75th Anniversary – News Events | The Almshouse Association

Almshouses in The People’s Friend

The People’s Friend magazine recently published a two page spread on almshouses.

Journalist, Olivia Greenway explores the history of almshouses and how they continue to help those in need today, interviewing Nick Phillips CEO of The Almshouse Association, Juliet Ames-Lewis Chief Executive of the Richmond Charities in London and almshouse resident Norman May.

We have been working hard to both raise the profile of almshouses and untangle some of the misconceptions about them. We are thrilled that more and more publications are recognising the important role they play in the affordable housing sector, housing 36,000 people in housing need today, as well as all the additional benefits they bring to residents and the local community – compassion, companionship, support and the preservation of beautiful buildings.

To view a pdf of the article please click here

Posted 2 September 21

Click here to read more almshouse news and stories

Christ’s Hospital Almshouses join our 75th celebrations!

Gillian Kent, Clerk to the Governors at Christ’s Hospital Almshouses in Abingdon sent us in some wonderful photos of their almshouse party that took place held on 30th July 2021 as part of The Almshouse Assocation’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

Gillian writes:

“When the call came from The Almshouse Association to show our support for their 75^th Anniversary, there was no question that the staff would rally round. We have tapped into their endless resources of forms and policy templates, training and general good advice and we felt as though this was the perfect opportunity to ‘give back’.
So much planning, so much preparation, consideration and a lot of weather watching – the day finally came, and the weather was indeed appalling. Nevertheless, we held our nerve. We kept calm and carried on! The health and safety briefing was held in the garden with the residents in their waterproofs and then it was time to open the doors and hang on valiantly to the gazebo and the teacups as the wind tried to whisk us away! It was incredibly fortunate that we had an empty almshouse available that could be opened as a ‘show home’ on the day, without too much disturbance to other residents. We opened our Long Alley historic hall and also the very private back gardens to Long Alley.

With the opening up of the almshouse and gardens being a complete one off, people’s curiosity got the better of them despite the rain. We had around 150 visitors on the day and they were treated to tales from the residents, information about the almshouses and The Almshouse Association, of which we are proud members, and all the history we could muster from our incorporation in 1553 by King Edward VI’s royal charter to the present day. The staff, trustees and residents who volunteered to help all seemed to thoroughly enjoy ‘showing off’ what we have achieved. The event was attended by Abingdon Town’s Mayor.

The Hospital Hall will again be open for Heritage Open Days – Saturday 18^th September 10am to 4pm.

Posted 24 August 2021

Click here to read more almshouse news and stories

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.

Click here to read more almshouse news and stories

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

Click here to read more almshouse news and stories

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

Return to almshouse stories, news and events page

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

For more almshouse news and stories, visit Almshouse news and stories | (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

click here to see all ‘Almshouse News and Stories’

Giving Something Back

by Chris Morton, Chairman of Louisa Lilley Almshouses

‘Giving Something Back’ to society was something that really came to fore in my life a few years ago when I was considering retirement from being a Commercial Accountant.

I felt that The Lilley Homes Almshouses was something I could “contribute” to and, as they say, “bring something to the table”.

The Trust is over 90 years old and Miss Louisa Lilley, who died in 1930, was part of a Shoe Manufacturing Family in the local town who bequeathed an amount in her estate to establish the Trust which now looks after after 20 one bedroom bungalows built around large gardens with residents ranging from 60 to 93 years old.

After attending a few of the trustee meetings, I felt I could contribute and was encouraged to put forward my ideas. My first proposal was a PPM (planned, preventative maintenance) regime that was welcomed by the Board, benefitting both the residents and trustees, then 2 years ago, the Chairman of Trustees asked me if I would take over as Chairman (he was in his 90s and had been Chairman for 40 years).

I was honoured to accept, and decided that this would fill in the “work” gap when I retired. The Louisa Lilley Trust has a history that needs to be protected and enhanced, so as we look forward, I believe the trust needs to make sure all our properties are kept in a condition suitable for the 21st Century, but keeping the vision that Louisa Lilley portrays in her will, which is still our ” bible.”

We have a Duty of Care to all our residents, and as such, we make sure that they are as safe as possible with the use of a call care system and our paid secretary visits all residents on a fortnightly basis.

We encourage a community spirit and intend to hold an Open Gardens event for a local charity this summer. We will give all residents a “Tea Party” on the same day and combine this with The Almshouse Association 75th Anniversary.

We are also looking at our carbon footprint along with sustainability, in everything we do, and one of the things we are currently exploring the possibility of putting solar panels on all our properties, although we are mindful that we if we do so, it must not spoil the “look” of the almshouses. Once Covid 19 restrictions have been lifted, we will be improving our roof insulation and we have also put natural water butts in both our complexes to reduce our reliability on tap water for our gardens.

The Trust is also looking at building new housing in our current grounds, to increase the number of almshouses we have to offer. These will be replicas of the ones we already have, but designed specifically, for the elderly, in the 21st Century.

June 21

click here to see all ‘Almshouse News and Stories’

New sculpture for Bond’s Lodge almshouses

A new sculpture from a renowned Coventry artist has been unveiled in the courtyard garden of a new almshouse development for the elderly.

George Wagstaffe, famed for such works as The Phoenix and The Naiad, has created the new sculpture named ‘Waters of Separation’ for Bond’s Lodge in Coventry.

He was commissioned to create a centrepiece for the large courtyard garden by Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, which runs the new £6.8 million almshouse.

Residents, Coventry dignitaries and friends of the charity were invited to a ceremony to celebrate the new sculpture which features two bronze figures linked with a water installation, is joined by a poem penned by Wagstaffe, which can be read on a nearby plaque.

One of the bronze figures is in the image of Wagstaffe’s late wife Beryl, and the roots of the new installation can be traced back to time spent in Wales during the latter stages of Beryl’s illness.

George Wagstaffe said

“The sculpture was originally a painting I did of the same title. The idea is to show separation through, death, illness, divorce or any other means. The water running between the two figures runs away and then also runs together showing how, while separation divides, it can also unify.

The poem came later when I was walking through fields near my studio. I looked into a pond and it was so clear. I could see the clouds and sky mirrored in the calm pool. There was a slight breeze and in that slight breeze, everything shattered. That showed how life can change in an instant.

It’s a lovely setting here at Bond’s Lodge. Very much like The Naiad I did 60 years ago; this sculpture is part of the landscape. It’s a beautiful setting amongst flowers, plants and water.”

Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr John McNicholas with Lady Mayoress June McNicholas were in attendance for their first engagement since being appointed to the roles. The unveiling event also saw an address from Methodist minister Pauline Warner, who discussed her friendship with Wagstaffe and Beryl.

Pauline said “I work at Abbey Park Methodist Nursing home in Whitley, and it was there that I first met George and Beryl. Her mind was razor sharp and stayed sharp to the end. George has called his work the Waters of Separation and it is the experience of being separated from Beryl that has driven this piece. Everyone who has moved or will be moving into these new apartments carry with them memories of their lives. I’m certain that in this lovely garden there will be more laughter than weeping, as the people from Bond’s Lodge sit here and together share their memories.”

Victor Keene MBE, Chairman of Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, added “It’s a magnificent sculpture and the perfect centrepiece to the courtyard garden here at Bond’s Lodge. We have an artwork at each of our almshouses in Coventry – which now house over 150 residents. We’re not only looking after the comfort of our residents, there is a spiritual dimension, and the work of art helps to fill that need.

George is a well-known, highly-respected artist and we’re pleased he worked with us on this sculpture. We’re now at full-capacity at Bond’s Lodge and the residents love it here. This new sculpture will only add to that experience.”

PICTURE CAPTION: From left to right – Matthew White, Victor Keene MBE, Pauline Warner, George Wagstaffe, Lord Mayor of Coventry Cllr John McNicholas and Lady Mayoress June McNicholas

Posted 10 June 21

click here to see all ‘Almshouse News and Stories’