukraine Family’ and ‘Homes for Ukraine’ Schemes – subject to age and other qualifications.
The residents of St John’s almshouses pitched in and they raised £731.79 for the Disasters Emergency Committee, Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal through donations and a fundraising coffee morning.
Residents and staff have also filled two cars with donations such as clothing and supplies, which has been delivered to the Polish Social Club, Southampton for onward transmission to Ukraine.

[photo credit: Hampshire Chronicle: Ina Matthias (fourth left), Clive Cook Almshouse Association Trustee and St John’s CEO (sixth left) and local volunteers supporting the transportation of St John’s Winchester Moorside equipment]

Posted July 2022

Small grant makes a big difference

Sometimes a small grant can make a big difference. Trustees at the Old Windsor United Charities (Penny Royal Almshouses) were worried about the rising cost of energy and the impact it would have on their almshouse residents so looked into ways to help.

With money very tight for the charity, they sought the help of The Almshouse Association and were awarded a grant of £2,835.00 to install foam loft installation in their almshouse roofs.

On completion of the work, we put the following questions to the almshouse charity clerk:

What challenges was the charity facing before the project was completed?

In light of significant increases in energy costs, we assessed all of the almshouses to see if we could make them more energy efficient; this is particularly important as the residents pay their own energy bills. Once we accessed the loft spaces of two of the houses in the Victorian block – Nos 28 & 29 – we saw that less than 50% of their loft spaces were insulated with fibreglass, we believe that this is due to access issues i.e. water tanks and pipework blocking access. We wanted to remedy before the next winter to help the householders keep their bills as low as possible. After doing some research, we discovered that spray foam was the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly; it would also be easier to install given the issues with access.

Our priority has been to replace all the old windows and those that weren’t double glazed and we were keen to have the funds to complete this before the next winter. It was looking challenging to do this and install the loft insulation as the cost of windows has increased by a staggering amount over the last two years and is still increasing due to supply chain issues and inflation.

How was this affecting the residents?

The main issue for the residents was the expectation of incredibly high energy bills. As a charity, we wanted to do everything we could to try and make the houses as energy efficient as possible – the bills will still be higher, but the new insulation should save the residents up to 45% on their heating bills.

What work was completed utilising the grant?

The installation of spray foam insulation in the loft space of two of the almshouses (No 28 & 29) in the Victorian block.

What would have happened had you not been successful in receiving a grant or loan?

We would have needed to take the money from Reserves or delay other maintenance work that we planned for this year. We have had to take large amounts out of our Reserves over the last two years to pay for a backlog of maintenance work and for two very costly refurbishments. We are hoping that we can now return some of the funds taken from the Reserves this year; to protect funds for future residents; to hopefully continue to receive distribution payments from our investments to ensure that we do not need to increase the Monthly Maintenance Charge paid by the residents too much in a time of high inflation.

What have the residents said about the changes?

The residents were incredibly happy that we were able to get their homes’ insulation improved. They are all very worried about the increased cost of living and particularly the terrifying increase in the cost of energy. We know that they will really feel the difference once the weather gets colder.

Legacy from 1868 still providing homes today

Renovation Case Study: Tibberton Almshouses

The Tibberton Almshouses were built in 1868, endowed in trust by William Philip Price MP; landowner and owner of Tibberton Court,

“to permit the same to be forever occupied by aged or infirm (elderly, disadvantaged or disabled {where possible}) persons, inhabitants of the said Parish of Tibberton (now Tibberton, Taynton, Rudford and Highleadon, Highnam and where merit exists). Subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Charity, NO person shall be ineligible or considered a less deserving object of the Charity by reason or on account of their religious opinions.”

There are four semi-detached one-bedroom properties in Bovone Lane Tibberton, on land donated by William Philip Price of Tibberton Court. The aims of the Trust have not materially changed since the premises were built in the 19th Century. The trustees are drawn from members of the local parish with a representative of Tibberton Court and Holy Trinity Church. Their time is given voluntarily in support of the residents.

During the 154 years since being built there have been at least 600 beneficiaries (residents) living in the properties and the objectives of the trustees are to provide homes to a ‘decent’ standard and to continue for as far into the future as possible the aims and objectives of our benefactor.

The renovation of No. 4 Bovone Lane began in late 2021 after receiving a generous grant of £25000 from The Almshouse Association, for which we are very grateful, and a Gloucestershire County Council ‘Build Back Better’ funding initiative of £2000, promoted by Tibberton District County Councillor Mr Philip Robinson.

The following photographs show several ‘before’ and ‘after’ examples of what has been achieved.

BEFORE: Lounge with the floor being prepared for renewal; The plaster removed from the walls in preparation for insulating and coating for the reduction of rising damp

AFTER: The finished room.Walls insulated, new electrics and (led lighting), original (154-year-old) doors, carpeted and decorated throughout. LPG Central Heating provided.

Cloak room “in preparation”. The property was a two-bedroomed house, we therefore took the decision to convert it into a one-bedroom house and move the bath room from the ground floor upstairs. This gave us the opportunity to provide a cloak room on the ground floor.

Cloak room complete (All doors were the original, which were stripped and renovated).

“Some years ago, a couple I knew moved into one of the Trust’s almshouses in Bovone Lane, Tibberton. I was curious, so I went to see where they were. I was struck by how well maintained they were and of the attractive and peaceful location. Little did I know that in latter years I would be fortunate enough to live in one of them. I was thrilled to be offered one of the cottages and I am really excited to be moving into No4. The Trust has worked so hard to renovate the property in keeping with its age and history. I consider myself lucky and I’m looking forward to many happy years there”.
Chris Keen, resident

The kitchen. The kitchen provided a challenge! When the property was first built, a back boiler was installed which was heated from the kitchen (un/fortunately was blocked off some years ago) which was dismantled. New electrics, new plaster. New floor tiles.

New hand rail. Carpeted throughout and safety devices fitted.

Bedroom stripped back ready for renovations

All plaster removed from external walls and insulated. The ceiling removed and provided with insulated plaster board as well as insulation in the roof space.

The room was converted to a one bed, with fire place removed and blocked off.

” Phew ! and here we are – a happy band of trustees/cleaners !! – ready to hand the fit-for-purpose almshouse over to our new resident !

Once again, the residents (beneficiaries) and trustees of Tibberton Almshouses wish to very gratefully thank the Association for their generous support to the Trust with the grant of £25000 to very ably assist with the latest refurbishment of another house.

This is the third in four years (with another on the way!!!) and we could not have done it without your support and help, it would be true to say, that the Trust will have had severe difficulties in getting this far. We would also thank all our friends at ‘The Lodge’ for their helpfulness and assistance.

We are very grateful for the help the Association have provided and wish to make everyone aware of it!”

“ps. At the back of the picture you can see large LPG canisters in the garden of No3. During its renovation, we provided LPG heating / hot water. On the completion of No4 we provided a large LPG tank at the back of the properties, to allow LPG to be (metered) to both properties for heating / hot water. “
Email to The Almshouse Association from Philip Bevan, Clerk/Treasurer to the trustees of Tibberton Almshouses.

The Almshouse Association Award winners announced

The Almshouse Association Awards were created to distinguish and honour the many wonderful innovations and developments taking place throughout our membership that both benefit almshouse residents and raise the profile of the almshouse movement.

The coronavirus pandemic meant we had to put the 2019 and 2020 Patron’s Award and The Award for Excellence and Inspiration on hold. We are delighted to say we can now announce the 2019 and 2020 winners of these Awards, alongside the Gardens and People Awards for 2020.

THE PATRON’S AWARD 2019/20 – Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity, Colchester, Essex

In 2015 the charity received planning permission to replace nine old bungalows with new, modern almshouses.

The new almshouses are in keeping, but not identical to, the early twentieth-century almshouses on the site and opposite. They have integrity and authenticity and similarly maintain the pre-eminence of the listed terrace. Bringing the western end of the site back into use was crucial, ensuring the charity can continue to maintain the listed buildings in its care.

Each apartment is light and airy with an open-plan kitchen and living areas. They were developed with accessibility in mind and internal detailing throughout is ideal for almshouse accommodation.

Receiving a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester

THE 2019 EXCELLENCE AND INSPIRATION AWARDS

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

Zeal’s Almshouses has achieved a successful environmentally friendly restoration and building programme on three out of their four almshouses, and the building of a fifth almshouse. Their long-term project has been completed using all the correct materials and has created comfortable and appealing homes.

Hurst Consolidated Charities, Hurst, Wokingham, Berkshire

Over the past 20 years, the Charity has invested in upgrading and refurbishing its almshouses. In 2017, they decided three apartments could be sensibly fitted in the site space available. The design was intended to complement the existing almshouses on the site and sits well in the street scene.

In addition, the garden area was planted with lawns, hedges, and flower beds, some of which are allocated to and tended by the residents.

THE 2020 EXCELLENCE AND INSPIRATION AWARDS

The Charity of Elizabeth Wadsworth, Calderdale, West Yorkshire

The project undertaken was to refurbish the Grade 2 listed railings and reopen the original Right Of Way. Part of the stone wall at the footpath entrance to the ROW had to be demolished and a gap was created for the new gate. Suitable replacements were found for the finials, and the welding and bespoke gate was conducted by a local fabricator.

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

The project entailed the development of single-story side extensions to provide separate bedrooms for two of the almshouses, following the demolition of two outbuildings. The works took approximately 12 months. Despite the delaying effects of the pandemic, No.1 was complete and occupied from January 2020, whilst No. 6 was finished and occupied from August bank holiday 2020.

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, guestroom, and courtyard garden. The building, started in November 2018 and was completed on 3rd September 2020.

Bond’s Lodge is built on the tried and tested 3 sided almshouse model. This results in a private garden area that can be seen by the majority of residents from their apartments and when walking along the corridors. It consists of 28 single bedroom and 17 double bedroom flats and has a large atrium entrance with bi-fold doors opening into the communal garden.

Hugh Sexey’s Hospital, Bruton, Somerset

The Blackford Room replaces a historic reception room that doubled up as the meeting room for trustees and a community room for residents, which was not big enough and lacked design features to support older residents.

The new room provides residents with a facility where they can meet and socialise. It’s a large, airy space which has been designed to meet the social and support needs of older people. The contemporary design uses only traditional materials and its styling ensures the historic buildings remain the dominant feature.

THE GARDENS AND PEOPLE AWARDS 2020

Jesus Hospital, Ravenscroft Lodge, The London Borough of Barnet

The project included 7 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. Also attached to each unit is a bike rack holder.

The Eleanor Hirst Trust, Wilshaw, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire

The Eleanor Hirst Trust owns six Grade II listed almshouses in blocks of two. In 2018/2019 substantial refurbishment of the almshouses were undertaken, ensuring the character of the listed buildings was retained. The setting of the almshouses is very secluded and private. The gardens and views are spectacular. Above all the work has enabled the 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 their visitors. The central courtyard garden was developed with a circular lawn area and paths linking the various doorways with numerous flowerbeds and seating areas. Two bronze sculptures take pride of place within the garden. A living wall was installed and this created a green ‘lung’. It has transformed what would have been a stark brick wall into an imposing display of plants and flowers.

Wivenhoe Housing Trust, Jonathan Feedham Court, Wivenhoe, Essex

Initiated in 2017, the aim of the project was to enhance the lives of residents at Jonathan Feedham Court, Wivenhoe.

The trustees turned an existing drab courtyard into a beautiful communal area for the residents. The courtyard is now a space for residents to relax and socialise in and promotes physical health through exercise and mental well-being by taking a greater interest in plants and gardening.

Local News item: Wivenhoe almshouse design given special award | Gazette (gazette-news.co.uk)

Huge congratulations go to all award recipients. Details of our 2022 awards will be posted on our website and in the Almshouses Gazette when finalised.

Posted 12 July 22

Members Survey Report

Towards the end of last year, The Almshouse Association invited members to complete a member survey on our services. We also asked members what they believed to be their greatest concerns and opportunities and what they would like to see from the Association moving forward.

Though reduced numbers responded compared to the 2018 and 2020 surveys, we were pleased to receive 339 responses from almshouse charities in counties all over the UK with numbers of dwellings ranging in size from 1 to over 1000.

Running an almshouse charity today is not an easy task. Our credit goes to the trustees who give up their valuable time and skills to take on the leadership of this ancient form of charity.

This survey shows us that there are many challenges our members face and although the majority are positive in their response to our service, there is more we should be doing. The results of the survey will play key part in our long term strategy and has helped us identify where resources need to be focussed.

The comments you provided are valuable and we have taken note to act on them. We will keep you informed with regards to new services or changes we make to existing services based on your recommendations.

Thank you again to everyone who took the time to complete the survey. Your opinion is important to us, helping us to shape our services and build our strategy and budget for the coming years.

2021 Members Survey – click here

posted 4 July 22

Secrets of Essex almshouses

Bestowing unique and charming, yet affordable housing to the elderly for 1,000 years, Denise Marshall takes a closer look at the historic significance of the humble almshouse.

Published in the June 22 Essex Life magazine and online on 29th June 2022, Denise explores the almshouses dotted around Essex, finds out more about the long history of almshouses and who lives in them today. The article also includes and interview with Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association.

To read the article, please click on the links below:

posted July 22

Residents of St Leonards Hospital Trust celebrate 820 years of charity!

Trustees and residents of the St Leonards Hospital Trust in Boston, Lincolnshire recently celebrated 820 years of charity!

Established in 1080 by The Knights Templar, the charity was originally set up for pilgrims returning from the Holy Land. Later in 1200, the charity dedicated itself to providing homes for “twelve poor men” under the Knights of The Order of St John of Jerusalem.

Nick Phillips CEO of The Almshouse Association was honoured to be invited up for a visit and it was a pleasure to meet and chat with the almshouses’ 21st century residents.

_{Nick Phillips CEO TAA, Rt Rev Nicholas Chamberlain-Bishop of Grantham, Councillor Anne Dorrian-The Worshipful Mayor of Boston, Mr Joe Fisher-Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, Mr Les Allitt-Chairman, Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire Mr Toby Dennis and Father John Underhill-Trustee and Rector of Skirbeck St Nicholas Church, Boston}.

_{Mayor Anne Dorrian, Les Allitt Chairman, Lord Lieutenant Toby Dennis,}
_{Margaret Ordway (Historian).}

June 22