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

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Almshouse charity steps in to help

A retired Uppingham couple who risked becoming homeless have moved into a newly created flat in Oakham owned by Rutland’s oldest charity, St John & St Anne (SJSA).

The almshouse charity stepped in to help Terence & Mary Gaythorpe after they were given notice to quit their previous home by their landlord. The two-bedroom flat, formerly the charity’s office was transformed into a home, with the help of a grant from Homes England and a loan from The Almshouse Association.

Mr & Mrs Gaythorpe have lived in the county for 50 years. Their flat brings SJSA’s housing stock for retired people to 103 properties spread over five sites in Oakham & Uppingham.

It is so pleasing that this new property will ensure that a local couple can now continue to enjoy their retirement years without having to repeatedly navigate the private rental market.

St John and St Anne Almshouses CEO Paul Martin

The Almshouse Association is so pleased to hear that an Almshouse Association loan has helped to make this possible for the charity and for these newest almshouse residents. With the help of our supporters and generous donations, we hope to be able to offer many more grants and loans to charities in need to that they may continue to provide safe, warm homes to people in need in their community.

If you would like to find out more about supporting almshoue charities or making a legacy in your will, please do contact our Head of Fundraising at susanvanleest@almshouses.org

You may also like to visit our Leave a legacy | (almshouses.org) page.

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Association visits Amersham almshouse charity

The Almshouse Association CEO Nick Phillips and Assistant Policy & Engagement Officer Jack Baldan were pleased to be invited to visit Amersham United Charites on June 22 2021 by Howard Hughes, Len Tridgell and Simon Partridge, the trustees of the charity.

The visit involved discussions on the various challenges the charity has experienced when maintaining and remodelling a listed building.

The renovations the charity is seeking planning permission for to improve the layout and quality of accommodation on offer involve almost all internal works. Plans include making the dwellings more energy efficient and tackling issues around condensation, and the aim of the improvements is ultimately to improve the quality of life for the beneficiaries of the charity, whilst also futureproofing a grade 2 listed building.

The visit also allowed trustees to discuss hurdles the charity has faced during the process, particularly concerning the position of the conservation officer (HBO). This is an issue that the Association is familiar with and we will endeavour to do our part in seeing this project granted permission so that residents can enjoy warmer, healthier homes.

We would like to thank Amersham Charities for their time. For their generosity in sharing thoughts about lessons learned, condensation issues, conservation approaches and how the Board has remained motivated and focused despite delays.

The visit highlighted the commitment of the trustees to improving living standards for the charity’s beneficiaries, as well as their determination that there be a source of genuinely affordable housing in the community in perpetuity. 

Posted 24 June 21

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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

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Almshouses feature in LCR publication

An article on almshouses by The Almshouse Association CEO Nick Phillips has been published in this month’s LCR magazine, produced by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

NALC works in partnership with county associations to support, promote and improve local councils. We hope that by featuring in this month’s LCR magazine, The Almshouse Association will take a further step forward in achieving our goal to improve the understanding of almshouses at a local council level. This understanding is vital to ensure that members receive support from their local parish or town council. We believe that by creating a better understanding of almshouses within this sector that we can create a number of potential benefits, including increasing interest in trusteeship.

In the article, Nick discusses the role and benefit of almshouses and why local councillors should look to support and learn more about their local charities. Click here for the full article

We would like to thank NALC for allowing us to write for LCR and look forward to further collaborations in the future.

If you are interested in LCR magazine you can find out more and subscribe here.

Posted 8 June 21

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Shrewsbury Drapers Company wins prestigious award

The Almshouse Association was incredibly proud to learn that the Shewsbury Drapers Company has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

They are among four Shropshire groups to receive the award which is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups and is awarded for life. It is awarded to outstanding groups of volunteers whose level of initiative and impact are truly exceptional.  Each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community. Volunteers are expected to be leading its work. 

“I am delighted that four Shropshire groups have been awarded, The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service this year.  This prestigious award is richly deserved by each of the groups, who have made a real difference to so many people in the county of Shropshire.”

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner JP who will be presenting the awards

The Shrewsbury Drapers provide sheltered housing for the elderly, preserve the heritage of the Guild and their historic Hall and promote a textile design competition.  They have been running since 1462. The 52 almshouse beneficiaries are vulnerable elderly people who are selected on the basis of need. The newest block of almshouses, Drapers Place, opened in 2016 and was awarded The Almshouse Association Patron’s Award by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2019.  Locals and visitors benefit from Drapers Hall and its contribution to tourism and trade in Shrewsbury. The Textile Design Competition encourages and recognises the work of several hundred students and crafts people.

I am delighted that we have been awarded the QAVS.  Not only is this a superb recognition of all the hard work put in by our volunteers year after year, but also I hope that it will make us better known locally, and encourage a more diverse selection of skilled and energetic people to come and help us.

Major General John Crackett CB TD DL, the current Master of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company

Read the full article via Shropshire Live here
Find out more about Shrewsbury Draper Company here

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HRH visits Bond’s Hospital almshouses

The Almshouse Association was delighted to welcome our Royal Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales to Bond’s Hospital Almshouses, Coventry on 25th May 2021, during The Almshouse Association’s 75th anniversary year.

As part of his Royal ‘Away Day’ in Coventry, The Prince of Wales took the time to visit Bond’s Hospital, run by the Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities to meet with residents and trustees, and to cut a cake to celebrate The Almshouse Association’s 75th anniversary.

Upon his arrival, HRH was greeted by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, who presented Liz Fathi, Chair of The Almshouse Association, Nick Phillips, Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association, Mr Victor Keene MBE – Chairman of Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, Mrs Virginia Rigby – Vice Chair of Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, Mr Richard Kenyon – Chairman of Bond’s Hospital Estate Charity and Matthew White, Chief Executive of Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities.

Mr Victor Keene MBE presents HRH with a book

HRH was invited to sign the visitor book of the charity in the prayer room where he was also presented with a book by Michael Orten. The title of the book is ‘For so long as the world shall endure’ which was a phrase used in the Will of Thomas Bond (the charity’s Founder) in 1506 and relates to the term of the charity that he set up over 500 years ago.

HRH, The Prince of Wales chats with Mrs Eileen Nixon

Prince Charles then went out into the garden where he spent time speaking to the thrilled trustees and residents of Bond’s Hospital and asking them about their interests.

Nick Phillips, The Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association said,

“His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales once again showed his great commitment to the residents of almshouses. He is so interested in what they have to say and their individual stories.

The Prince of Wales has been such a significant support to The Almshouse Association and our members throughout the pandemic, and we were delighted that he took the occasion of the visit to Bond’s Hospital Almshouses to cut the cake celebrating 75 years of The Almshouse Association. The residents, volunteers and staff were so pleased and really enjoyed his company. It was such a boost for them, for us and the 1,600 almshouses in the country.”

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and Elizabeth Fathi, Chair of The Almshouse Association, share a joke as the cake, decorated with the charity’s logo, is cut to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Association.

In her speech, the Chair of The Almshouse Association, Elizabeth Fathi, said how proud the Association, the trustees and staff were to have the Royal Patronage, and how grateful they are that His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, is so supportive of the historic almshouse model. She said,

Head of Member Services, Rosie Sweeney made sure everyone got a slice of our 75th celebration cake

“It is an honour to welcome His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of The Almshouse Association – a movement that began a thousand years ago:  a thousand years of providing warm, friendly houses for local people. That shows it’s a model that works!”

Residents, staff and trustees all raised a glass to toast this special moment.  

..

The Almshouse Association represents and supports a network of 1,600 independent almshouses across the UK that provide community housing for some 36,000 people in housing need.

Throughout 2021, The Almshouse Association will be celebrating both their 75th anniversary and the achievements of the almshouse movement which spans over a thousand years.

Photos: Richard Gray
Top photographs: 1st image: HRH talks with residents (l-r) Mrs Sheila Tognonato, Mr David Stanley and Mrs Olga Miller; 2nd image: HRH is presented to Nick Phillips CEO of The Almshouse Association and Liz Fathi Chair of The Almshouse Assocation; 3rd image HRH with Mrs Janet Blair-Wilson and Mrs Patsy Keogh.

Posted 1 June 21

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The Buchanan Trust: Four wonderful new almshouses!

The Almshouse Association is honoured to have received an invite to the opening event for The Buchanan Trust’s new almshouses, specially built for ex-military beneficiaries.

The Buchanan Trust is a charity that was set up in 1918 to support ex-military personnel, in memory of Alan Buchanan who fell in the First World War. Run by a diverse board of voluntary trustees, the Trust still continues to this day with its vital work in supporting veterans with their transition from military to civilian life.

Situated in Herefordshire near the village of Bosbury, the Trust owns The Bosbury Estate, a small rural estate that provides short to medium term residential accommodation for former service men and women and their families. It supports them to readjust after their time in the forces has come to an end. In addition to housing, the Trust also provides veterans with access to work experience, accredited training skills and employment opportunities in the rural and construction sectors. Working with like-minded businesses, other charitable and public sector organisations, the Buchanan Trust is proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is resolute in supporting the Armed Forces Community.

Recent project – four new Veteran’s cottages

The Trust’s most recent project has been the building of four new one and two bedroom cottages for its ex-military beneficiaries. Some of these units are DDA accessible and able to cater for the beneficiaries’ families. The cottages will be ready to welcome a further four veterans on to the Trust’s country estate, where the houses are being developed in small courtyard clusters where the residents form a small community and can support each other in a safe and secure environment.

This project has been made possible through funding support from both Herefordshire County Council and Homes England, along with other charitable donations from The Hereford Cathedral Almshouse Charity and various businesses, local communities and the general public.

As a registered almshouse charity and members of The Almshouse Association, these cottages will be run as Almshouses, with our veteran beneficiaries of the charity paying a weekly maintenance charge for the upkeep of the properties.

The Trust wishes to acknowledge everyone who has supported this project which has continued despite the challenges of COVID-19, drawing specific thanks to our Principal Contractor, Lane Britton Jenkins who won the contract partly as a result of many of their sub-contractors, who are former service personnel, providing lower prices as they wished to support the project.

The ‘COVID safe’ event takes place on 21st May 2021 and they are delighted to have various local dignitaries in attendance, along with actor, author, presenter and investigative journalist – Ross Kemp.

Posted 13 May 21

CEO blog: May 21

Our pizzas are worth more than care for elderly people …. we all agree? Don’t we?

I think a home is a basic necessity, like water or care for the elderly, and I expect I am not alone in this. So why aren’t we fighting for it? We are normally really good at that aren’t we? It was not so long ago that we supported en masse Uber drivers, pizza delivery riders and sports shop workers because of their appalling pay and conditions.

This was going to be a long blog setting out the various shared elements of the two great frustrations where the same people often find themselves overlooked and/or undervalued. However, there just seems so little point. It is like pointing out that football players are paid more than nurses and much as we love to see a kick around we all know we definitely need one more than the other. This is of course, the stuff of three in the morning teenage debate. It is what it is – get over it!

When I read about the uproar from investment companies backing out of a well-known pizza delivery company because of their bad pay and conditions …. it brought me up sharp again, (Maybe it was three in the morning!) but people were taking notice! Bad pay and conditions for our pizza delivery riders – things must change, it’s not fair! Quite right! But I sigh inwardly when I talked to a close friend who was a carer who expressed how he was only paid for between 30 and 45 minutes work with clients and often has unpaid one hour drive between clients. He then needs to spend at least 75 minutes with some clients to help dress wounds, make a cup of tea or clean them. These were people not pizzas. He eventually had to stop being a carer as it was costing too much of his own student money to support the job.

What does this have to do with affordable housing? It is my view that good housing is linked to a reduced need for social care. We know loneliness and poor housing can lead to mental and even physical illness, depression and the need for medication. If we recognise that as a bare minimum people need a good quality, warm, safe home, a friend and neighbour we could reduce the cost to the health service.

We must start looking at integrating health, social care and housing, closely intertwined areas which all benefit each other. When all three elements work together effectively, the whole system can work better and provide significant cost savings through reduced attendance at A&E and reductions in loneliness and its associated consequences.

Small-scale charitable community homes, like almshouses, can save the health service a fortune and perhaps with that saving the Government could afford to pay our carers at least as much as the guy who brings us our pizza. Bon appetite!

Almshouse charities smile for Captain Tom’s 100 challenge

Last month, we asked our members to join us with the national campaign as part of an initiative by The Captain Tom Foundation. Our contribution had the aim of raising awareness of our unique form of affordable social housing which has at its heart one of Captain Tom’s key legacies  – combating loneliness.

To rise to the 100 Challenge, The Almshouse Association asked members throughout the UK to showcase their work by sharing a photo of trustees, staff and residents outside their almshouses with their biggest smiles! 

We are delighted to report that we received a beautiful collection of smiles.

We even received smiles from contractors who are busy building the next generation of almshouses ! And photos are still coming in thick and fast

If you follow us on social media, you will have already seen the happy faces popping up on your phones, pcs and tablets and we will also be showcasing them on our website and in our Almshouses Gazette. Photos are still coming in and we will keep on posting them up for everyone to enjoy!

This huge effort has not only enabled us to celebrate the wonderful work our members do and how happy almshouse residents are across the country, but raised awareness of the almshouse movement as a whole.

An enormous ‘thank you and well done!’ to everyone who took part!

And more smiles! 🙂