From Struggle to Strength: how the Association helped revive Clear Cottages

“In 1925, four almshouses were gifted to the village of Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, by Francis John Clear. These homes, intended for spinsters or widows who were both natives and long-term residents of Melbourn, opened their doors on 18th June of that year. The first resident was, delightfully, a Mrs. Christmas.

I first became involved with the Francis John Clear Almshouses in 1976, when I joined the Parish Council and was appointed as their representative on the Board of Trustees. Although I retired from the Council after 27 years, I continued as a trustee – and have now written 49 annual reports!

When I joined, the almshouses were facing financial difficulties so severe that closure was considered. We approached the District Council to see if they might take over the homes as part of their housing stock, but the proposal encountered significant challenges. The Chairman at the time then contacted the Charity Commission to explore the possibility of winding up the charity. Fortunately, they refused to allow it.

It was then we turned to The Almshouse Association, and were met with the kindness and wisdom of Mr. Flatley. He visited us personally and quickly identified the root of our financial troubles: an outdated oil-fired heating system installed in the 1960s. Thanks to his intervention, we received a £4,000 loan to install modern gas central heating. This single improvement marked a turning point in our fortunes.

We added a nameplate beneath the original Founder’s Stone, renaming the buildings ‘Clear Cottages.’ With careful management and a growing bank balance, we began to upgrade the homes, adding double-glazed windows, insulated roofing, enclosed porches, and, after the passing of a long-term resident, a full modernisation of one cottage, complete with a wet room and updated kitchen, while preserving cherished period features like the built-in dresser and cottage doors.

Eventually, our Quinquennial report revealed the need for a new roof – a daunting expense. Once again, we turned to Mr. Flatley for advice. Rather than advising us to sell investments at a bad time, he offered an interest-free loan, repayable over ten years. It was nothing short of a lifesaver.

Today, all four properties have been fully modernised and are highly desirable. In fact, most tradespeople who visit ask to be added to a waiting list – only to be told there isn’t one, and that gentlemen need not apply! 🙂

Over the years, our trustees have been a dedicated and hands-on group, and our team of local tradesmen take genuine pride in maintaining the cottages. As we celebrate the almshouses’ 100th anniversary, I find it humbling to reflect that I’ve been a part of their story for nearly half of that time.

While we may be considered “newcomers” in the grand history of almshouses, I wanted to share our journey and express our deep gratitude to The Almshouse Association. Without their guidance and generosity, we might not have made it to this remarkable milestone.”