Almshouse Stories | The Almshouse Association

The Times recognises Gosport almshouse charity as one of UK’s Best Places to Work

Gosport housing charity Thorngate Churcher Trust has been recognised in the prestigious Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work list for 2025, published at the weekend.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards, powered by WorkL, recognises organisations who have consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing in the UK.

Thorngate Churcher Trust supports older people with housing needs in the Gosport and surrounding areas, with 124 sheltered flats that have 24 hour warden access, and residential care from Russell Churcher Court care home.

The charity is improving its offering to meet local need with a development of 30 new flats, due for completion later in 2025.

Through a significant investment in wellbeing for its 89 staff members, Thorngate has reduced staff leavers by more than 50% in recent years, through a programme of open communication that includes multiple staff feedback channels, reward and recognition schemes, wellbeing support and opportunities for development – all of which have been created with input and feedback from the staff themselves to ensure effectiveness and value.

Thorngate Chief Executive Officer, Anne Taylor, said, “I am immensely proud of the work we have all done to help create an organisation that is welcoming, supportive and provides a space for our staff to grow and develop over time. Coming to work should be something you look forward to and it’s been a team effort to ensure that’s what we offer at Thorngate Churcher Trust. To have our efforts recognised with this award is a fantastic achievement.”

Chairman Mark Hook said, “The improvements we’ve seen in staff retention and satisfaction demonstrate the value in investing in your staff wellbeing. We’ve always known that this was a special place to work and we are delighted to be named on such a well-respected national platform.”

“The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list is the UK’s biggest survey of employee engagement, compiled in partnership with workplace expert WorkL. Spanning a raft of sectors and located throughout the UK, the organisations in this year’s list range from innovative start-ups with a handful of employees to big multinational corporations staffed by thousands. These organisations know that happy employees are the superpower helping them thrive.”
Zoe Thomas, editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work.

This nationwide workplace survey honours and celebrates the UK’s top employers – which number over 500 organisations across industries and scale – and highlights the best workplaces for women, the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, younger and older workers, as well as those that provide the best wellbeing support.

For the first time, this year’s survey also highlights the Best Places to Work in seven industry sectors: Business & Management Services, Hospitality, Technology, Construction & Building Materials’ Financial Services’ Marketing & Advertising and Non-Profit & Charities.

The survey used to decide the award winners uses 26 questions from WorkL’s employee engagement survey, developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace.

posted 29 May 2025

Event: The importance of almshouses in Suffolk

Event: The importance of almshouses in Suffolk
18 June 2025 – 5.30 to 8.00 PM – Waterfront Building, Ipswich Campus

Dr Alison Pooley and Jenny Pannell will be talking about the importance of almshouses and their contribution to resilient communities. Almshouses have a long history in providing housing for those in need. Drawing on examples from the region, Jenny and Alison will explore the history of almshouses, and their future in providing affordable housing.

Book your free ticket here

Dr Pooley leads the Sustainable Healthy Communities theme within the University’s Suffolk Sustainability Institute and has over 20 years experience in higher education. Before starting her academic career, she was in architectural practice for several years, prior to which she worked as a housing officer in East London. Her current research is focused on equity within housing, including housing for our ageing population, issues faced within the private rented sector and the challenges of retrofitting for a more resilient future. She has been a trustee of local almshouse charities and continues to support developing new charities in the East of England.

Jenny Pannell is an independent researcher, whose work has focused on almshouses for over 40 years. She has carried out extensive research on housing, support and care for older people for a range of funders, and she has a special interest in the future role of the almshouse movement. Jenny was a senior housing manager with social housing providers before moving into independent research and consultancy.

posted 28 May 2025

Housing LIN HAPPI Hour: Nick Phillips to host webinar

Association CEO, Nick Phillips, will be hosting the HAPPI Hour webinar, with Housing LIN on 17 June 2025.

In his blog (below), featured on the HOUSING LIN website, Nick explores the growing interest in the almshouse model and its significant role in community-led housing for older people.

It highlights recent developments, including recognition in government policy and award-winning projects like Appleby Blue. This year’s Research Workshop brought together leading voices to reflect on progress, examine the model’s unique strengths, and explore collaborative approaches within charitable housing.

Read on to find out more about the lasting impact of almshouses, the importance of evidence-based advocacy, and the next steps in building a sustainable, inclusive future for community-based housing solutions.

21/5/25 – Nick Phillips, Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association

The Almshouse Association Research Workshop – Collaboration and Co-partnership

Over the past decade, interest in the almshouse model has grown significantly, inspiring dedicated researchers to explore its positive impact on residents. Most recently, at a policy level, almshouses were cited in the government commissioned Older People’s Housing Taskforce report (opens new window) as one of a range of community-led, collaborative housing types for people in later life housing. And, in terms of new buildings, United St Saviour’s Charity’s award-winning development, Appleby Blue in Bermondsey, won last year’s National Housing Design Awards. Our second-year Research Workshop therefore provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on our progress over the past year and develop the next steps in our research journey.

Background

Previous research by The Smith Institute, the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (LIN), The Bayes Institute, and private funders has highlighted the profound impact of the almshouse model. Studies have demonstrated its influence on residents’ longevity, its economic value—including cost savings to society—and its positive effects on health and well-being (The Dunhill Medical Trust funded Almshouse Resilient Communities Project).

Earlier research findings achieved significant media and academic interest, strengthening the case for long-term support from funders, government, and the public. However, further evidence is essential to secure almshouses’ and the charitable housing sectors’ place in the future of housing. Equally important is preserving the rich heritage of almshouses and ensuring their historical significance is recognised in society.

Collaboration and co-partnership

At The Almshouse Association, we believe it is vital to prioritise charitable housing on the government’s agenda. By presenting robust, evidence-based research, we can showcase the profound benefits of almshouses and other charitable housing models—not only in improving well-being but also in delivering significant cost savings to society.

This year’s Research Workshop brought together an outstanding range of speakers from academia and the charitable housing sector. Representatives from The Cohousing Network, Intergenerational England, Old Hall Intentional Living, The NHF, The Open University, Suffolk University, and Southwark United Charities provided guests with a comprehensive overview of recent research and the diverse charitable housing solutions available. Each of these models plays a crucial role in addressing local housing needs, standing alongside almshouses in their commitment to offering an affordable housing choice and being a community ‘anchors’ that make a social and health impact. By pooling our knowledge and experiences, we can significantly enhance recognition for the sector as a whole.

While past research has illuminated key aspects of the almshouse model’s success, the Workshop discussions revealed deeper questions about the factors sustaining its longevity. Participants explored the unique qualities that define almshouses, the influence of their historical foundations, and the role of governance in enhancing residents’ health and well-being. The inclusion of other charitable housing models e.g., cohousing, intergenerational living, intentional living and Abbeyfield Societies, further enriched the conversation, offering a wider perspective on the diverse approaches within the sector. By examining the benefits and challenges of each, we gained a more nuanced understanding of the almshouse movement within the broader landscape of charitable housing and social housing provision.

The success of our future research depends on the ongoing dedication and collaboration of our partner charities and the wider charitable housing sector. We are confident that the insights gained from this Workshop will drive us closer to our shared goal—raising awareness, strengthening support for almshouses and charitable housing, and shaping a future of more inclusive and sustainable community living.

Since our Inaugural Workshop in 2024, we have been developing a strategic plan to ensure our research builds upon, rather than duplicates, previous studies—avoiding research fatigue while addressing key questions raised. Our goal is to consider all perspectives and insights, ensuring a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to inform current and future generations of almshouses.

This structured, multi-year approach ensures that our research remains impactful, data-driven, and aligned with the evolving needs of both almshouse residents and the broader charitable housing sector.

Next Steps

With several ongoing projects supporting our research, we have established a series of Research Networking Groups to collaborate on key initiatives. These groups will help accelerate our progress.

By addressing these research priorities and strategic steps, we aim to deepen our understanding of the almshouse model and the broader charity housing model, ensuring its continued success and support for future generations.

If you would like to get involved in the Research Networking Groups, please do get in touch with me at: gerryharmon@almshouses.org

Click HAPPI Hour webinar to book your space on the webinar.

posted 22 May 2025

Bette celebrates her 100th birthday!

Barnstaple Almshouses celebrated Bette Palmer’s 100^th Birthday on Wednesday 7 May 2025 at the Royal & Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple. Bette was joined by almshouse residents, trustees and the Mayor to celebrate her birthday.

When asked what she would like to have for her birthday celebration, Bette replied,

‘Something Bubbly!’.

Her friend and fellow resident, Jas Evans, arranged a lovely afternoon tea with prosecco which was much enjoyed by all.

Bette’s Life story – sent in by Lizzie Gover – Estate Manager at Barnstaple Almshouses

Our resident Bette Palmer has reached the landmark celebration of being 100 years old!

In March 2025, as her 100^th birthday loomed, I went to chat to Bette to ask what her secret was for a long and happy life and this is what she said:

“Keep busy! I was born with an over-active thyroid which meant I was always doing something! When war broke out things were different; shops were restricted so I decided that when I wanted something to wear I would just have to make it myself! So I became a dressmaker and I had a knitting machine and soon my neighbours were asking me to make suits for them too!

I was 14 when the war broke out and living in Wakefield, Yorkshire. I had to fire-watch after doing my homework. There was always an aircraft coming in and out as there were lots of training places nearby.

Because I was in English language senior class I was given an Austrian Jewish girl who was the same age as me to help her with her English. The plan was that us senior girls were to be taken to Canada on two ships and I was listed to be on the second ship. This plan was cancelled however as the first ship was torpedoed when it was halfway across the ocean.

My family were all involved in railway duties and during that time my school was closed down due to a shortage of pupils. I was needed at London Midland Scotland Railways as the young men were called up and we had to make sure the railway transport from the munition factories to the south of the country were not interrupted. My job was to make sure the right fuel was available for the right engines. It was exciting work but noisy. All the noise from the engines on the platform outside is the reason I later suffered from ear trouble and got tinnitus.

I carried on doing more war work and we became short of teachers to I went to Leeds University and took a teaching course. For seven years I was a teacher at Primary School and I loved it! I would say it was the happiest time of my life. I had 50 children in a class and I had a skill of making them feel like I was their auntie. Their parents would invite me round for dinner and I used to have all the parents and children around to my garden too.

Peace efforts were happening and I was asked to be a secretary to help with the twinning of Normandy and a village in Yorkshire. I went to Normandy and met some lovely people over there. Every time it came round to my birthdays or Christmas, they would show their appreciation for my efforts. I brought a little boy back with me for a holiday and when I returned they gave me a keepsake bottle which I still have to this day.

Before the war ended I was offered a job of private banking which I started in Derbyshire. It was difficult to find people at the time who had education and experience so I got a good job. Meanwhile my boyfriend who was in the RAF proposed. He had trained in Rhodesia to be a fighter pilot.

There was an open day as the airfield in Preston, Lancashire. My fiancé said to me ‘Do you fancy a flip?’ I said ‘What do you mean?’ He walked me to a 2 seater aeroplane and he said ‘Climb in the back and tighten your seatbelt!’. He flew me off the airfield, across Lancashire and around Blackpool Tower twice! He said ‘Would you like some aerobatics?’ I said ‘No thanks! I want to go back!’

We were married for 18 years. One day he had an ache and I insisted he went to the Doctor, who sent him to the hospital. I called in to see him and we chatted and he seemed fine so I called into friends on the way home and reported that he was cheerful and had been sat up in bed chatting.

The hospital rang; he had died, we assume from a heart attack. He wasn’t quite 40. I was 39 too and I couldn’t believe it. After that, life was slow.

They advertised for people to emigrate to Australia as they were short of people skilled for work. For £10 you could go! Having been a teacher and a banker I thought I might be useful so I drove in my little car from Yorkshire to London where I would buy my ticket.

I went to see friends whilst I was in London and one of these friends had lost his wife. He said to me ‘Why do you want to go to Australia?’ I said ‘Because I’m at a loose end here. I might as well go there! And I would quite like a hotel’.

One friend said ‘There’s a hotel for sale on the Isle of Wight’ and she had a leaflet. She said ‘Why bother going to Australia when you could buy that one!’

Me and my bereaved friend looked at each other and said ‘What do you think? Shall we have a look at it?’

So we went to the Isle of Wight and it was a beautiful Georgian style building in three acres of parkland and we decided we would buy this hotel instead of going to Australia!

So we bought the hotel and the first work we did there was our own wedding reception!

It gave us practice in how to run a hotel and we made plans for the future. We were excited to build a ballroom so got the plans and ordered oak panels and girders to be imported from China. We laid the floor ourselves over one weekend and worked hard to make it decent for dancing. We had a few happy years in that hotel.

After some time though things got a bit difficult and we brought in a partner to help us but he didn’t fit in well and we decided to sell the hotel and come back to England and start a business. We bought the New Inn at Goodleigh. It was very pretty and located in a village that had good local trade. They needed a dining room so we organised that.

My second husband went on a business trip to China and when he came back he fell ill and died. I gave up the pub a short time after that.

Whilst we were at the New Inn we had got involved with the Masonry and my husband became a member. I found out there was a ladies lodge and I joined. After a few years I ended up being a senior member in the area and I met my third husband at a Mason’s Meeting. We were asked to run the club in the lodge and move into the flat in Barnstaple. Whilst there, running the club, my third husband got cancer and died. I lived on my own for a while but I couldn’t do the lodge work on my own so it was a challenging time but then one day one of the members told me about a vacancy in an almshouse!

I love living in the almshouses because it feels secure. You’re not likely to get thrown out unless you misbehave! And they make sure you are looked after. So I am here, retired, waiting to be 100 and I feel fit enough to get there!

I have a vacuum cleaner upstairs, a cordless for the stairs and a good washing machine. I manage to look after myself so far. My friend pops in to say hello and we often go out for lunch. Having been a hotelier, I can be critical but I try to keep quiet even when they over-cook the fish! I have no complaints. I’ve had a lovely life. I’ve worked hard and I’ve enjoyed it.“

Social and charitable housing providers empower residents to drive change

Six Midlands-based social and charitable housing providers have joined forces to give residents a stronger voice, including Broadening Choices for Older People (BCOP), Harborne Parish Lands Charity (HPLC), Lench’s Trust, Sir Josiah Mason Trust (SJMT), Yardley Great Trust (YGT) and Solihull Care Housing Association (SCHA).

The newly launched Residents’ Scrutiny Panel (RSP) uniquely brings groups of residents together to discuss the quality of services at each of their schemes and share ideas for improvements with landlords. It expands on the previous RSP, formed of four of the organisations, which won an Almshouse Association award but was put on hold due to the pandemic.

Twenty-five residents participated in the re-launch meeting in April, where they discussed which areas were of greatest interest for influencing decision-making.

Attendees included Jonathan and Cherry who live at SCHA. Jonathan said: “I like the principle of being concerned with and interested in the resident’s experience. It will be interesting to see how it develops as the panel gets beneath hearsay to listen to people’s experiences and what it’s like to live in these schemes.”

Cherry, who joined the RSP at the suggestion of her scheme manager, added: “It’s great to learn and hear different opinions and voices. Everyone brings something to the table. I’m really looking forward to the journey!”

Commenting on the RSP, Chrissy, who lives at Lench’s Trust, said: “I wanted to get involved because I feel we should have a voice. I’m looking forward to seeing it all come together step by step.”

Pat, who represented SJMT and YGT said: “It’s great! I think it’s a really good idea and it’s something that’s needed. It allows you to see how other trusts work and meet new people.”

Margaret, an HPLC resident, said: “I’m impressed! Emma, the facilitator, was excellent. I got involved as I would like to know what happens in other schemes compared to where I live and what improvements can be made across the sector.” BCOP resident, Lynn, was also impressed. She added: “The RSP is a good way to give tenants a voice so they can be heard by management.”

The meeting was held at Lench’s Trust, and non-residents were offered a tour of the scheme to gain even more ideas for their own homes.

David Healey, Partnership Chief Executive for SJMT and YGT, said:

“I’m delighted that new partners have joined the project, giving even more residents the opportunity to have a say and enable services to continuously improve. Residents have a unique perspective and can now play an even greater role in shaping their communities by sharing good practice between the organisations and holding management to account.”

posted 20 May 2025

Gosport charity gets residents in the VE Day spirit

Residents of Thorngate Churcher Trust came together in a heartwarming celebration to commemorate VE Day, with events taking place at both Russell Churcher Court and the Trust’s retirement housing across Gosport.

Trustees and staff at Russell Churcher Court (RCC) transformed the dining room into a nostalgic scene, arranging two long, street party-style tables adorned with bunting and flags. Residents enjoyed a traditional fish and chip lunch, a firm favourite, followed by a delicious array of homemade cakes and desserts.

The festivities continued with live entertainment from performer Debbie C, who delighted residents with a selection of classic 1940s songs.

Earlier in the day, residents gathered to watch the national commemorations broadcast from Westminster Abbey. They observed a two-minute silence and shared personal stories and reflections from the wartime era. One resident recalled a vivid childhood memory of travelling to London with her mother, sandwiches in hand, to sleep on the street in anticipation of the VE Day parade marking the official end of World War II.

RCC resident Phil enjoys his fish and chips lunch

Elsewhere, residents from Thorngate’s retirement flats also embraced the spirit of the day, with people from three different properties coming together to enjoy afternoon tea and commemorate VE Day with neighbours and friends.

Thorngate retirement flat residents get together at a street party

Thorngate Chief Executive Anne Taylor said, “VE Day is an important day for us to mark with our residents, who collectively have so many memories of wartime and how it affected their nearest and dearest. Eighty years is a lifetime, but for some it can still feel like only yesterday and it’s important for us to cherish these memories and support our residents in marking such a momentous day in our history. It’s been a joy to see people from different properties come together in true British spirit today.”

For further information about the charity, please visit www.thorngate.org.uk

posted 12 May 2025

May Day at Chubbs Almshouses: Song, sunshine, and celebration

On May Day, residents, trustees, and friends of Chubbs Almshouses in Crewkerne, Somerset gathered at 9am to celebrate the changing seasons. Marking the Solstice and welcoming the summer, the group was treated to a joyful performance of the Padstow Song.

The event was organised by long-time resident, Jackie Setter and her fellow folk singer, Meg Rose. Jackie, now 95, has lived at Chubbs for over twenty years and is a beloved figure in the local community. A talented artist and seasoned gig performer, Jackie hasn’t lost her voice, in fact, she inspired (and gently shamed!) a few in the crowd who’d yet to find theirs.

Jackie lives in one of the oldest almshouses on the site, a sandstone terrace dating back to 1604. Around the corner stand four more, built in the 1860s. All eight are charming two-storey, one-bedroom homes with both upstairs and downstairs toilets, backing onto a beautifully kept communal garden.

That garden is the pride and joy of another Resident, Ken Cox, who was awarded a Gold Medal in the Crewkerne in Bloom competition last autumn.

From music to gardening, Chubbs Almshouses are clearly full of life, colour and community spirit.

photo credit: Jeff Hutson

posted 8 May 2025

Celebrating the life of Phil Sweet D Day veteran

Municipal Charities are sad to announce that almshouse resident, Phil Sweet, who was 100 years old and one of the last survivors of the D Day landings, sadly died last week.

Born on 25 October 1924 and died on 30 April 2025, Phil led a landing craft on Gold Beach on D Day (6 June 1944).

He was the longest and oldest resident of one of the Municipal Charities Almshouses in Stratford-upon-Avon.

In an interview with Midlands Today on his 100th birthday Phil mentioned that amazingly his father had survived the Gallipoli campaign. Last year Phil took part in the 80th Anniversary of D Day at the National Arboretum where he met the Duchess of Edinburgh and was interviewed by Sky News

https://news.sky.com/video/d-day-80th-anniversary-veteran-recalls-how-beached-ship-was-used-as-prisoner-of-war-camp-13149036

Phil recalls the following about his war time experience:

“I was sent to a place called Lochailort in the Highlands where I did six weeks of hefty nautical and ability training. Those six weeks were the toughest I have experienced in my life both physically and mentally. At the end of each week you had exams and if you were not good enough you would be dropped. But I lasted and was appointed an officer then sent to Troon for officer training for another six weeks and then appointed to a tank landing craft ready for the D-Day landings.

The war had been going for quite a considerable period of time for my training was in readiness for the D-Day landings the time of which we did not know then.

I was part of the initial wave that landed at the village of La Rivière as part of the Gold Beach landings. I was in a flotilla which were the first to go into the beach with two tanks on top of each other on the landing craft so that they could bombard the beach with shells as they were coming in to land. We didn’t lose anybody that day although the landing craft was damaged by the underwater objects as we were going in.

Then following the landing we were offloading equipment to the beaches and whilst doing so I had to go to the tented hospital at Bayeux with suspected peritonitis which turned out to be appendicitis.

I was sent to Plymouth to HMS Foliot, running all the movement of landing craft. We were tropicalizing (adding refrigeration and air conditioning) landing craft ready for the Far East but of course that collapsed because they dropped the atomic bomb.”

Along with the trustees, residents and staff of Municipal Charities, all the team at The Almshouse Association extend their sincerest condolences to Phil’s family.

Phil leaves a daughter and son and family.

posted 7 May 2025

From Struggle to Strength: how the Association helped revive Clear Cottages

As the Clear Cottages almshouses celebrate their centenary, Mavis Howard shares their remarkable story – a journey from near-closure to thriving community homes. It’s a tale that could have ended very differently, had it not been for the determination of the trustees and timely support and guidance of The Almshouse Association.

“In 1925, four almshouses were gifted to the village of Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, by Francis John Clear. These homes, intended for spinsters or widows who were both natives and long-term residents of Melbourn, opened their doors on 18th June of that year. The first resident was, delightfully, a Mrs. Christmas.

I first became involved with the Francis John Clear Almshouses in 1976, when I joined the Parish Council and was appointed as their representative on the Board of Trustees. Although I retired from the Council after 27 years, I continued as a trustee – and have now written 49 annual reports!

When I joined, the almshouses were facing financial difficulties so severe that closure was considered. We approached the District Council to see if they might take over the homes as part of their housing stock, but the proposal encountered significant challenges. The Chairman at the time then contacted the Charity Commission to explore the possibility of winding up the charity. Fortunately, they refused to allow it.

It was then we turned to The Almshouse Association, and were met with the kindness and wisdom of Mr. Flatley. He visited us personally and quickly identified the root of our financial troubles: an outdated oil-fired heating system installed in the 1960s. Thanks to his intervention, we received a £4,000 loan to install modern gas central heating. This single improvement marked a turning point in our fortunes.

We added a nameplate beneath the original Founder’s Stone, renaming the buildings ‘Clear Cottages.’ With careful management and a growing bank balance, we began to upgrade the homes, adding double-glazed windows, insulated roofing, enclosed porches, and, after the passing of a long-term resident, a full modernisation of one cottage, complete with a wet room and updated kitchen, while preserving cherished period features like the built-in dresser and cottage doors.

Eventually, our Quinquennial report revealed the need for a new roof – a daunting expense. Once again, we turned to Mr. Flatley for advice. Rather than advising us to sell investments at a bad time, he offered an interest-free loan, repayable over ten years. It was nothing short of a lifesaver.

Today, all four properties have been fully modernised and are highly desirable. In fact, most tradespeople who visit ask to be added to a waiting list – only to be told there isn’t one, and that gentlemen need not apply! 🙂

Over the years, our trustees have been a dedicated and hands-on group, and our team of local tradesmen take genuine pride in maintaining the cottages. As we celebrate the almshouses’ 100th anniversary, I find it humbling to reflect that I’ve been a part of their story for nearly half of that time.

While we may be considered “newcomers” in the grand history of almshouses, I wanted to share our journey and express our deep gratitude to The Almshouse Association. Without their guidance and generosity, we might not have made it to this remarkable milestone.”

Back of the cottages

Thank you for sharing your story, Mavis. It has been a truly inspiring read. All of us at The Almshouse Association are proud of the role our predecessors played in supporting Clear Cottages during a pivotal time. We look forward to continuing our mission to help, guide and support almshouse charities across the country for many years to come. Wishing you all a very happy centenary anniversary!

Brother John’s Journey

85-Year-Old ‘Brother on a Bus’ Takes on UK-Wide Public Transport Challenge with Heart and Heritage

WINCHESTER, UK – On 1st May 2025, John Seager Green, a vibrant 85-year-old resident of The Hospital of St Cross and The Almshouse of Noble Poverty, set out on an extraordinary 43-day journey across the UK – using Stagecoach Buses and other bus service providers.

The journey, known as “BOB – Brother on a Bus”, https://hospitalofstcross.co.uk/brother-on-a-bus/ covers 31 cities and towns across England, Scotland, and Wales, and aims to shine a spotlight on the modern role of almshouses – Britain’s oldest form of charitable housing.

[John has managed to secure a bed for the night in almost all of the locations apart from Cardigan, Cardiff, Bridlington, Newcastle, Bangor and Glasgow, so if you are able to help, please do drop the Hospital of St Cross a line via office@hospitalofstcross.co.uk ]

Clad in a traditional black cloak and cross, ‘Brother’ John is determined to challenge stereotypes around ageing, showcase the spirit of almshouse life, and connect with people from all walks of life.

“This is more than a journey; it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and gratitude,” said John.

“After finding belonging at St Cross during a tough time, I want to show others that it’s never too late to find purpose – or to take a leap.

Almshouses not only provide a home – they provide a life. “I hope to show people that almshouses are not just places to live, but places to thrive. And at 85, I want to prove it’s never too late for an adventure! I also want to make people aware of what a splendid place The Hospital is to live in – not only a beautiful space, but one with a vibrant, sociable community, a wonderful retirement home for a man over 65.

As we are also nearing the 900^th anniversary of the foundation, (that’s 900 years of continuous public service, something of which very few other institutions can equal), I want to help raise funds to preserve out 12th Century Chapel – “a miniature Cathedral”, according to Pevsner*.”

Now an active teacher of bookbinding and well-known for his sociable spirit and culinary flair, John brings not only a wealth of life experience but a refreshing sense of curiosity.

Louise Wood, Deputy Clerk for The Hospital of St Cross says: “John is a formidable powerpack of ideas and ventures for The Hospital of St Cross; driven by a passion to promote our almshouse accommodation, our beautiful site, and put us squarely on the national map. By embarking on this ambitious circumnavigation of the UK, John hopes to raise funds for our Charity and highlight the Hospital’s approaching 900-year anniversary for 2032. We all wish him all the luck with his adventure, and we will keep a close eye on him throughout the whole trip.”

With Stagecoach and other bus service providers supporting his travel, the project highlights sustainable transport, intergenerational connection, and the power of storytelling.

“John’s journey is a wonderful testament to the power of public transport in connecting people, places, and communities, “we’re proud to be part of John’s inspiring adventure and to help shine a light on the importance of sustainable travel, independent living, and community spirit across the UK. Stagecoach buses are at the heart of local life, and we’re thrilled to support John as he proves that age is no barrier to discovery, connection, and making memories. We’ll be cheering him on every mile of the way.”

Mark Jackson, Operations Manager at Stagecoach South

“We are absolutely delighted to champion John on his remarkable journey. Almshouses represent the oldest form of charitable housing, offering not just shelter, but a true sense of home, companionship, and community. In a world where loneliness and isolation are increasingly widespread, almshouses provide a solution. Many of our nation’s most beautiful and historic buildings are also almshouses, and The Hospital of St Cross stands as a particularly stunning example. We wish John safe travels, new friendships and wonderful adventures! We will be sending him our encouragement and support every step of the way.”

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association

Throughout the trip, John will record reflections on his journey, meet with locals and stay in historic almshouses, returning to Winchester on 12th June.

1 MAY 2025

Before setting off, John spared The Almshouse Association a few minutes for a quick interview with Nick Phillips, Association CEO to tell us what inspired him.

And he’s off!