75th Anniversary - Members stories | The Almshouse Association

A 550th Anniversary Celebration!

HRH The Duke of Gloucester visits The Hospital of St John, Heytesbury.

31^st May 2022 – There was much anticipation on the day of The Royal visit to The Hospital of St John in Heytesbury.

The sun shone brightly and the gardens looked wonderful. Preparations had been underway for 6 months, including the creation of a commemorative anniversary plaque which is displayed on a newly built circular bench that surrounds an ancient lime tree in the back garden where residents can meet and relax over a cup of tea.

A special chapel service started the celebrations before The Royal arrival and the chapel was filled with the beautiful aroma of fresh-cut lilies.

On his arrival, HRH The Duke of Gloucester was saluted by two Lord-Lieutenant Cadets at the main gateway entrance of The Hospital of St John and then welcomed by an array of local dignitaries, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton.

They included The Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Chris Robbins and Deputy Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Phil Keeble, The Chairman of Heytesbury, Imber and Knook Parish Council, Mrs Vanessa Sturmey, The Chief Constable, Mr Keir Pritchard, Mr Nick Phillips, Chief Executive, The Almshouse Association and Mr Tim Etchells, Chairman of Trustees, The Hospital of St John and Paul Budd, OBE, Administrator, The Hospital of St John. Lord Heytesbury, Patron of the Hospital of St John, Canon Chancellor, Ed Probert and Revd Robin Hungerford, Trustee were also in attendance.

Residents enjoyed meeting HRH The Duke of Gloucester during a private tea party where conversations were joyful and lots of reminiscing took place. Twins Muriel and Maureen took centre stage along with Elizabeth, the oldest resident and Rodney.

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association said,

“We were delighted our Royal Vice Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester was part of this very special occasion. We are always pleased to support our Members to include our Royal Patron’s in their celebrations, where possible. The day was uplifting and was a boost for the almshouse movement.”

Special thanks to Paul Budd OBE, Mike and Helen, and The Lord Lieutenant’s Office for helping to organise such a wonderful event.

posted 7 June 22

Regional meeting in Cumbria

The Cumbrian almshouse trustees gathered in beautiful Kendal for the Cumbria Almshouse Regional Meeting on 6 June 22.

Almshouse Association CEO, Nick Phillips, was invited to provide an overview on the almshouse movement, threats and opportunities together with an update on The Almshouse Association 10 year strategy.

Other speakers gave details of their own challenges and Colin Tomlinson and Peter Ducksbury of Kendal Almshouse Charity gave a very inspiring talk about their history and the way the charity had overcome challenges thrown by nature in the storms and floods of 2021.

“It is always a privilege to spend time with our members gaining a better understanding of national and regional issues. The environment and the economy are clearly forcing many almshouse charities to review their medium term strategy along with the ever present challenges of resident frailty and building costs.”
Nick Phillips CEO The Almshouse Associaton

Congratulations to Colin and Peter for arranging such an engaging event.

posted 7 June 21

Partnership ensures completion of Calderdale almshouse refurb

Sir Francis Crossley Almshouse Charity made a splash in the local news recently with the completion of their two-year project, supported by a loan from The Almshouse Association, to refurbish the historic almshouses in Calderdale.

By John Greenwood – Local Democracy Reporter; Thursday, 28th April 2022, 12:23 pm

Refurbishment of historic homes offering support to vulnerable people in challenging times has been completed by a partnership. All 21 homes at the Grade II listed Sir Francis Crossley Almshouses, which are at Margaret Street, Halifax, are now fully occupied after two years’ of work and retain their character while incorporating thermal efficiency improvements.

The internal refurbishment task was a joint effort undertaken by the almshouse trustees, The Almshouse Association who loaned £60,000, Calderdale Council through financial and other support, the managing agents, Walker Singleton; and local contractors.

The last home to be occupied was the former warden’s house which has just been completed.

Additional external improvements and repairs are also at the planning stage for the future, say the trustees. To date the concentration has been on bringing the interiors up to modern standards to ensure all dwellings offer comfortable accommodation with Walker Singleton advising the trustees to ensure that a safe and pleasant living environment conforms to current legislation and that best practice property management has been adopted.

Trustees chair Jonathan Dixon said the refurbished homes would offer support in life to people who needed it in challenging times.

“Sir Francis Crossley financed the construction of the impressive Almshouses 167 years ago to provide housing for’people in need in the local community’, and the demand for such housing remains as great as ever,” he said.

Kate McNicholas, Calderdale Council’s Assistant Director of Economy, Housing and Investment, said the “spectacular” almshouses are part of Calderdale’s heritage and provide much-needed, affordable homes to local people.

“It’s great to see their careful restoration reach completion. This has been a real partnership project and we were delighted to provide a loan and support from our housing team. Bringing unused properties back into use and breathing new life into historic buildings is important in our regeneration work across Calderdale.
The almshouse project supports our council priorities of strong and resilient towns, reducing inequalities and tackling the climate emergency through the homes’ new, energy-efficient features,” she said.

Almshouse Association Chief Executive Nick Phillips (Chief Executive) said creating affordable homes with environmental efficiency at a time when they were needed was commendable.

“In the light of recent research showing that the Almshouse model adds to not only the mental and physical wellbeing of residents but contributes millions of pounds to the community it is inspiring to see how charity trustees are today driving the Almshouse model forward,” he said.

Sir Francis Crossley, 1st Baronet, of Halifax, was born in Halifax in 1817, and known to his contemporaries as Frank Crossley, he was a British carpet manufacturer and philanthropist. His first major gift to Halifax was the construction of 21 almshouses in 1855, with an endowment which gave six shillings a week to each person.

More pics (sent into The Almshouse Association)

[pictured above: The main entrance to the Grade II listed Sir Francis Crossley Almshouses, Halifax]

Posted 4 May 22

Progress report from Buchanan Trust

The Almshouse Association was excited to receive the latest update from The Buchanan Trust on their latest almshouses project:

Dear valued friend of The Buchanan Trust

It has been some time since we last updated you on the exciting developments across the Bosbury Estate, of which there have been many. Of note, the four, new almshouse cottages that were built last year will next month be celebrating their 1 year anniversary. Of which all four have been inhabited by veteran beneficiaries, gleaning the benefits of what the Trust has to offer.

Our most recent project is the renovation of our old dairy and stables that will provide further almshouse veteran cottages in summer of this year.

This project would not have been possible without the support from various funders, namely: The Almshouse Association, Homes England, Saffer Cooper Consultancy, The Eveson Charitable Trust, Herefordshire Cathedral, Sandy & Zorica Glen Charitable Trust, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Veterans Raffle.

For interest, we have attached some progress photos and further literature.

Our plans do not stop there and subject to funding, we look forward in collaborating further with you all to build upon the support we can collectively provide our Armed Forces Community.

If you wish to learn more about future Buchanan Trust projects, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Trust at https://www.buchanan-trust.org.uk/

posted 4 May 22

Ten acres of tree-planting at Manorial Wood in Sutton Coldfield

Trustees from Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust have started the next phase of their progressive plans, to replant English deciduous broadleaved trees at Manorial Woods.

Keith Dudley, Tina Swani and Jane Mosson joined the planting of more than 4,000 trees at the site, assisted by children from Little Sutton Primary School, following the recently harvested Corsican Pine.

The entire site is due to be restocked with 4,500 trees of both UK-grown hardwoods and an intimate mix of conifers to aid the establishment of the crop. The next phase of planting will take place in May, ahead of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, where a central feature Yew Tree will be planted.

The Trust will enlist the help of local schools again later in the year to help with a further phase of planting in the autumn. This aims to engage the local community in a project that will benefit Sutton Coldfield for generations to come.

Tina Swani, Chief Executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “It’s hugely rewarding to see our long-held plans come to fruition at Manorial Wood, which will support a greater mix of woodland plants and wildlife. The previous Corsican Pine trees were in dire need of harvesting and replanting, due to the stock reaching its potential, lack of undergrowth and ongoing fire risk.”

“We are delighted that Little Sutton Primary School is involved, the woods are big part of the environment of Sutton and what a way to get the next generation involved in helping to improve the future of the town.”

Rachel Davis, headteacher at Little Sutton Primary School, said: “We are very excited about being part of a project to plant 4,500 trees that will create a broad-leaved, biodiverse woodland to benefit generations to come.

“At Little Sutton we feel it is really important to prepare our pupils to be good citizens, so we work hard to instil positive values and opportunities for them to make an impact in our community. Our pupils are passionate about playing their part in making the world a better place, and this fantastic project will enable them to do this by looking after the local environment.”

An environmentally sustainable approach is being taken at Manorial Wood that includes biodegradable tree protectors being used, instead of plastic, to prevent damage from small animals as the trees become established. To find out more information about Manorial Woods or Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, please visit: https://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/news/manorial-woods/17.htm

posted 4 May 22

Exeter Homes Trust marks Platinum Jubilee

On a chilly, but beautiful sunny day in March 2022, the Exeter Homes Trust celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by taking part in The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative and unveiling a commemorative plaque at Hurst Trumps Almshouses.

Exeter Homes Trust, formerly known as The Exeter Municipal Charity, was founded over 900 years ago. Providing housing for people, who are unable to remain in their own homes by reason of reduced circumstances, the charity owns and manages 143 almshouses in the city, at 8 estates. A board of 10 directors governs Exeter Homes Trust.

The Exeter-based charity paid homage to the monarch’s historic milestone by planting a tree at Hurst Trumps Almshouses, located on Fairpark Road in Exeter. The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 by inviting people and organisations from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.

Exeter Homes Trust also erected an inscribed plaque, adjacent to the tree at Hurst Trumps Almshouses, to immortalise the momentous event, which marks The Queen’s 70 years of service on the throne.

Devon Deputy Lieutenant Deborah Hallett and the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Trish Oliver joined Exeter Homes Trust residents, including Chairman of the Charity’s Board, Roger Panter, to unveil the commemorative plaque and the tree.

Roger Panter, Chairman of the Charity’s Board, said:

“Exeter Homes Trust is proud to celebrate Her Majesty’s remarkable Platinum Jubilee by participating in The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative and we are delighted to unveil our plaque and tree in her honour.
The Queen has demonstrated exceptional service to this country over the last 70 years and we hope the tree will live on in her legacy for the next 70 years and beyond, to remind generations to come of her incredible achievement and dedication to the throne.
We are committed to providing sustainable and comfortable accommodation for our residents of the very best contemporary standard and it’s great to see some of the city’s most historic buildings being given a new lease of life to become essential homes for people in need.”

Exeter-Homes-Trust-Tree-Unveiling-HurstTrumps-GRW-Photography

During the pandemic, Exeter Homes Trust also celebrated the completion of remodelling work at one of their developments, Atwill Palmer Almshouses, in Exeter’s New North Road. The site underwent a programme of sympathetic refurbishment work, part funded by a Homes England grant, to provide the Charity’s 150 residents with updated and energy efficient apartments, more suited to modern day living requirements.

For more information about Exeter Homes Trust, please visit: www.exeterhomestrust.com

Posted 5 April 22

More veteran almshouses take shape

Skies the limit, onwards and upwards!

The Buchanan Trust have been incredibly busy over the last few years. Having completed four new almshouses for army veterans last year, they are now full steam ahead with the building of two more.

They sent us a fantastic time lapse video of the installation of their new roof and floor trusses, writing,

“A cracking day onsite for The Buchanan Trust – Supporting Veterans, allowing the CJ Bayliss Ltd team install the new roof and floor trusses for two Almshouse Veteran cottages.

The renovation of the old dairy and stables will provide a further two new almshouse Veteran cottages later this year. This project comprises of one x 1 bedroom being fully DDA compliant; and one x 2 bedroom property that will be available for this Nation’s veterans and their families.

Specific thanks to The Buchanan Trust’s main funders: The Almshouse Association, Homes England, Saffer Cooper Consultancy , Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – Community Led Homes, The Eveson Charitable Trust, Sandy & Zorica Glen Charitable Trust and Veterans Raffle.“
Karl Gilmore | Trustee at The Buchanan Trust

posted 24 Mar 22

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

On 6th February this year Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

To celebrate this unprecedented anniversary, events and initiatives are taking place throughout the year, culminating in a four day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. The long bank holiday will provide a wonderful opportunity for communities and people throughout the UK to come together to celebrate the historic milestone with public events and community activities, as well as national moments of reflection on The Queen’s 70 years of service.

In addition, initiatives including The Queen’s Green Canopy will create a lasting reminder of The Queen’s Jubilee, while The Queen’s private estates will also join in with special Jubilee themed events offering more opportunities for members of the public to celebrate this historic moment in history.

Are you planning your own celebrations?

If so, The Royal Family website – www.royal.uk/platinum-jubilee-central-weekend is full of ideas on how to get involved. Like other almshouse charities, you may have already planted a tree as part of the Queens Green Canopy, or are busy organising your own almshouse party to take place on the weekend of the Big Jubilee lunch, like Dunk’s almshouses in Hawkhurst. The Trustees have decided to hold a lunch-time BBQ for the residents over the long bank holiday weekend. Clerk, Lisa Panting will be on hand with her camera to take lots of photos of the event to share with us and one of the resident’s daughters is already busy making bunting for the garden!

Whatever your plans, we would love to hear about them! Please send in your story and photos to karenmorris@almshouses.org

_{Trustees Keith Sugden, Simon Talbott and Michael Pooles of Great Shelford Parochial Charities planting an oak sapling on More’s Meadow}

_{Barnstaple Almshouse Charity plant a tree at the opening ceremony of their new gardens at Penrose Almshouses}

_{On 7th December 2021, battling high winds, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Sarah Furness, accompanied by the Chairman of St John and St Anne Almshouse Charity, David Patterson, planted a Winter Cherry in the grounds of St Anne’s Close}

Click here to read all about the Barnstaple Almshouses tree planting
More Jubilee stories coming soon !

(event photos and logo images courtesy of www.royal.uk and queensgreencanopy.org)

Posted 7 March 21

Hillier Almshouses celebrate 50 years!

Hillier Almshouse have just celebrated being in their current building for 50 years!

Val Richards, Manager/Clerk to the Trustees at the almshouses sent us in some fabulous photos of the cake and special guests as well as ashort history of the charity. She writes,

“We had a fantastic party on Saturday and our guests included Lord Onslow (our patron), Lady Onslow and Lady Onslow (dowager). We also enjoyed the company of the major and her escort. “

Maureen Hibberd (Chair of trustees), Lady Onslow (Dowager), Lady Onslow, Lord Onslow, Nigel Manning (Mayor escort) and Marsha Moseley (Mayor)

A Short History of Hillier Almshouses, Farnham Road

Hillier’s Charity began on November 6th 1798 when Elizabeth Hillier gave £2500 to trustees; but she died before the purpose of her gift had been legally declared. In her will she stated her intention of buying a piece of ground and building and endowing an almshouse for seven women.

Her brother Nathaniel, an executor of her will, decided that Elizabeth had intended the trusts to be used for this purpose and Hilliers Charity was created on 25th November 1800. The first almshouses, for eight women, were built in Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London.

In 1878 twelve new cottages were built in Farnham Road, Guildford, within the parish of St Nicholas, on a piece of land donated by William Hillier, Nathaniel`s heir. In 1971 the cottages were replaced with a new building containing studios for 36 residents and a warden. Some of the structure from the original, ornate, arts and crafts building has been preserved and can be seen in the bus stop on the Farnham Road also in the summerhouse which stands in the garden of Hillier House.

In 2005 the Charity undertook major building work and converted eight of its studio flats into four spacious one bed roomed flats. In 2010 a further four studios where converted to one bed roomed flats. Finally, in 2014 the last four upstairs studios were converted to one-bedroom flats completing the program to convert all the upstairs studios into flats.

Trustee body
The Charity is run in accordance with the schemes prepared by the Charity Commission. The Charity is administered by voluntary trustees nominated by local churches, including St Nicholas and Guildford Borough Council. Day-to-day administration is carried out by the warden and the clerk.
Almshouses
Almshouses are unfurnished dwellings, usually specially designed with the needs of older people in mind. The aim is to provide convenient and comfortable accommodation in a setting which allows residents to come and go as they please. Almshouses provide security and residents are encouraged to make friends and share a wider social life through use of the communal lounge and other facilities. Most almshouses have a resident warden and an emergency call system in each unit. In an emergency, such as sudden illness or after a fall, a resident can get help quickly.

posted 3 March 22

Barnstaple marks Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Devon Live reports on the celebrations held by the Barnstaple Almshouses in Autumn 21.

“On a day of celebrations as a new garden was officially unveiled at Barnstaple Penrose Almshouse, Barnstaple planted the first tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebration.

The tree was planted by Lord Teverson in the gardens of Penrose Almshouses. As possibly the most prestigious Grade I listed building in Barnstaple it is fitting that it is home to the first tree to celebrate the Queens Jubilee.

Trustees and residents of Penrose Almshouse were proud to accept this invitation and start the planting in Devon. Planting the tree, Lord Teverson, ambassador for The Almshouse Association said,

“It is an honour to plant this tree to celebrate our Queens Jubilee on behalf of this wonderful almshouse charity.”

The Queens Green Canopy focusses on planting sustainability and encourages planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, to benefit future generations. The project also dedicates a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identifies 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The Penrose Crab Apple Tree is pinned on the Queens Green Canopy interactive map, which shows all the trees planted across the UK within the project. Mayor, Councillor Alan Rennles added:

“On behalf of Barnstaple Town Council, the mayor has put forward a tree and we are delighted Barnstaple is one of the first places in the country to put a tree in the ground to celebrate her jubilee.”

The celebrations came as the new gardens at the Penrose Almshouses were officially opened. The sun shone down on dignitaries, residents, families, friends and trustees at the event as everyone celebrated the ability to get together again post covid for the formal opening of the new gardens by Lady Arran VLL, MBE.

_{Penrose Almshouse official opening – Reverend Fletcher leads a prayer}

Joining the celebrations were Lord and Lady Teverson, the mayor and mayoress of Barnstaple, Alan and Sue Rennles and chair of North Devon Council Councillor Julie Hunt.

This historic almshouse charity was established in 1624 to provide housing for the folk of Barnstaple and is run by a group of trustees who act as guardians of the Grade 1 listed heritage site. Chairman Mike Ford said:

_{Lady Arran planted a plum tree in the grounds which was donated by the mayor}.

“It is a pleasure to provide this garden for the residents of Penrose and we all hope that they gain much enjoyment from them”.

The new gardens provide a mixture of large allotments, a communal allotment area with summer house and tool shed, plus three lawned areas for either quiet reflection or larger parties.

Vegetables are prolific in the allotment plots whilst passion flowers, scented roses and clematis adorn drooping ropes, trellis and two pergolas. The backdrop of shrubs and flowers have been carefully designed to provide all year-round interest and perfume.

Unveiling a commemoration plaque Lady Arran, the Countess of Arran said: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is the happiest day possible for the almshouses, to be here be with you all together and to see people all under a beautiful Devon blue sky.

“Penrose really is a sanctuary in Barnstaple and has the most extraordinary spiritual feel. This new garden really is just the icing on the cake. I cannot congratulate you all enough.
There has been a lot of tender loving care in the creation of the garden and I’m sure there’s going to be an enormous amount of pleasure within this happiest area. Please enjoy every minute of it and thank you all so much for the incredible hard work that’s gone into it.”

Lord Teverson expressed his delight with the gardens and reiterated the importance of almshouse charities within the UK which offer homes within very special communities. Cllr Rennles said,

“It really is so wonderful to see the transformation of this garden. I know that this space is going to bring much joy to the residents here. It’s a marvellous achievement and I am delighted to be here today to see the official opening.”

Support for the new gardens has been given by Devon County Council, St Johns Garden Centre, BJ Value House, Barnstaple Town Council and Ground Force to whom the charity extends their gratitude. A grant for the garden party which reunite trustees, staff, patrons families and friends post covid, on this special afternoon was award by Devon County Council Reconnect Rebuild Recover Grant Fund Team.

National statistics demonstrate that those who live in almshouses have a longer life expectancy many other sectors of the community. Walking through the beautiful, cobbled courtyard into the peaceful gardens today it easy to understand why. “

Author: Lewis Clarke for Devon Live – 4 Oct 2021 – Barnstaple plants Devon’s first tree to mark Queen’s jubilee – Devon Live