Dunk’s almshouses, Hawkhurst joined in our 75th celebrations with a garden party.

Their clerk, Lisa wrote in to tell us all about it

“We thought you would like to know that in celebration of The Almshouse Association’s 75th anniversary and to help raise funds for our educational fund we held a very successful garden party on Saturday 7th August.  The weather could have been kinder to us but we advertised it well – you will see from the attached photo of the banner and despite the rain was very well attended. 

The Trustees set up a display showing the history of the almshouse with old photos and narrative detailing the wishes of Sir Thomas Dunk in his Will for 6 houses to be built for the poor of the Parish plus a schoolroom and accommodation for the schoolmaster for the education of the poor boys of the Parish. 

Sir Thomas Dunk died in 1718 and the building works were completed in 1723 when the first residents moved in and the schoolroom was opened. 

The residents and trustees made lots of cakes and savouries which we sold and also served with teas and coffees for which we asked a donation.  Plus one of the resident’s daughters made an amazing cake for us to guess the weight of and there was a raffle.  In all we took £474.50 which will go to help the children of the village as per the legacy left by Sir Thomas Dunk in his Will.

The community spirit was tremendous and despite the hard work was much enjoyed by all especially the residents who invited family and friends. “

We are so pleased you all enjoyed your party and thank you for sharing your celebration with us !

August 21

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