Devon Live reports on the celebrations held by the Barnstaple Almshouses in Autumn 21.

“On a day of celebrations as a new garden was officially unveiled at Barnstaple Penrose Almshouse, Barnstaple planted the first tree as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebration.

The tree was planted by Lord Teverson in the gardens of Penrose Almshouses. As possibly the most prestigious Grade I listed building in Barnstaple it is fitting that it is home to the first tree to celebrate the Queens Jubilee.

Trustees and residents of Penrose Almshouse were proud to accept this invitation and start the planting in Devon. Planting the tree, Lord Teverson, ambassador for The Almshouse Association said,

“It is an honour to plant this tree to celebrate our Queens Jubilee on behalf of this wonderful almshouse charity.”

The Queens Green Canopy focusses on planting sustainability and encourages planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, to benefit future generations. The project also dedicates a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identifies 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The Penrose Crab Apple Tree is pinned on the Queens Green Canopy interactive map, which shows all the trees planted across the UK within the project. Mayor, Councillor Alan Rennles added:

“On behalf of Barnstaple Town Council, the mayor has put forward a tree and we are delighted Barnstaple is one of the first places in the country to put a tree in the ground to celebrate her jubilee.”

The celebrations came as the new gardens at the Penrose Almshouses were officially opened. The sun shone down on dignitaries, residents, families, friends and trustees at the event as everyone celebrated the ability to get together again post covid for the formal opening of the new gardens by Lady Arran VLL, MBE.

Penrose Almshouse official opening – Reverend Fletcher leads a prayer

Joining the celebrations were Lord and Lady Teverson, the mayor and mayoress of Barnstaple, Alan and Sue Rennles and chair of North Devon Council Councillor Julie Hunt.

This historic almshouse charity was established in 1624 to provide housing for the folk of Barnstaple and is run by a group of trustees who act as guardians of the Grade 1 listed heritage site. Chairman Mike Ford said:

Lady Arran planted a plum tree in the grounds which was donated by the mayor.

“It is a pleasure to provide this garden for the residents of Penrose and we all hope that they gain much enjoyment from them”.

The new gardens provide a mixture of large allotments, a communal allotment area with summer house and tool shed, plus three lawned areas for either quiet reflection or larger parties.

Vegetables are prolific in the allotment plots whilst passion flowers, scented roses and clematis adorn drooping ropes, trellis and two pergolas. The backdrop of shrubs and flowers have been carefully designed to provide all year-round interest and perfume.

Unveiling a commemoration plaque Lady Arran, the Countess of Arran said: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is the happiest day possible for the almshouses, to be here be with you all together and to see people all under a beautiful Devon blue sky.

“Penrose really is a sanctuary in Barnstaple and has the most extraordinary spiritual feel. This new garden really is just the icing on the cake. I cannot congratulate you all enough.

There has been a lot of tender loving care in the creation of the garden and I’m sure there’s going to be an enormous amount of pleasure within this happiest area. Please enjoy every minute of it and thank you all so much for the incredible hard work that’s gone into it.”

Lord Teverson expressed his delight with the gardens and reiterated the importance of almshouse charities within the UK which offer homes within very special communities. Cllr Rennles said,

“It really is so wonderful to see the transformation of this garden. I know that this space is going to bring much joy to the residents here. It’s a marvellous achievement and I am delighted to be here today to see the official opening.”

Support for the new gardens has been given by Devon County Council, St Johns Garden Centre, BJ Value House, Barnstaple Town Council and Ground Force to whom the charity extends their gratitude. A grant for the garden party which reunite trustees, staff, patrons families and friends post covid, on this special afternoon was award by Devon County Council Reconnect Rebuild Recover Grant Fund Team.

National statistics demonstrate that those who live in almshouses have a longer life expectancy many other sectors of the community. Walking through the beautiful, cobbled courtyard into the peaceful gardens today it easy to understand why. “

Author: Lewis Clarke for Devon Live – 4 Oct 2021 – Barnstaple plants Devon’s first tree to mark Queen’s jubilee – Devon Live