New Passivhaus Homes

A Cambridgeshire charity is celebrating a major milestone in its latest building project to create 15 almshouses for the over 55s and a new office for its own operations.

Girton Town Charity (GTC) joined with contractor Barnes Construction, Mole Architects and Northmores Project Managers to mark a key stage in the building programme at Dovehouse Court, with the erection of timber frame panels which will provide the structure for the new energy-efficient homes.

Built to stringent Passivhaus standards, Dovehouse Court has been designed to meet the future needs of the elderly, allowing for extended independent living including easy wheelchair access. Homes have individual terraces or balconies which open onto communal landscaped gardens, an orchard and allotments.

Passivhaus is a leading international low-energy design standard which offers a robust and proven method to help UK construction achieve carbon reduction targets set out by the Government and local authorities, leading to a sustainable future for the environment locally, nationally and globally.

The timber frame panels are made from Spruce soft wood sourced from Scandinavia and manufactured in Welshpool by Lowfield Timber which specialises in Passivhaus buildings. The frames were delivered to site on lorries, for erection by crane, and once completed, an air test will be carried out to calculate the building’s air permeability.

This project, scheduled for completion in Autumn 2022, has recently been awarded a grant from The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, with the balance being funded by GTC.

The almshouses will be made available to those living in, or with a close connection to Girton.  Vacancies will be advertised locally for which residents can apply and be interviewed, with decisions made after careful consideration on the basis of a wide range of criteria.

Ann Bonnett, GTC Chair said:

“As an almshouse charity, we are committed to providing homes that will meet the needs of our residents, both families and the over 55s. With Dovehouse Court, we are looking forward to having age-appropriate affordable almshouses that are not only practical and energy-efficient but also enjoyable places to live. We are delighted with the progress to date and to be able to mark the installation of the timber frames which represents an important milestone in the 61-week programme.”

Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director at Barnes Construction added:

“We are pleased to be involved in this high specification project, which not only meets rigorous energy efficient design standards, but also supports the housing needs of the Girton community”. 

Almshouses are subject to different legal arrangements from private, council or housing association tenancies. Residents are ‘appointees’, not ‘tenants’, live in the house under licence and pay a maintenance contribution, not rent. As they are almshouses there is no ‘right-to-buy’ or opportunity for shared equity. With GTC almshouses, residency is limited to a maximum of three years except for those over the age of 55 or in the case of disability.

www.girtontowncharity.org.uk

Photo above: Marking a milestone at Dovehouse Court, left to right: Jamie Saunders, Director, Northmores; Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director, Barnes Construction; Ian Bramwell, Senior Associate, Mole Architects; Ann Bonnett, Chair Girton Town Charity; and Matthew Ramplin, Contracts Manager, Barnes Construction.

Posted 7 February 22

As we draw a close to 2021, the year of The Almshouse Association’s 75th anniversary of supporting and representing almshouse charities, the stories and photographs of celebrations from almshouse charities all of the UK are still coming in.

It gives us great pleasure to share more happy ocassions with you ….

The Charity of Marjorie Hurst were one of the first almshouse charities to join in our 75th celebrations and their story made news in the Knutsford Guardian

Rick Dallimore, chairman of the Marjorie Hurst Trust, said:

“The tea party was attended by 20 residents and friends along with trustees. It was a real success with homemade scones and cakes and a good deal of talk over many cups of tea. The sun shone and everyone had a good time. After such a long time in lockdown it was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to meet in a relaxed and happy way.”

The oldest resident aged 98 joined the celebration.

“We have a lot to thank Marjorie Hurst for,” said Rick. “She left four cottages to the trust and some money.Now thanks to the hard work of Cllr Bert Grange we have six flats as well. He was a very popular man with lots of vision and determination. Many Knutsfordonians will remember him well”.

Garden party celebrates generous bequest of cottages and flats | Knutsford Guardian

Kathryn Warner, Clerk to the Trustees, Charity of Ann Edwards Diocese of Gloucester wrote in:

I just wanted to let you know that we held a small event in the courtyard of Ann Edwards Mews last Friday. We took the opportunity of reasonable weather and the relaxing of Covid restrictions to invite the residents to meet together, admire the beautiful gardens, and welcome the new residents who’ve moved in during and after the lockdowns. A few members of staff, and the scheme gardener, came along too, and we enjoyed tea and cake, sandwiches and crisps provided by the residents, who seemed to enjoy getting together again after such a long time. We also took the opportunity to celebrate 75 years of The Almshouse Association with them. Sadly, I forgot to take any photos in the excitement of the occasion! But I thought you might still like to know what’s been happening!

Double celebrations at The Bakewell Almshouses, St John’s Hospital

Trustees of The Bakewell Almshouses were presented with a donation of £8,000 during their celebrations for the 75^th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

A happy and sunny event was held in the gardens of the South Church Street homes, with plenty of tea and cake!

They also made the local news – twice!

The Bridport Charities almshouses provide accommodation to residents in 13 Flats over two sites. 

The Davenport Homes

The Davenport Homes held an afternoon tea and welcomed their local MP Saqib Bhatti to celebrate the refurbishment and opening of their communal lounge after lockdown, and the 75^th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

Drayton Parochial Charities 

When resident and trustees met up for the first time in a long time, there was lots of news to catch up on at the party in Abingdon!

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations

News from The Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT)

Tea Party Events bring almshouse residents together for the first time since the pandemic, as Trust’s Annual Review is released.

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) held a special tea party for residents of its 46 almshouses following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions this autumn.

Guests at the Residents’ Tea Party were treated to afternoon tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and music. For some residents, it was their first opportunity to see one another in over 18 months, due to Covid-19.

The Tea Party was one of three separate events organised by almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston, with almshouse wardens Marie and Michael. A number of trustees joined Pam at the events, alongside Tina Swani, Chief Executive of the Trust, and trustee Ammo Singh.

Almshouse Manager Pamela Johnston commented: “The residents have greatly missed our regular social gatherings during the past eighteen months, and it was a pleasure to organise the tea parties where they could meet and socialise in person whilst maintaining sensible protocols. I know that they thoroughly enjoyed the events.”

The event coincided with the 75th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

While Covid-19 has seen management exercising extra caution to protect its residents over the festive season, Christmas hampers have also been arranged to spread some cheer amongst  almshouse residents.

With 2021 coming to an end, the Trust will also be releasing its 2020/2021 Annual Review, highlighting its many achievements throughout the year. The Review details the total grants awarded, which came to approximately £1.1m in 2021. This includes over £73,000 in school uniform grants, with almost 50% more local families in poverty receiving grants to buy school uniforms in 2021.

For many years, the Trust has supported local residents in sheltered or retirement accommodation with a contribution towards their Festive Celebrations. This year, 21 groups were awarded grants totalling £14,171.

The Trust remains committed to major ongoing expenditure to maintain and improve its almshouses and resident’s facilities. With the release of their Social Needs Review coming in spring 2022, the Trust will gain invaluable insight into Sutton Coldfield’s most vulnerable local communities too, which will heavily influence their long-term strategic decisions and plans. The Trust recognises that the outcome of the Review will be of interest to the wider community and statutory agencies, and therefore aims to hold dissemination events from spring 2022.

The Perry Almshouse Charity

Trustees and residents in Winterbourne celebrated the 170th Anniversary of their beautiful Grade II listed almshouses as well as the 75th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

A garden party was held in beautiful sunshine and, to commemorate this very special occasion, a Hawthorn tree was planted by Dee Russell-Thomas, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucester.

Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, cut a fabulous celebratory cake along with the longest resident, Monica Cannings, who took up residency in 1990.

Other attendees included Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association and Jack Lopresti MP who installed a commemorative plaque, as well as local South Gloucestershire and Winterbourne Parish Councillors who have given their support to the almshouse charity.

Built and conveyed in 1851 by a local benefactress, Mary Anne Jones, The Perry Almshouse Charity almshouses have been a local landmark and have housed those in need within the ancient parish of Winterbourne for 170 years.

The almshouses were named by Mary out of respect for her grandfather – the local Squire, William Perry.

Top picture: Monica Cannings (longest resident), Dee Russell-Thomas (Deputy Lord Lieutenant), Jeanette Climmer (guest) and Janet Saunders (resident)

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations

A beautiful celebratory cake, made by a 95 year old resident, was shared at a successful networking and celebratory event.

The trustees from the Andros Almshouse Charity in South Chailey hosted an informal breakfast network event in September 2021 which took place at Grantham Close, where the charity have 35 flats, currently giving homes to 41 residents.

The event was an outstanding success, and welcomed trustees from local almshouses, including Haywards Heath, Ardingly and East Grinstead.

It was wonderful to meet everyone and hear all about their charities and the history behind them. The outcome of the meeting was unanimous, agreeing that they would like to continue to collaborate, enabling everyone to share knowledge, growing bigger and better and raise the profile of almshouses in their local area and throughout the country.

The trustees of the Andros Almshouse Charity are working closely together to work towards a greener future by looking at heating upgrades, bicycle sheds and electric car points. They are passionate about their carbon footprint and keeping up-to-date with changing developments.

They are also enthusiastic about working closely with The Almshouse Association and want to share practices and experiences with others. With this in mind, they are aiming to become a Regional Champion for the South East region.

They were extremely pleased to host this event in their newly decorated residents centre and enlisted the services of a local caterer who provided an outstanding breakfast using local Sussex produce.

Like many big events this year, their plans for the 75th Anniversary celebrations have had to be postponed to next year. However, they took the opportunity to have a beautiful celebratory cake made by 95 year old resident Pat Stepney, who has lived happily at Grantham Close for 37 years.  

They were also joined by many other residents for tea and coffee and to enjoy a slice of Pat’s delicious cake!

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations

A Celebration Event at Jonathan Feedham Court. 

Held on Saturday 18^th September 2021, the event was to mark the completion of the new courtyard with its raised flower beds, new paved surface and seating for the seven residents in this set of almshouses, one of two sets managed by the Wivenhoe Housing Trust.

The trustees also turned it into an opportunity to mark The Almshouse Association’s 75^th Anniversary by choosing a 1940s themed party, which was held in the new courtyard.

Vice chair of the almshouse charity, Bob Needham, brought his colleagues from the Wivenhoe Hoolies to entertain the 30 or so people who came. The Hoolies are a local sea shanty group, which was appropriate as Jonathan Feedham was himself a sea-faring man and whose legacy funded the building of these particular 7 bungalows with preference for people with maritime connections.

To everyone’s delight, The Hoolies sang a sea shanty especially written for the almshouses,

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, was delighted to be able to attend, along with the local Mayor, Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan.

Guests included residents from both almshouses, trustees and additional people related to the almshouses.

Almshouse Association Honorary Treasurer, Simon Ling FCA sent us in photos of the Ashtead United Charity Garden Party.

A fabulous day was had by all as the sun shined. The marquee and chairs were borrowed from the Church and the tea, including the magnificent cake, was provided by the lady who also runs the Church cafe.

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations

Robert Smith Trust almshouses in Brancaster, Norfolk put on a special tea party to celebrate the Associations 75th anniversary of a lovely and warm September afternoon.  

They welcomed all residents, trustees and local tradesmen who had generously given their time during the recent building project. Partygoers also included the Chair of the Parish Council, the head teacher of the local school, their tenant farmer and the Vicar.  

The Chairman gave a warm welcome to all and his grandchildren were brilliant at replacing cups of tea and fetching and carrying.  

Their wonderful photos capture what a happy afternoon everyone spent together. Many thanks to Jane Gould, Clerk to the Trustees, for sending them into us.