A day of thanksgiving, reflection and celebration

80 years of The Almshouse Association

The Almshouse Association marked its 80th anniversary with a special day of thanksgiving, reflection and celebration at Southwark Cathedral, London on 21 September 2026, returning to the place where the Association’s story began.

Autumn sunshine added to the joyful atmosphere as 80 guests gathered in the cathedral courtyard. Supporters, researchers, ambassadors, founding charities, member charities, staff and board members came together to reflect on eight decades of service to the almshouse movement and to look ahead to the future.

The afternoon began with bespoke tours of the cathedral, giving guests the opportunity to explore its rich history and its significance to the Association and almshouse movement. The tours highlighted the inaugural meetings held in 1946, which led to the formation the Association.

The Association’s 80-year history was brought to life through a fascinating archive display for guests to explore.

The collection offered a glimpse into eight decades of service to the almshouse movement, featuring historic documents and letters, photographs, accounts, reports, publications and press clippings, as well as books celebrating almshouses and their inspiring history and buildings.

Among the items was a mallet that was used to strike the table and keep order at early board meetings – a tangible link to the Association’s earliest days.

Great to see you all, what a spectacular day !!

Oliver Jones Davies, W1M

CEO Nick Phillips formally opened the event, welcoming guests and reflecting on the passion and commitment that brought the Association into being, as well as the challenges facing those entrusted with its stewardship today. He then introduced the Dean of Southwark, The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley, before guests heard from representatives of three prominent charities with deep roots in the Association’s history: Martyn Craddock of United St Saviour’s, Sarah Oliver of Mercers and Chris Wilson of Southwark Charities, all spoke warmly of their charities and the positive impact they are having on people’s lives.

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association

Dean of Southwark, The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

One of the afternoon’s most moving contributions came from residents, Bett Llewelyn, who shared her journey from growing up on a farm in Wales to becoming a teacher in London.

She spoke candidly about the challenges of being priced out of her neighbourhood and the difference finding a home at Appleby Blue almshouse had made to her life, bringing not only a beautiful place to live but also a renewed sense of belonging and social connection.

What a memorable day yesterday was! I learnt so much, met so many interesting people and left feeling so proud of the Association.

None of this happens by chance: I should be most grateful if you would pass on my thanks and appreciation to all involved in both the planning and execution of the celebrations.

Juliet Smith JP DL

Martyn Craddock, United St Saviours Charity

Willie Hartley Russell, Chair of the Association, gave a stirring summing up, reflecting on the Association’s history and its extraordinary supporters, including, from the arts world, poet Sir John Betjeman and the filmstar Douglas Fairbanks Jr. This provided a fitting introduction to the Association’s new ambassador, renowned actor Hugh Bonneville.

Hugh was delighted have just discovered that the famous first meeting on 14 February 1946 took place on the day his father (and his father’s twin) turned 20. He spoke warmly about what had drawn him to support the almshouse movement and his enthusiasm for helping to highlight the Association’s work, before cutting the 80th anniversary cake.

Chairman of The Almshouse Association, Willie Hartley Russell

Guests assembled in the Garry Weston library

Hugh Bonneville cuts our the celebratory cake

Guests then gathered in the cathedral for a bespoke Evensong service, which formed the centrepiece of the afternoon’s celebrations.

Representatives of the livery companies with longstanding links to The Almshouse Association – the Worshipful Companies of Skinners, Salters, Ironmongers and Vintners – robed for the Order of Procession and entered the cathedral alongside the Dean of Rochester, the Very Revd Dr Philip Hesketh, the Dean of Southwark, The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley and the choir.

The Association’s Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell read the first reading.

‘I was honoured to represent the Ironmongers Company at the 80th anniversary celebrations. We are incredibly proud of our long-term links with the Almshouse Association, which has become a forceful and significant voice in representing the diversity and needs of its members.’

Richard Patteson-Knight Esq,
Worshipful Company of Ironmongers

The service was a truly glorious and uplifting occasion, with all the music and readings reflecting the enduring values of charity, compassion and shelter. The closing hymn, Be Thou My Vision, was a particularly fitting choice for this service of thanksgiving, celebrating 80 years of commitment to almshouses and the communities they serve.

The evening concluded with sparkling wine and canapés in the Retrochoir, a beautiful chapel at the rear of the church. Association Vice-Chair, Andrew Barnes thanked guests and raised a toast to The Almshouse Association, bringing a memorable day of reflection and gratitude to a celebratory close.

Our sincere thanks go to our founding charities and supporters, whose commitment has shaped the Association over the past 80 years, and to the clergy, choir and administrative team at Southwark Cathedral for their generous welcome and for helping to make this such a beautiful anniversary.

And special thanks to our sponsors, Grout Insurance Brokers, Winckworth Sherwood LLP and W1M who made the day possible.