Trustees and residents of The Haven of Rest Almshouses in Maidenhead welcomed the Rt Hon Theresa May MP to their almshouses last November.  

Teresa May, Jo Thomas (Chair of trustees) and Mr Ron Edgington, our longest resident who opened the garden when Mrs May was unable to attend

Above photo: Bob, Mary, Eileen, (residents)Jo Thomas (Chair) Richard and Ron (residents)Teresa May, Cath Rowley (trustee) Penny (resident) Jane Cottrell (trustee) Photo credit: Ian Longthorne at Maidenhead Advertiser’

“The Haven has 12 bungalows and two flats so is  comparatively small but it is a wonderful friendly and supportive community. We had invited Theresa May to open our newly refurbished garden in the summer but she was unable to do so and so we were very pleased when her office contacted us to arrange a visit.  She spent an hour talking to some of the residents, trustees and Jo Thomas, Chair of the trustees.  She was very interested in the history of the Haven of Rest and impressed with the quality and high standard of the dwellings, buildings and gardens.”

Trustee Jan Cottrell

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On the day of the official opening of the newly redesigned and landscaped garden, residents all enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in their new garden.

Mrs Josie Thomas, chair of the trustees welcomed the residents and special guests Mr Peter Murcott trustee of the Louis Baylis Trust, Mr Robin Butler, President of Maidenhead Lions, Mr Don Evetts, Past President of Maidenhead Lions and Mr Ian Thomas, Deputy Chairman of Poole & Rings Charity and Treasurer of The Haven, whose generous donations have enabled a continual programme of maintenance. Also present were past trustees Mrs Bobby Cager and Mr Keith Whiteside accompanied by his wife Judith and Mr and Mrs Peter Davis.

Mr Peter Murcott was invited to unveil a commemorative plaque, following which Mr Ron Edgington, who has been a resident for 22 years, cut the ribbon to officially open the garden.
Two garden benches which are dedicated to two former much missed long-term residents take pride of place in the garden. The garden is a beautiful community space for all residents to use whether for a quiet place to relax or to socialise with their neighbours.

posted February 2023