2021/2 AWARD WINNERS

Almshouse Association Award winners announced and celebrated at Members Day 2023.

Members Day had a buzz of excitement in the room when the Awards for 2021 and 2022 were announced by our Awards Committee Chair, Simon Pott. Members received warm applause as they took to their feet and collected their well-earned recognition and award certificates.

The Awards are a significant part of not only Members Day but also the almshouse movement. They highlight the dedication and hard work of our members in almshouse development and community spirit, epitomising the excellence that all our members are working towards. All our members are to be commended for their commitment, enthusiasm and devotion to their almshouses and their residents.

The Inspirational Homes Awards 2021/2022 Almshouse Association award winners

Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses Charity, Leicester
A new three-storey extension providing a community ‘hub’. Eight self-contained one and two-bedroom flats on the first and second floor together with six single-storey dwellings, the provision of additional parking and a new bin store. A truly inspiring development.


Hallaton & Isabella Stenning Trust, Hallaton, Market Harborough
A beautifully built two-bedroom bungalow sits comfortably within its setting in a quiet lane in Hallaton. Trustees used a conscientious and sensitive approach to the design, ensuring no adverse impact on the heritage of adjacent properties and wider village.

Peter Birtwistle Trust, Peter Birtwistle House, Colne, Lancashire
An outstanding new build property of twelve supported one and two-bedroom flats. Local shops and amenities are close by and easily accessible enabling residents to continue to live independently in their local community.

Tibberton Almshouses, Gloucester
Exceptional improvements to four semi-detached almshouses carried out in stages over the past 10 years.


Great Shelford Parochial Charities, Cambridge
A stunning new development of 21 modern almshouses for individuals, couples and families on a green belt exception site. Triple-glazed throughout with air supply heat pumps and heat recovery systems.

The Poland Trust, Brockham, Surrey
A stunning new almshouse development which supports the local younger generation and is partly funded by the sale of five self-build plots that are capped at 80% of market value.

The Honywood & Douglas Charity, Lenham, Kent
A beautiful extension of an existing bungalow forming two one-bedroom homes, with the conversion of an existing historic outbuilding, creating a further one-bedroom property.
Communal gardens and close to important village amenities.

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The Gardens and People 2021/2022 Almshouse Association award winners


Penrose Gardens, Barnstaple Almshouses, Barnstaple, Devon
This award-winning garden design includes areas for vegetables, herbs and flowers, raised beds, allotment plots and sheds, ensuring something for everyone who lives at Penrose.

Frances Darlington Charity, Charnock near Chorley, Lancashire
In lockdown, a group of ladies from the community wanted to form a craft group. With no cost involved, the group meets up once a month in the chapel to enjoy each other’s company and share their skills and expertise.

Zeals Almshouse Charity, Chafyn Grove, Zeals, Wiltshire
Beautifully manicured and well-loved, low-cost gardens that welcome the whole community in for local events and to see their floral displays year-round.

Penrose Gardens, Barnstaple Almshouses
Frances Darlington Charity
Zeals Almshouse Charity

To read all about the award winning entries in full, please click on the links below:

The awards are for everyone to participate in and celebrate their achievements. They belong to all of you who are working on a daily basis to provide the best service you can for your residents. Help us celebrate your achievements by submitting an application for your 2023 projects and developments.

Details on how to submit your projects or developments for a 2023 Award will be posted on our website soon and will also appear in our Autumn Gazette.


Association welcomes new Chairman

We are delighted to announce that Willie Hartley Russell MVO DL, has been appointed as the new Chairman of The Almshouse Association.  The announcement was made on Thursday 15 June 2023 at the Association’s Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting.

Willie has been a dedicated member of The Almshouse Association Board of Trustees for 20 years, serving in significant roles as Chair of sub-committees, and as Vice Chairman of The Almshouse Association for the last six years.

Willie with the out-going Chair Elizabeth Fathi (2018 – 2023) at Members Day 2023

Willie is a highly regarded investment management professional with generations of family commitment to almshouses. He is a driving force in his local community having recently been High Sheriff of The Royal County of Berkshire (2021/2022), Vice President of the Berkshire Community Foundation, and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, ensuring that the important links with City Livery companies and The Almshouse Association are maintained.

Willie runs his own farming enterprise and has shown huge personal commitment to the almshouse movement, chairing the family foundation, The Hartley Trust, which dates back to 1393. The Trust has been in the family for nearly 400 years and is the tenth oldest almshouse foundation in the country.

Of his appointment as Chairman of The Almshouse Association Willie Hartley Russell said:

“Almshouses are about people – the people that occupy them and the volunteer trustees who manage them.  It is these people who provide the ‘community spirit’ that makes almshouse living so unique and enduring.

I am looking forward to being Chairman of The Almshouse Association. I want to build closer relationships with government and the housing sector to protect and enhance this exemplary form of community housing that is still so relevant today. I hope, too, that I can encourage more philanthropic support for the longevity of the movement.”

On Willie’s appointment, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, comments:

“I am delighted. Willie brings formidable experience to our leadership. With his financial career in investment management in the City he brings sound business acumen, and, with his long history of family commitment to almshouses, he has a depth of knowledge that can see the Association and the wider almshouse movement thrive and become robust for the next century.”

Cutting at the cake at the Association’s 75th Anniversary celebration
Willie Hartley Russell (second from left) with fellow board trustees, Clive Cook, Elizabeth Fathi and Paul Mullis

In the news:

  • The Almshouse Association Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell on Kennet News Radio – click on link below and slide to 30.21 to listen.

posted 22 June 2023, updated 24 July 2023

Day’s & Atkinson’s join the 2023 London Festival of Architecture

The London Borough of Barnet was involved in the 2023 London Festival of Architecture and the Day’s & Atkinson Almshouses played a part in the celebrations this year. They held an event on Saturday 24th June which took the form of a guided walk and talk with refreshments along the way.

“We met at the tomb of Charles Day (the ‘Day’ in Day’s and Atkinson’s) which is situated in the graveyard at St Margaret’s Church Edgware. We then moved on to the Day’s Almshouses in Stonegrove, then  Atkinson’s Almshouses and finally the housing and community project that is ‘One Stonegrove’ where we held a Q & A and enjoyed a buffet lunch.

The event attracted around 30 participants and was attended by Councillors, the Clergy, Historic England, and members of the public. Rev’d Simon Rea (Chair of the Charity) and Peter Murphy (Trustee) each gave talks and took us on a journey of the architecture of the buildings and the history of the Charity.

The weather was perfect and our residents welcomed visitors into their homes and gave very positive testimonies as to the benefits of living in an almshouse.”

Mike Seaman, Clerk To The Trustees, Day’s and Atkinson’s Almshouses

Thank you for sending in these fantastic photos Mike and well done for all your hard work.

posted 5 July 2023

The Almshouse Association Members Day 2023

A Celebration of Community, Compassion, Companionship, and Care

On 15th July 2023, The Almshouse Association hosted Members Day 2023 at the prestigious One Great George Street in Westminster, London. The day was dedicated to embracing the values of community, compassion and companionship, which lie at the heart of the almshouse movement, and, on the day, a fourth ‘c’ was added to the theme by the special guest speakers – care.

The event brought together esteemed individuals who shed light on the caring nature of almshouses and emphasized the significance of human interaction. The day was filled with inspiring speeches, informative sessions, and networking opportunities, making it an extraordinary experience for all attendees.

Welcoming the Chairman and Honouring the Award Winners

One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of the new Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell. His appointment marked a fresh chapter for The Almshouse Association, symbolizing its commitment to the future of the organization. His inspiring words resonated with the delegated, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation for the Association’s journey ahead.

New Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell

Another significant moment was the recognition and celebration of The Almshouse Association Award winners. These remarkable individuals and projects were honoured for their impressive developments, beautiful garden projects, dedication, and hard work. Chair of the Awards Committee, Simon Pott and new Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell presented the winners with Gardens and People and Inspiration Homes certificates and award winner pin badges, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the almshouse movement.

Liz Fathi steps down as Chair and receives the honour of officially becoming the Association’s first ever ‘Friend of The Association’.

The TAA ‘Friends of’ programme will be officially launched this September giving members and associates the opportunity to join a special group of people helping to preserve the historic value of the almshouse movement and securing its future.

Our Friends of Programme will offer a distinctive array of activities and projects for friends of active involvement, all the while supporting the almshouse movement.

Poland Trust, Inspirational Homes Award
Wyggestons and Trinity Hospital Charities, Inspirational Homes Award
Great Shelford Parochial Charities, Inspirational Homes Award
Barnstaple Almshouses, Gardens and People Award
Frances Darlington Charity, Gardens and People Award
Zeals Almshouses, Gardens and People Award
Peter Birtwistle Trust, Inspirational Homes Award
Tibberton Almshouses, Inspirational Homes Award
The Honywood and Douglas Charity, Inspiration Homes Award

Guest Speakers Emphasising Care

Our distinguished guest speakers from various fields shared their valuable insights, all converging on the importance of care within the almshouse community.

Paul Latham of the Charity Commission shed light on the regulatory aspects, emphasizing the significance of caring practices within charitable organizations. Research Fellow Dr Helen Pooley provided an academic perspective, underlining the positive impact caring architecture has on the well-being of residents. Sir Stephen Bubb JP FRSA, a renowned charity titan, shared his experiences and praised the uniqueness of almshouses and the caring nature that defines all charities.

Paul Latham, Charity Commission
Dr Alison Pooley
Sir Stephen Bubb JP FRSA

Our headline speaker, Author and Humanitarian, Terry Waite CBE captivated the audience with his personal anecdotes and insights into his time in captivity, illustrating the transformative power of care in fostering compassion and resilience.

The Q&A that followed his talk could have gone on for hours; so many questions, so humble his manner, and such a huge inspiration to us all.

Terry Waite CBE delights the delegates

A Day Filled with Inspiration and Engagement

Panel of Experts answers delegate questions

Members Day 2023 was brimming with engaging sessions, including Q&A opportunities with experts in their fields, allowing attendees to delve deeper into specific topics. The event encouraged active participation and facilitated networking among the members, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the almshouse community

A special thanks

The Almshouse Association extended their gratitude to the sponsors and exhibitors who supported the event, recognizing their invaluable contribution to its success. Thanks also to Richard Gray for the photography

Additionally, the Association expressed their appreciation for everyone who dedicated their time and effort to making the day truly exceptional.

The Almshouse Association Members Day 2023 was an unforgettable celebration of compassion, community, companionship, and care. With an illustrious line-up of guest speakers, the introduction of the new Chairman, and the recognition of outstanding achievements, the event exemplified the core values that define the almshouse movement. Through inspirational speeches, engaging sessions, and ample opportunities for networking, attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the vital role they play within their communities. The event served as a testament to the enduring commitment of The Almshouse Association and its members to creating a better world and seeing almshouses recognised as the exemplar form of community housing.

posted 28 June 2023

New almshouses for Great Shelford

Five years in the planning, Great Shelford’s £4.4M almshouse development is now complete and has welcomed its first residents.

The 21 new homes, a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, are grouped in three curved terraces surrounding a central green. Equipped with air source heat pumps, mechanically ventilated heat recovery systems, triple glazing and high levels of insulation, the homes are designed to minimise energy consumption and keep residents’ running costs low.

“Ever since our initial public meeting in July 2018 at which we outlined the need for further affordable housing in Great Shelford, we have been working closely with villagers and both parish and district councillors to bring this project to fruition. And I would particularly like to thank the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority for their generous grant of just over £1M towards the development cost,”

Sarah Rann, Chair of the Parochial Charities trustees.

Alongside the new development the charity has planted some 250 native trees and laid out allotments, a community garden, footpaths and benches, providing enhanced public access to the 8 acres of land it owns on the northern edge of the village.

The new development brings to 53 the total number of almshouse homes managed by Great Shelford Parochial Charities, providing affordable accommodation for villagers on low incomes and in housing need.

The trustees plan to hold a formal opening later in the year.

Taken from GSVC website news: New almshouses for Great Shelford – GSVC (gspc.org.uk, Sunday February 12, 2023

History of Beeston’s Almshouses, Peckham

posted 16 May 2023 in ARCHITECTURE, HIDDEN GEMS, LONDON, LOOK UP LONDON, SOUTH LONDON by Katie Wignall

Along Consort Road in Peckham you can admire the quaint-looking Beeston’s almshouses. As well as their charming appearance and characteristic almshouse layout, the aspect that really piqued my interest was the shield of the Girdlers’ Company.

Worshipful Company of Girdlers Crest | Look Up London
Beeston’s Almshouses

You can spot more of these in Farringdon (featured on my Clerkenwell walk in my book!)

THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GIRDLERS

The Girdlers’ Company have a recorded history going back to 1327 when King Edward III granted them Letters Patent. This gave them a monopoly over the trade of girdles (making belts and other metalwork) and allowed them to regulate manufacturing standards and see off competitors.

London weathervanes

The company’s Arms – granted in 1454 – contains three gridirons, chosen because griddle-iron sounds similar to girdler. Their patron saint is Lawrence of Rome who was grilled to death(!) on a gridiron in AD258.

The church of St Lawrence Jewry by the City of London Guildhall has a gridiron weathervane and the Girdlers’ Company have been associated with that church for centuries.

The name Beeston is a nod to Cuthbert Beeston, a past Master of the Girdlers’ Company who left seven houses to the company in his will of 1582.

Beeston's Almhouses, Peckham | Look Up London

Originally, the bequeathed houses weren’t in Peckham, but at the south end of London Bridge. These were compulsory purchased in 1834 when the Old London Bridge (1209-1831) was being replaced by the John Rennie’s London Bridge (1831-1970).

In the 1828 map below you can see both the new and old London bridges marked across the Thames. The original almshouses were on the south approach to the Old London Bridge.

Image credit: layersoflondon.org – C and J Greenwood 1828

The proceeds of that sale funded a two-storey almshouse building in Peckham.

Today they’re home to 20 residents and when the occasional vacancy does appear the criteria is fairly strict, the charity stipulating that the residents shall be “poor persons in the following categories”;

  • Freemen of the City of London;
  • Persons who are, or have been, employed in trades akin to that of a Girdler (including workers in metals, leather, cloths and fabrics);
  • Persons resident in the former administrative county of London, as constituted on 31st March 1965.
Beeston's Almhouses, Peckham | Look Up London

The almshouses were built in 1834, designed in a Tudor-esque style with gabled roofs at each end and hexagonal chimneys. Presumably this is a nod to their 16th century foundation and I found the overall effect visually striking and totally charming.

Peckham has a few other notable almshouses. I wrote about the former Asylum and Caroline Gardens chapel after visiting for Open House London.

There’s also more Girdlers’ Company almshouses in Choumert Road. Similar to Beeston’s, they were funded by a past Master, George Palyn in 1610 and were originally in the City before moving further into the London suburbs. You can see photos of them here. 

Article from Look up London website posted on The Almshouse Association website on 26 June 2023

Case Study: Poland Trust

CAF Bank has published a great case study on their website on the Poland Trust Almshouse Build which we have shared with you below:

The cause

A philanthropic gift, the commitment of trustees to a decade-long project and CAF Bank’s support. These are the foundations of a new build scheme in Surrey, to make affordable accommodation available for people who otherwise may not have been able to stay in the area.

High property prices mean that the availability of housing is a worry for many local people. The Poland Trust, a locally-based charity and Almshouse Association member, has been looking at ways to meet the need for affordable homes, so that the community can continue to flourish.

The Trust’s main aim is to help people in need, hardship or distress who have a connection to the villages of Brockham, Betchworth, Buckland and Leigh. It was set up with the financial support of Sidney Michael Poland who lived in the area. He died in 1936, leaving funds and property for the benefit of local villagers. Originally, the charity helped older residents to find suitable homes for retirement. In recent years, it began exploring how to help young people stay in the area by providing social housing.

CAF Bank support

After nearly ten years of searching for a suitable site, The Poland Trust is developing Poland Meadow. 12 homes are being constructed on land gifted by a local family. The Weekly Maitenance Charge for these flats and houses will be at approx. 60% of market rate, with priority given to those with a strong connection to the local area.  The development also includes five self-build plots, which the Trust has sold to local residents at 75% of market value. A covenant means that these can only be sold on at 80% of market value and have to be offered to people in the local community.

Getting this project off the ground relied on support from a number of sources, including the Trust’s own resources, a grant from Mole Valley District Council, proceeds from the self-build plots and a bank loan.

CAF Bank was selected to provide long-term finance. Following discussions to understand the needs of the project, we were able to provide a secured loan which was drawn down in summer 2022.

The impact

The development provides four one-bedroom flats, two one-bedroom houses, five two-bedroom houses, and one three bedroom-house. In collaboration with The Almshouse Association, all the homes are designated as almshouses, in line with other properties run by the charity. The first four units are occupied by residents with an average age of around 30.

“I never thought I would be able to live independently in the village and community where I grew up, because of housing costs in the area so this lovely new flat is a life-changing opportunity for me and I am extremely grateful for it,” said one new Poland Meadow resident.

Project takeaways

A challenge might have multiple solutions

The inclusion of self-build units assisted The Poland Trust in making the project financials stack up, as well as providing a different option for those for whom rental properties are not a suitable solution.

Know your local environment

The trustees of the charity are all local and know that the area floods. With this knowledge they invested approximately £300,000 installing a reservoir for surface water, so they can control the release of water into the local catchment area.

Engage with the local community and employ local firms where possible

The architect of the project has lived in a local village all his life, the builders are based nearby and the building standards supervisor lives in the area.

We recognised some time ago the need for social housing for the younger generation, to supplement our existing almshouses which cater for older beneficiaries.

We are immensely grateful to CAF Bank and all the supporters of this development, which will provide high quality homes for current and future residents. The greatest reward has been the reaction of the new residents as they move in.

Andrew Barratt, Trustee

See Also: Almshouses for young people in Surrey |

posted June 2023

2 more residents join the 100 Club!

Double birthday celebrations at Yoakley House as two more residents join the 100 Club

May 19, 2023 Kathy Bailes News 1

Photo credit: The Isle of Thanet News | Yoakley House 100 Club from left to right: Betty Thompson (102), Ruby Holmes (100), Vera Broom (soon to be 100), Betty Farrant (soon to be 100), Ruby Oakes (100), Mary Grieves (102), Lily Stokes (103)

100th birthday celebrations were held for residents Vera Broom and Betty Farrant in May at Yoakley House care home in Margate, bringing the total number of residents in Yoakley House’s 100 club to seven, including Ruby Holmes who still lives independently in one of the almshouses at Drapers!

Vera was born in London and trained in secretarial work- shorthand, typing and accounts. She lived in Hastings and Wales before moving to Cliftonville. She enjoyed travelling and had many holidays abroad. She is very close to her daughter Sheila and has two stepchildren.

Betty was also born in London and trained in secretarial work. She was in the ATS during the war. She was married to her husband Stuart for 70 years and spent many years of her life in Uganda. She has two children and loves golf, badminton and bridge.

Julie Wickenden, Executive Manager, said:

“Yoakley House is home to 28 permanent residents so this is a good percentage of centenarians. We are very proud of our staff and the excellent care they deliver.”

Michael Yoakley’s Charity was established in 1709 and consists of beautiful historic almshouses, gardens and a Quaker meeting room where Elizabeth Fry worshipped in 1845. The residential home was created in 1980 to provide care for almshouse residents who could no longer look after themselves independently.

Mr Yoakley, the founder, was an impoverished farm boy from Margate who went to sea, made his fortune, then returned to give back to his community. Find more on the history at https://yoakleycare.co.uk/about/

The year Vera and Betty were born -1923

King George V was on the throne.

The Prime Minister was Bonar Law (Conservative) and the Stanley Baldwin (Conservative)

26 April – Wedding of Prince Albert, Duke of York, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the future King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) in Westminster Abbey

31 July – Liquor Act makes it illegal to sell alcoholic beverages to under-18s.

31 December – the BBC broadcasts the chimes of Big Ben for the first time.

posted June 23

Message from CEO

People land on our shores from often, war-torn countries, families lost and afraid. What these people often wish to cling to, (second only to the freedom to live without immediate fear), are people that remind them of home – a micro community supporting each other. This need to be with others of a shared understanding happens with all of us, but is especially important with every refugee.

This week, the  Government updated the Afghanistan Housing Portal – their description of affordable housing for independent living as stipulated – sounds like the framework of an almshouse model.

Almshouses are usually established for the people in most need as at the time the founder gifts their legacy, and this is such a sacred and valued gift. One could map the changes in needs in society through the almshouse model. From the 10th Century, where almshouses were established for the sick, elderly and vulnerable outside the city walls,  through the periods of leprosy, plague, war, industrial revolution homelessness, strife widows and industrial workers, all the way to today’s most in need.

I wonder if a future almshouse legacy will meet the needs of today’s vulnerable and lonely? Whether they are young people leaving care, young families with no fixed home or refugees. A legacy could go on for centuries offering warmth and hospitality to those most in need.”

Click here to find out more: Afghanistan housing portal – offer accommodation and other support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Nick Phillips CEO The Almshouse Association

The wonder of almshouses in Country Living

We were delighted to read Susy Smith’s recent column, ‘View from here’ in the June 2023 issue of Country Living, especially her opening caption that perfectly captures the almshouse movement message that almshouses are just as important today and in the future as they were in the past :

” They may be like a quaint architectural anachronism, but almshouses could be as relevant today as they ever were”

Her almshouse enlightenment tour came about when “ a low rise, very modern block of flats was built at one end of our high street in 2020. As my daughters were thinking about renting their own place, we eyed it with interest. We liked its contemporary style: simple shape, pale brick construction with striking cut-metal balconies, evidence of a roof terrace and two good cafes beneath. “That would be a cool place to live,” said one of my girls. “I wonder what the flats are like inside.” We never found out for, when I investigated further, I was surprised to learn that the residents in these flats are probably of retirement age, with limited financial means and a strong connection to the area….the flats, it turns out, are almshouses.

“Surely not?’ I thought. Almshouses are, in my experience, splendid historic buildings with interesting features: a clocktower here, a sundial or statue there, and always a stone plaque commemorating the benefactor who bequeathed the land or paid to have them built for the local poor. The ones I know best are the Grade II-listed Rickey’s Almshouses near Richmond in Surrey, which were built in 1834 in the Tudor Gothic style. I pass them regularly -and stop to admire the architectural details. With their over-tall chimneys, stone mullioned windows and impressive crenelated frontage, they certainty cut a dash amid the surrounding shops and suburban housing stock. This new block of flats couldn’t be more different. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further…. “

To read the article in full, please click here.

posted 8 June 2023