Dear all,
Firstly I thank you, our members, trustees, clerks, wardens and volunteers who have done so much to support your residents during the year, especially when so many of you have had your own challenges and commitments to take care of.
In the almshouse world, we often talk about buildings, governance, legislation, finance, fundraising…but actually… at the middle of it all…right at the heart of what we do… are the residents….and you and the residents make sure this is kept front and centre. You – by showing how you care every day of the year for your residents, and the residents – by letting us know how much their almshouse “family” means to them.
So what kind of a Christmas message can I give ? It is no exaggeration to say that it has been a dreadful year and maybe many people will not be celebrating Christmas. Covid has been such a pain, not just impacting our daily routine, but it seems to have seeped into our very psyche! It has made people ill directly and those it has not touched directly, it has made them scared and miserable. But! I am surprisingly optimistic about the year ahead . It is so often said that you only appreciate “it” when “it” has gone. Friendship and community mean everything in the almshouse world and this past year, we have desperately missed the company of others, meeting friends, sharing a chat, tea together, the relaxed atmosphere of a busy friendly pub, parties and celebrations, warm hugs and kisses – the thought of getting that all back is making me is making me feel really positive about the next year. I feel that there really is now a light at the end of the tunnel and it is getting so much brighter and closer. I can actually dare to imagine life getting back to normal. It will be different for a while, we have all been knocked off our feet this year, one way or another, but I know I will really appreciate time spent with others that maybe I was too busy to appreciate before and what I really miss – coming out to meet our members and residents .
And, here at the Association in 2021, as we celebrate 75 years of supporting and representing almshouse charities, we intend to celebrate all the great work of almshouses, all your hard work in keeping the spirit and function of almshouses going, keeping your residents buoyed up and giving so much.
We all wish you, your families and residents a peaceful, safe and warm Christmas and a bright, positive New Year!
Our phones lines will be closed between 24th December and 4th January 2021. If you need to call urgently during this time, please call Nick Phillips CEO on T: 07483 390054
Posted 16 December 2020