Fire doors in almshouses

Fire Doors are crucial in preventing the spread of fire and smoke in buildings.  Responsible persons need to decide on suitable and sufficient measures for the specific types of premises they are responsible for.

For example, further information can be obtained from:

  • The Fire Safety in Specialised Housing Guidance
  • The suite of HM Government Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guidance
  • The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that flat entrance doors must be considered in the Fire Risk Assessment mandated by the Fire Safety Order
  • The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require regular checks to ensure that self-closing devices are working and the fire doors including flat entrance doors are in efficient working order and in good repair. These checks are to ensure that the existing door standard is maintained
  • Responsible Persons, including both building owners (for example freeholders) and other persons having control of the premises (for example managing agents) were required to comply with the regulations from 23 January 2023.

Residents have an important role to play in ensuring that, if there is a fire in their almshouse, the entrance door is an effective barrier to the spread of fire and smoke into the common parts.

Regulation 10 requires that residents are given information that:

  • fire doors should be kept shut when not in use
  • residents or their guests should not tamper with self-closing devices
  • residents should report any fault or damage immediately to the Responsible Person.

The above information must be provided by the Responsible Person to any new resident as soon as reasonably practicable after the resident moves into their flat. The Responsible Person must also remind all residents about this information at periods not exceeding 12 months.

Where a resident wants to alter or change their front door, this should be done with the knowledge and agreement of the Responsible Person to ensure that it does not negatively impact upon the overarching fire risk assessment for the premises.

It is good practice to inspect fire resisting door sets on a six-monthly basis as part of a programme of planned preventive maintenance. Communal fire doors should be inspected more frequently i.e., 3 monthly.  For example, check fire door sets from both sides:

  • Check the operation of the self-closer; door closes fully and tightly in to the rebate
  • Check the door and frame are not damaged
  • No warping of the door that affects its fit in its frame
  • Check intumescent fire and cold smoke seals are intact, serviceable and not overpainted
  • The cold smoke seal should bridge the gap between the door and frame
  • Doors needs to be a good fit within their frames with a maximum of 4mm gaps between the sides and tops of a door and the door frame
  • The gaps at the base of the door should normally be limited to 6mm
  • Check the door frame and leaf are OK, i.e., free of holes left from replacement locks and handles etc.
  • The condition of the fire-resisting glass and glazing system in the door panels, and any associated side or over panels forming part of the door set, retains their ability to resist the spread of fire and smoke
  • No obvious defects in the hinges (for example missing or loose screws), or any other element of the ironmongery (for example ventilation grilles)
  • Letterboxes are firmly closed and not jammed open. Where a letterbox has been fitted to a door that did not previously have one, the resident will need to confirm that the new letterbox is suitable for use in fire-resisting doors and has been fitted by a specialist contractor
  • If there has been any alterations or damage to a door’s glazing apertures or air transfer grille
  • Is there any newly fitted, but inappropriate, door furniture?
  • Have any relevant doors been replaced using non-fire-resisting types? Modern fire doors should display a visible fire resistance rating
  • Where needed, relevant fire door signage is in situ?
  • Although unusual, where a double door is installed, that requires one leaf to close before the other, a door selector may be fitted to ensure that the doors swing closed in the correct order. Where such a selector is fitted, this should be checked to ensure that it is operating correctly.

Where defects are reported, it is important that action is taken within an appropriate timescale and that they are not simply left until the next six/three-monthly inspection.

As mentioned above, the information is provided for guidance purposes only. Responsible persons need to decide on suitable and sufficient measures for the specific types of premises they are responsible for.

Written by Robert Grayson, Fire Risk Assessors & Workplace Safety Ltd, Email: fra.grayson@gmail.com, Company Registration Number 10279766 – England, dated 2 September 2023

MP Briefing

The Association has always encouraged our member almshouse charities, wherever possible, to hold meetings with their local MPs for them to gain an understanding of the issues affecting almshouse charities.

This is something we are especially encouraging at this time as there are a number of regulatory matters that have an adverse effect upon almshouse charities that we are keen to see addressed at both a local and national level.

The issues concerned are set out as follows below and as a download here. We we hope you will find it a helpful briefing note, but please do not hesitate to let us know should you have questions arising.

BRIEFING NOTE:  Regulatory Challenges to The Almshouse Charity Model

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER: The Almshouse Association is seeking for almshouses:

  • to be recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) definition as “affordable housing”
  • to be recognised under the new Community Infrastructure Levy as “affordable housing”
  • to be exempt from new regulation that would challenge the charity structure and spirit of almshouses as embodied in the Social Housing Bill
  • a new appropriate form of regulation fit for small housing charities such as almshouses.

The history and background:  Almshouses, established as a charitable form of social housing in the 10th century, continue to operate as charities providing valuable social housing at a local level, with residents being offered a home based on the terms of the gift of the original benefactor as laid down in the charity’s governing documents.

Almshouse charities today: There are 1,600 almshouse charities operating throughout the UK today providing safe, comfortable homes to some 37,000 people in need. Most almshouses are small communities comprising less than 20 dwellings and while residents live independently, they are also part of a community where there is help and support in the background which may be called upon in times of need.

Almshouses are affordable housing for people in need and often operate within a specified geographical boundary. In some cases, the charities cater for a specified group of people, defined for example by age, sex and, in some instances, those who have been employed in certain industries and are now retired. While the majority of almshouse charities are for older people, the almshouse movement is progressive and there are increasing examples of new charities being established for younger people and families.    

 How almshouse charities operate: Almshouses operate under charity law, are regulated by the Charity Commission and abide by the guidance of The Almshouse Association in its manual, Standards of Almshouse Management (“SAM”)which was produced in conjunction with the Association’s legal advisors, Stone King and in consultation with the Regulator of Social Housing. SAM provides a robust set of standards, processes and procedures, policies and templates that set out legal and good practice examples which are subject to regular review by Stone King.

Almshouse charities also comply with legal obligations such as those required by the Health and Safety regulations, the Trustee Act, the Charities Act and overarching duties such as safeguarding within the Care Act. Almshouse charities are managed and led by voluntary trustees and do not operate under the Landlord and Tenant Act. As opposed to Assured Shorthold Tenancies, almshouse residents, who are beneficiaries of the charity, occupy by way of a licence commonly known as a ‘Letter of Appointment’. 

The Regulator of Social Housing: The 2008 Housing and Regeneration Act established the Regulator of Social Housing. The Act states that Government funding through Homes England (and other funding bodies such as the Greater London Authority) could only be used to support “affordable housing” defined as Regulated Housing such as Housing Associations.

Almshouses are a form of affordable housing and are often the most affordable form of housing available in the area. Residents do not pay rent but pay a Weekly Maintenance Contribution. The majority of almshouses (80%) are not regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing and therefore cannot access the funds made available to other forms of affordable housing unless they become regulated and, as a result, are subject to regulations not always fit for purpose.

Under the NPPF funding can be made available for affordable housing under Section 106. However, as almshouses are not recognised as affordable housing in the current guidance unless they are registered providers with the Regulator of Social Housing, they are not eligible to receive the funding concerned.  

Almshouses that become Regulated Housing Providers (RHPs): The Regulator of Social Housing is designed for organisations holding over 1,000 units but it is a significant fact that 80% of almshouse charities have less than 20 units. The obligations of being an RHP or Regulated Social Landlord can be extensive, time-consuming, and inappropriate. Out of our membership of 1,600 almshouse charities, 264 have opted to become RHPs in order to access Homes England funding.

Not only is regulation an additional burden on trustees but new policies and obligations for RHPs can challenge the charity status of almshouse charities leading to, we believe, a homogenisation of almshouses in order to fit into the social housing model. This can significantly restrict the ability of trustees to fulfil their objectives, can inadvertently widen the objectives of the charity to mirror small housing associations, and can dilute the model of charity which is locally led under defined objectives.  There is a significant risk that this centuries-old, workable, valuable, charity housing model could disappear.

Right to Buy: Almshouses as charities are exempt from the Right to Buy as trustees currently hold the asset on trust in perpetuity.  It is feared that if they fall under the increasing remit of the Regulator of Social Housing, their defence against Right to Buy would be weakened and could leave charities open to being sold.

What is needed: Almshouse charities to be recognised by local government planning departments as being affordable housing and qualified to access support or land under Section 106 (NPPF).

The same recognition is needed in the drafting of the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Almshouses are regulated by the Charity Commission and if a different measure of regulation is to be required in order to access Government funds it should be appropriate to both the scale and structure of these small almshouse charities. Trustees should be allowed to continue to operate under charity law and to fulfil their legal duties and obligations to act in the best interests of their charity and, by definition, their residents.

If you are successful in arranging a meeting with your MP, we would also welcome receiving any feedback.

posted 21 August 23

Olfactory Dysfunction in older people

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) describes a range of issues associated with the sense of smell, including the inability to smell (anosmia), a reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) and a distorted sense of smell, where things smell different to the way they should (parosmia).

Pre-Covid European population studies have suggested that persistent anosmia affects 1-5% of the population, with all forms of olfactory disorders affecting about 20%, increasing over the age >60 1-3; Based on European estimates4, anosmia is more prevalent in the UK than reported rates of profound hearing loss or blindness.

OD affects all age groups but is particularly prevalent in the older section of the population; many people will start to lose their sense of smell as part of the ageing process. Based on European population studies of OD and analysis of the UK population as of 2021, existing data shows that approximately:

  • 13% of people between the ages of 60-69 (just under 1 million people) may have OD
  • 25% of people between the ages of 70-79 (around 1.5 million people) may have OD
  • 55% of people above the ages of 80 (over 1.8 million people) may have OD
  • 4.2 million people over the age of 65 live alone, more than 1 in 4 of them may have OD

The impact of olfactory dysfunction on people’s physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety is significant.  People can often experience poorer mental health by being unable to smell their partners and children, the places they visit or enjoy the flavours of their food and drink. Physical health can then suffer as people’s diet changes, which subsequently impacts nutrition. Safety and wellbeing at home is put at risk through being unable to smell gas, smoke or knowing when food has gone off and is unfit to eat. The fear and anxiety caused by being unable to smell these dangers further exacerbates the toll on mental health.

There is also a growing body of evidence pointing to olfactory dysfunction as being a significant factor in poorer health in later life. Research has demonstrated links between a poor sense of smell and frailty, as an early indicator of neurodegenerative disease, and of increased risk of mortality.

However, people don’t always realise they have a poor sense of smell, particularly if it deteriorates gradually over time.  The fact that testing of the sense of smell happens, at present, in a relatively small number of specialist clinics is a factor in this too. 

There are things that can be done to help people live well with a smell disorder, starting out with an awareness and understanding of the issue and how it can affect people’s lives, along with food tips, safety advice, peer support and more, all of which are part of the information and services provided by Fifth Sense, the charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders.

Information provided by Duncan Boak, CEO and founder, Fifth Sense
Fifth Sense is registered as a charity in England and Wales No. 1175553 and as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 10255303.  Our registered office is at Unit 2, Franklins House, Wesley Lane, Bicester OX26 6JU

posted 4 July 2023

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

Damp and Mould Guidance

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has issued guidance on damp and mould which outlines that there are four types of damp:

  • Rising damp
  • Penetrating damp (due to structural defects)
  • Traumatise damp (from leaks/bursts, inside the building)
  • Condensation damp

The main four causes of damp and mould in homes are:

  • lack of ventilation
  • leaks
  • structural
  • and condensation.

Poor ventilation leads to excess moisture being generated, whilst poor insulation such as poor thermal properties of external walls also plays a part. Fuel poverty or faulty heating systems leading to irregular heating potentially lead to damp and mould occurring, as well as other factors. These include leaks and structural defects such as leaking pipes, blocked gutters or a leaking roof. A defective old damp proof course can also potentially cause damp and mould, as can condensation where relative humidity is above 70%. High occupant density in a room should also be avoided in terms of people, pets and plants.

The health risks linked with damp and mould are well documented, including general respiratory effects, allergies, skin infections and eye irritations. While more research is required, other reported symptoms include headaches, lethargy, memory loss and mental health issues. Those with pre-existing health conditions, older people and those with disabilities are most likely to be affected.

It is believed that around 3% of homes in this country are affected by damp and mould in at least one room.

Housing conditions that put people at an increased level of risk tend to be in deprived or polluted areas and when windows are not opened due to concerns about security, noise, or high outdoor pollution. Small room sizes and building disrepair also have a bearing in terms of risk.

There are five legal standards that are relevant to damp and mould in rented homes and whilst almshouses do not, of course involve tenancies, almshouse charities are advised to abide by the following legal standards in their provision of accommodation:

  • The Housing Act 2004
  • The Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
  • The Decent Homes Standard
  • The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015

Should residents report damp and mould in their almshouse, it is important that the level of their vulnerability is assessed to determine whether they are at higher risk. The resident’s vulnerability should be used as a means of prioritising work, damp and mould should be taken seriously and handled sensitively as it could be causing the resident considerable anxiety.

It is important to seek evidence of damp in a building, such as mould, mould odour or water damage in order to assess health risks and the need to take remedial action. When mould is present, it is most likely to be evident in frequently used rooms.

The subject of damp and mould in properties raises the importance of charities ensuring that they are inspected regularly in order that problems may be detected at an early stage and any necessary remedial action taken.

Further reading:
Almshouse Gazette (almshouses.org) – page 10, Combatting the causes and effects of condensation

posted 5 June 2023

Hoarding

What is hoarding?

Hoarding is now recognised as a mental illness known as Hoarding Disorder. It is a complex interplay between social, psychological, and environmental factors.

A person who hoards may:

  • become extremely attached to items and experience great difficulty in getting rid of possessions
  • experience problems in social, occupational, or daily living activities
  • experience distress and have difficulty making decisions
  • fill area with clutter so it can no longer be used as intended
  • find it hard to organise or categorise items
  • find relationships with family and friends are affected
  • keep or collect items of no monetary value
  • present a risk to personal safety and that of others due to hoarding
  • struggle to manage everyday tasks such as cooking cleaning or paying bills

People often do not have the energy to sort thing out and the task becomes overwhelming. Feelings of guilt or shame may prevent people from seeking help or allowing access to their home.

Research with people who hoard has shown that hoarding may be a linked to specific traumatic life events or could be symptoms of another condition such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, acquired brain injury, dementia, depression, or autistic spectrum disorder.

People who hoard often have logical reasons why they hoard e.g., throwing things away is wasteful, or harms the environment or the item is unique or special or holds special memories or ‘it makes me happy’.

Hoarding may develop over a period of time due to declining health both physically and mentally. Therefore, building relations as early as possible to offer help and support and minimise the hoarding is important.

How can we help and support someone who hoards?

It is important to challenge our own prejudices and assumptions. Everyone is different and we cannot fully understand why an individual hoards. The situation can be frustrating, worrying and difficult. Often, the individual does not want or feel they need help. The following suggestions might help.

  • Educate yourself about hoarding disorder first – it’s a complex condition with no quick solutions.
  • Always use respectful language – don’t refer to things as junk or clutter. The item may hold a special meaning for the person. Use the same language as they do about their possessions.
  • Don’t tell the person what to discard or touch their possessions without consent.
  • Be gentle – you cannot force someone to change their behaviour. Any attempts to do so will make matters worse and is likely to cause distress.
  • Build trust and be patient – this is a slow process and may take many months. Once someone acknowledge they need help it can take a long time before they are ready to make changes. Let them know you are there and are not judging them.
  • Don’t pressure them to let you into their space – as you build a relationship it may help to consider other places you could meet.
  • Help them celebrate small successes  – try celebrating after they clear a small area. The whole task maybe overwhelming so reassure and help them to take things one step at a time.
  • Focus on aspects of safety and well-being – talk about how you can work together to reduce the risk of accidents or eliminate things that could cause harm. This can often start the process off.
  • Do not consider forced clean-ups – focus on a ‘harm reduction strategy’.
  • Don’t make decisions for the person – encourage them to make achievable goals no matter how small.
  • Help them to seek treatment and support – help them know you will support them to seek help when they are ready.
  • Listen to what they want.
  • Always include the person in decisions to call the authorities and explain why this is necessary – they may be reluctant but if you have built a trusting relationship and have focused on safety and well-being this will help.
  • Do not let professionals make surprise visits.
  • With the person’s consent, try to engage family or a friend to give additional support.
  • Record your interventions to enable statutory organisations to have a clear picture of actions taken so far.

What professional help is available?

The person’s General Practitioner can be of help with diagnosis and linking you to other statutory services.

A multi-agency approach is the best way to work with people who hoard. Social services and mental health services can carry out risk assessments and develop risk management plans. They can use the care planning process, or the care programmed approach to try and ‘mitigate the risk of serious self-neglect that can result in significant harm’. Do ask to be included in multiagency meeting or at least send a report on the situation and what action you have taken so far. They can carry out a Mental Capacity Assessment which may help determine if the Court of Protection has the powers to make an order regarding a decision on behalf of an individual. However, application of the Mental Capacity Act can be very complex in relation to self-neglect. Hoarding is a complex issue and often the statutory authorities do not legally have the powers to intervene.

Relevant legislation

  • The Care Act 92014) Statutory Guidance- self neglect is included as a category under adult safeguarding.
  • Mental Health Act (2007)- If a person is believed to have a mental disorder and they are living alone and are unable to care for themselves a magistrate’s court can authorise entry to remove them to a place of safety.
  • Mental Capacity Act (2005) s16(2)(a)- the court of protection has the power to make an order regarding a decision on behalf of an individual. The court’s decision about welfare of an individual who is self-neglecting may include access to assess capacity.
  • Public Health Act (1984) s 31-32- local authority environmental health could use powers to clean and disinfect premiss but only for the prevention of infectious diseases
  • The Housing Act 1988-a landlord may have grounds to evict a tenant due to breaches of the tenancy agreement
  • Article 8 of the Human Rights Act – gives us a right to respect for private and family life. However, this is not an absolute right and there may be justification to override it, for example, protection of health, prevention of crime, protection of the rights and freedom of others.

Thanks to Helen Boyd for providing the above information

posted 24 May 2023

Local Authorities: letters of support

On occasions the Association is asked by our member almshouse charities to provide letters of support to their local authorities which we are happy to do.

These often entail matters such as requests for funding, planning applications or issues concerning residents’ claims for benefits.

It is often found that councils need to be informed about the unique nature of almshouse charities and the way in which they operate in order that such requests may be fairly considered. To this end a letter from the Association (click here to view) has proved to be beneficial, so please do not hesitate to contact us should you have need.

We will, of course, be happy to adapt and expand upon the contents of the letter to allow for specific circumstances.

posted 18 May 2023

Responding to MP letters

Question time in Parliament is bringing to the fore the increased government focus on the Social Housing, Affordable Housing and Private Rented Sector.

MPs are seeing a rise in complaints from tenants about housing conditions that they must act on (see recent example of a Q&A at the end of this article). Almshouse charities could find themselves in the position of receiving a letter of complaint from their local MP on behalf of a resident, to which they must respond.

We are in no doubt that members will always respond in their usual positive and courteous way, however, we have been asked to give a quick bullet point check list that some may find useful.

If you receive a letter from your MP acting on behalf of a complainant:

  • Respond quickly – a speedy response often takes the frustration out of a situation and allows the MP to see that you are treating it as a priority.
  • If you need time – respond positively but say you will investigate thoroughly and respond by …………. Give a date you are confident you can meet.
  • Investigate the complaint or ask further questions of the MP.
  • Once investigated, if the complaint is already resolved, check with all parties concerned and be brief but clear in your response, thanking the MP for their interest.
  • If the complaint is fair and as yet unaddressed, try to resolve the situation, then, once you have done so, inform the MP that it is either being resolved or has been. Giving a brief outline of the situation if needed.
  • Remember, when you receive a letter from an MP, they are doing their job, taking up cases on behalf of their constituency and they may not be aware of the detail or fully understand the situation relating to almshouses. Your response may reassure and impress them and this may actually be a good opportunity to engage with your MP. In the moment, it does not feel like a positive situation but inviting the MP to the almshouse to meet you and meet your residents may have a beneficial long term outcome.
  • If you are concerned – if the complaint is genuine and you don’t have an answer – please call us and we will work with you on a solution.

Business Questions: Social Housing Providers

Wera Hobhouse (Bath) (LD): Many of my constituents have written to me with concerns about unsuitable living conditions in properties owned and run by Sanctuary. My casework team has written to Sanctuary many times and I wrote to the chief executive six weeks ago, but there has been no response. I know that many other MPs and councils have raised concerns about the unresponsiveness of that organisation. Can we have a debate about the responsiveness of social housing providers, who do, after all, provide a very important public service?

Penny Mordaunt: I thank the hon. Lady for her remarks. The moral of the story is that when the chief execs of such social housing providers receive letters from Members of Parliament, they would do well to reply to them in good time, otherwise Members of Parliament will come to the Floor of the House and name the social housing provider, and the Leader of the House of Commons will be forced to write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to make sure that they have heard Members’ concerns. I wish the hon. Lady well and we stand ready to assist her in getting the matter resolved for her constituents.

posted 15 May 2023

King Charles III Coronation Tea Parties!

We have some wonderful photos coming in from our members of their Coronation celebrations!

Above and below, residents, trustees, family and guests were joined by the Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Gary Norman as well as the Garston Gallopers Morris Dancers at Donnington Hospital Trust’s Coronation Tea.

At Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity, the Coronation was celebrated with a lunch for residents.

This fabulous photo shows trustees Anna Daniell and Wendy Allen serving homemade cream scones to resident, Mrs Edith Lee – aged 102! 

Everyone dressed up for the special occasion!

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At Thomas Watson Cottage Homes in Barnet, Hertfordshire they marked the occasion with a Coronation tea and the planting of two trees by Mrs. Jenny Harrold, Chairman of Trustees, and Mrs Yvonne Kelly, one of the almshouse’s longest-serving residents.

And residents and staff of Wyggestons and Trinity Almshouses Charity celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III with a day of events at Lancaster House, Leicester.

The charity provided a hog roast to over 100 residents of the almshouses and care home along with specially commissioned cupcakes and refreshments.

Despite the poor weather the residents enjoyed the music from a local jazz band and watched the Coronation in the new Lancaster House facilities including in the impressive Duchy Lounge, named to honour the Charity’s unique relationship with the Crown through the Duchy of Lancaster.

We look forward to receiving more of your stories and photos !