75th Anniversary - Members stories | The Almshouse Association

Andover Charities Trustees hold a garden party in their orchard

Last weekend Andover Charities Trustees joined in The Almshouse Association’s 75^th celebrations by holding a garden party.

Eighteen residents and trustees enjoyed a picnic afternoon tea in their beautiful community orchard. To make sure everyone kept safe, the Travelling Cupcake made sumptuous individual food boxes with a range of finger food that went down a treat!

Clerk to the Andover Charities Trustees Katherine who sent us in photos from the day, said

“It was really wonderful to be able to sit together and socialise for the first time in over a year!”

Andover Charities Trustees look after 19 properties in the centre of Andover, along with the nearby common acre.

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Its blooming marvellous at St Mary’s Hospital almshouses!

The St Mary’s Hospital almshouses in Chichester opened up the gates to their beautiful gardens as part of the National Gardens Scheme this July.

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,600 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors, the National Garden Scheme has donated over £60 million to nursing and health charities. The National Garden Scheme doesn’t just open beautiful gardens for charity – they are passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardens too. They also support charities doing amazing work in gardens and health and grant bursaries to help community gardening projects.

Over the 2 days, St Mary’s Hospital almshouse trustees, staff and residents welcomed 310 visitors raising £1,553.05 for the NGS health, mental health & gardening charities with the refreshments stall raising £347.00 in donations to St Mary’s.

Scheme Manager, Monica Winnett , who sent us in these stunning photos (mostly taken by Mrs Vivien Ruddock) writes:

“This was a real community effort – the setting up was done by me, the gardens are single-handedly cared for by Ray Winnett, who is also responsible for the maintenance here and the refreshments stall was run entirely by residents on both days, who reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with visitors and were delighted with the money raised.
Our Custos (Chaplain) Canon Bruce Ruddock was also on hand on the Saturday to speak to visitors and muck in as needed”.

Such a brilliant demonstration of a community working together!

Monica is hoping that they will soon be able to reopen for the monthly tours they offer to members of the public – we hope so too, those gardens really need to be shown off!

Ray Winnett, the man with the green fingers!

Posted July 21

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Celebrating 90 years! Goodly Dale Cottage Homes

Goodly Dale Cottage Homes almshouses in Windermere are celebrating 90 years since their very first trustee meeting on the 6^th February 1931!

The party takes place on 7th August with entertainment from local singer Fiona Hanlan , a few words from Chairman Bill Smith and a delicious afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Bob Pow, trustee, told us that he has read through every single ‘minutes of the meeting’ reports from the past 90 years, twice! As part of the special commemorative day, he will give a reading from their very first trustees meeting along with other interesting minutes from the last 90 years.

The original homes were constructed by well-known local builders, Pattinson’s, to provide homes for those meeting strict qualifications in relation to their age, character, local origin or longevity of local residency. Today the almshouses provide 20 homes comprising of the original cottages and six more modern bungalows built in the 1970s with very similar occupancy qualifications to those established in 1931. They are occupied by a mix of single and married couples with a resident Warden support.
Bob Pow, Trustee

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New! Photography competition!*

Are you a budding David Bailey?

As temperatures start to rise across the summer months, we are launching our summer photography competition to coincide with our 75^th anniversary.

The competition is split into themes consisting of:

Generations
Tea and cake
Almshouse pride
Happiness
Flora and fauna
Through the garden gate

You simply choose a theme that your photograph relates to and send the photo to us in jpeg format via email with your name, contact and almshouse charity details to gerryharmon@almshouses.org.

All members are welcome to enter!

The winner will receive a quality garden tool set and £50 Dobbies voucher and the runner up will receive a pair of gardening gloves and £20 Dobbies voucher. Both will receive a commemorative certificate and Almshouse Association pin, as well as coverage on our website and social media channels

The winner and runner up, chosen by a group of judges, will be announced at our afternoon tea garden party on the 8^th September and notified the week commencing the 13^th September 2021.

The closing date for the competition is 4 pm on the 16^th August 2021.

So…. set your shutter speed, polish your lenses, fire up your artistic flare and get clicking!!

We can’t wait to see all your amazing photos!

*Please read our Terms & Conditions for the Photo competition here

Posted 2 June 21

New almshouses in Cheltenham

New ecologically friendly almshouses offer more than a roof over residents heads.

CEO Nick Phillips attended the official opening of four new almshouses at Jesse Mary Almshouses in Cheltenham on 16th July 2021.

The new solar-powered almshouses have been built to a very high standard of comfort and economy, typical of the new generation of almshouses – taking the best of traditional design and incorporating the highest standards of insulation and solar energy in order to reduce the impact on the environment and improve economic resilience.

Amongst the throng enjoying the day were trustees, residents, The Mayor of Cheltenham (who cut the opening ribbon), Councillor Steve Harvey – The Deputy Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Sandra Holliday and MP for Cheltenham, Alex Chalk, Assistant Whip and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, Valerie O’Connor, Chairman of Trustees, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association and architect and building contractor representatives.

Resident Fran has been living at the Jesse Mary almshouses for 17 years; now 70, she enjoys supporting the older residents and playing her part in the community and neighbourly spirit of almshouses.

“I have loved every single minute of living here and I am very happy. Even if I won the lottery I still wouldn’t want to move!”

In his statement to the BBC, MP Alex Chalk spoke of the vital role almshouses play today in the social and community housing sector.

“Almshouses are a proven model and fill a gap not just in quality affordable housing for those in need but in reducing isolation and loneliness. A powerful model for the future!”

Nick Phillips, commented on the value that almshouses bring to a community and their genuine affordable model.

“These almshouses show what can be achieved by one local charity, established nearly 100 years ago, leading the way locally on not just affordable homes and creating close communities but in environmental construction and design.”

It was a great day enjoyed by all and we even managed to get a spot on the BBC news!

The new almshouses consist of four individual one-bedroom properties, finished to the highest modern standard with open-plan kitchen and underfloor heating throughout. All have ground-level entry with two designed for wheelchair access and equipped with re-enforced ceilings which can accommodate a hoist. State of the art PV panels have been installed to minimise any environmental impact.

They have been built in the grounds of the Jesse Mary Chambers almshouses and complement the existing building which was put up in 1924 under the Will of Mr. Henry David Gregory Chambers, in memory of his sister.

Cheltenham Almshouses & Aid own and manage four almshouse sites across the town with a total of 39 properties and residents

Posted 20 July 21

Double celebrations in Sonning!

Robert Palmer Almshouses in Sonning on Thames opened their garden gate to community and companionship for a celebration garden party.

To celebrate their 175th anniversary and the 75^th anniversary of The Almshouse Association, Mike Hart, Chair of the board of trustees and his team held a wonderful summer afternoon garden party at their beautiful almshouses in Sonning on Thames on the 11^th July 2021.

Former Prime Minster, Theresa May and Philip May joined Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association at The Robert Palmer Almshouses for a champagne toast and afternoon tea.

Residents, trustees and friends gathered in the beautiful gardens to celebrate the community spirit of almshouses. The event was blessed with sunshine and everyone really enjoyed meeting up again after such a long time. It was a such joy to be a part of; to see the smiles and hear the laughter and raise a toast to community and kindness!

Theresa May is an active supporter of her local almshouses and The Almshouse Association we would like to thank her wholeheartedly for her support of the almshouse movement across the country.

Very Special Thanks also go to the trustees and all the residents for making the day so special for everyone!

Scan of newspaper article in the Henley Standard – click here
Link to online version

Posted 12 July 21

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New homes for single homeless in Worcester

On 2^nd July, Worcester M.P. Robin Walker, together with the Mayor, Councillor Stephen Hodgson, and Bishop John Inge, formally unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening of “Stillingfleet House, the latest 25 almshouse flats created for the single homeless by Worcester Municipal Charities.

Pictured here with them, is Paul Griffith MBE, Chairman of the Charities since 1985, who said:-

“Money management is essential for charities to keep pace with inflation. Since 2013 the Charity has been pursuing a wholesale property re-investment strategy to provide affordable almshouses for the single homeless here. Since 2016 we have been helped by the Almshouse Consortium and Homes England to create, 64 new flats “over the shops” and in empty office buildings. Selling commercial charity property between 2013 and 2018 realised £2,114,100.00. Then between 2016 and 2021, twenty one grants came from Homes England totalling £1,529,633. The Charity also borrowed £500,000 from Unity Trust Bank to help with cash flow.
“The Trustees are delighted to have found an exciting new strategy that provides housing for the homeless, whilst also making a reasonable commercial profit, at a time when good investment returns are difficult to find, and affordable flats for the homeless are in very short supply. The £150,000 rent we lost from the Home Office, when Probation moved out in 2019, will be virtually replaced by the £147,000 rents from the 25 flats, all of which will be spent on helping the poor, and creating 4 more flats for the homeless already in the pipeline.”
Paul Griffiths

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association was invited to the event and was impressed not just by the quality of the build but the fantastic use of the charities resources in turning commercial investments into almshouses for those in very immediate need.

“The partnership between Worcester Municipal and Citizens Advice is unique and inspirational. The people occupying these almshouses faced years living on the streets. These almshouses can be life changing opportunities for young homeless people in Worcester.”
Nick Phillips

Posted July 21

Top images left and right, supplied by Saffer Cooper, Building Consultants. Top centre and below supplied by Worcester Municipal Charities

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Survey shows happy residents

The Hospital of St John the Evangelist and of St Anne in Okeham is believed to be the oldest charity in the county of Rutland, having been established for the provision of almshouse accommodation in 1399.

The story of the charity begins with its foundation by William Dalby in 1399, by virtue of a Licence granted by King Richard II. The original intention was that the hospital should have two chaplains, and should provide accommodation for twelve poor men.

The property was confiscated during the Abolition of Chantries actions of the 16th Century, before being rescued by Archdeacon Robert Johnson, who bought back the land and then obtained a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth I. This 1597 Royal Charter extended the purpose of the charity to helping both men and women, with a single Hospital able to accommodate up to 20 individuals.

During the late 18th / early 19th century the properties fell into disrepair, and most of the buildings (with the exception of the original Chapel) disappeared when the Midland Railway was constructed across the charity’s land in the 1840’s.

Today it has over 100 properties and is managed on a day-to-day basis by a team of six staff, who are answerable to a Board of Governors which form the Trustee Body.

_{David Pattinson (Chairman); Mrs Margaret Ward (Resident); Mrs Elaine Woodhead (Chair – House Committee)}

Paul Martin is CEO and Clerk to the Governors and has been with the Hospital of St John the Evangelist and of St Anne in Okeham (SJSA) since 2014, having previously been employed in a senior management role within two other large almshouse charities.

Paul manages the resident’s satisfaction survey, which is distributed bi-annually in March and is a professional benchmark for small housing providers. It provides a measure for the running of small charitable organisations, managing staff, repairs and location.

This year’s survey had a tremendous response from their residents with a whopping 97 percent of responders indicating satisfaction with the service. 99 percent of responders highlighted they found the service provided by SJSA helpful.

This incredible response is remarkable in the face of the pandemic and Paul said: “This excellent set of results was a ringing endorsement that the structural and staffing changes, introduced at the time of the last survey, have had a positive impact on the wellbeing of the beneficiaries.”

David Pattinson, Chairman of the governors commented: “What a brilliant result! I am delighted that virtually all our residents are so happy with what we provide. It is a great tribute to the hard work of staff and governors in what has been really challenging times.”

References:
Kerry Coupe ; kerry.coupe@iliffepublishing.co.uk
Published in Rutland and Stamford Mercury 17:00, 25 May 2021

Posted 7 July 21

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Celebrations Networking Event

We had another amazing member networking event on Tuesday 29^th June with members talking about their very special plans to have a garden party to help us celebrate our 75^th anniversary year!

Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their plans – as well as their challenges.

A special thank you to Bob Needham of Wivenhoe Almshouses, who started the meeting by talking about his proposed 1940s style party and all the ins and outs of planning a garden party. This really helped the other members with ideas and what they needed to think about when organising an event.

We had some really interesting feedback and comments during the session and have highlighted these below for reference:

What it takes to organise a party – Bob highlighted the many aspects of organising a party, large or small including everything from gazebo’s to toilet facilities and Covid-19 requirements. Whether organising a large or small event, certain criteria needs to be met and to help you with these, we have a great Hints & Tips Flyer in our Celebration Pack, that can assist you to identify the main points to consider and create a workable check list.

Smaller more intimate events – Some members had concerns about their parties being too small or insignificant during our 75^th anniversary year and we assured them that any gathering that induces happiness and camaraderie is special and signifies the essence of almshouses, which is a community spirit and neighbourliness. That is what the 75^th anniversary year is all about. We would be delighted to hear about any small, intimate parties taking place, whether this is simply the residents sharing a cup of tea and a piece of cake to larger events. Every event is special, regardless of the size and every photo or story we receive of an event will be welcomed with delight.

PR doesn’t have to be intrusive – Some members were discussing the concerns about PR in their local communities as they wanted to respect their residents and also keep the media from inadvertently visiting without prior warning. They were reassured that PR inclusion can be kept to a minimum and managed in a way that isn’t intrusive and can be directed or focused on one major project or area.

We will share details for our next networking event as soon as they are finalised. In the meantime, if you have any questions or ideas you would like to discuss, please do email gerryharmon@almshouses.org

Wivenhoe Housing Trust: paving the way to celebrations

Trustees of The Wivenhoe Housing Trust are looking forward to joining in with the national celebrations to mark 75 years of The Almshouse Association.

This almshouse charity, based in Essex, is responsible for the provision of thirteen properties over two sites in Wivenhoe. The Mary Ann Sanford Almshouses (1873) and Jonathan Feedham Almshouses (built 1974 from a legacy bequeathed 1718)

A Celebration Garden Party is set for Saturday 18^th September 2021 in the newly re-vamped courtyard at Jonathan Feedham Court. The location is most appropriate as the area has recently undergone significant improvements. The courtyard now benefits from a new drainage system. Significantly, improved access to the garden and floral beds has been achieved by raising the paved ground surface level across the yard to meet with that of the front door levels of the bungalows. The courtyard is now a much nicer space for residents to socialise enhancing opportunities for improved health and wellbeing and promoting a greater interest in plants and gardening.

The garden project had taken a few years to achieve and plans were afoot to hold an opening ceremony in 2020. Alas, pandemic restrictions meant that this couldn’t go ahead.

Now, an excellent opportunity awaits the Wivenhoe Housing Trust. A Grand Celebration Garden Party will enable combine their opening ceremony with marking the 75^th anniversary of the formation of The Almshouse Association. A 1940s themed afternoon will see all residents from both almshouse locations attending to enjoy afternoon tea with The Town Mayor of Wivenhoe, The Trustee Board, Representatives from The Wivenhoe Society, Wivenhoe Helping Hands and the two local schools. (A drawing competition is under way for local school children on an almshouse theme and awards will be presented at the garden party).

If available, a 1940s gramophone will play records of the era and entertainment is scheduled from The Hoolies, Wivenhoe’s Sea Shanty Crew and the Colchester Town Crier is on hand for any special announcements.

Words by Robert Needham. To read more about the renovations project, please click here .

Contacts
Robert Needham 01206 824446 noisybeggar@btinternet.com Peter Hill 01206 823073 peter@toadhall2.co.uk Chair of Trustees
Further information www.wivenhoehistory.org.uk
Searches: 1) Almshouses 2) Major Project at Jonathan Feedham Court

June 21

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