As we draw a close to 2021, the year of The Almshouse Association’s 75th anniversary of supporting and representing almshouse charities, the stories and photographs of celebrations from almshouse charities all of the UK are still coming in.

It gives us great pleasure to share more happy ocassions with you ….

The Charity of Marjorie Hurst were one of the first almshouse charities to join in our 75th celebrations and their story made news in the Knutsford Guardian

Rick Dallimore, chairman of the Marjorie Hurst Trust, said:

“The tea party was attended by 20 residents and friends along with trustees. It was a real success with homemade scones and cakes and a good deal of talk over many cups of tea. The sun shone and everyone had a good time. After such a long time in lockdown it was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to meet in a relaxed and happy way.”

The oldest resident aged 98 joined the celebration.

“We have a lot to thank Marjorie Hurst for,” said Rick. “She left four cottages to the trust and some money.Now thanks to the hard work of Cllr Bert Grange we have six flats as well. He was a very popular man with lots of vision and determination. Many Knutsfordonians will remember him well”.

Garden party celebrates generous bequest of cottages and flats | Knutsford Guardian

Kathryn Warner, Clerk to the Trustees, Charity of Ann Edwards Diocese of Gloucester wrote in:

I just wanted to let you know that we held a small event in the courtyard of Ann Edwards Mews last Friday. We took the opportunity of reasonable weather and the relaxing of Covid restrictions to invite the residents to meet together, admire the beautiful gardens, and welcome the new residents who’ve moved in during and after the lockdowns. A few members of staff, and the scheme gardener, came along too, and we enjoyed tea and cake, sandwiches and crisps provided by the residents, who seemed to enjoy getting together again after such a long time. We also took the opportunity to celebrate 75 years of The Almshouse Association with them. Sadly, I forgot to take any photos in the excitement of the occasion! But I thought you might still like to know what’s been happening!

Double celebrations at The Bakewell Almshouses, St John’s Hospital

Trustees of The Bakewell Almshouses were presented with a donation of ÂŁ8,000 during their celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

A happy and sunny event was held in the gardens of the South Church Street homes, with plenty of tea and cake!

The Revd. Canon Tony Kaunhoven, chair of the former charities, with Dr Jeff Marsh, trustee of the group, presenting the cheques to the trustees and clerk of The Bakewell Almshouses, along with some of the residents

They also made the local news – twice!

The Bridport Charities almshouses provide accommodation to residents in 13 Flats over two sites. 

Trustees and residents enjoy a garden party in the lovely South street garden in July. 

The Davenport Homes

The Davenport Homes held an afternoon tea and welcomed their local MP Saqib Bhatti to celebrate the refurbishment and opening of their communal lounge after lockdown, and the 75th Anniversary of The Almshouse Association.

L – Mr Bhatti with residents in the refurbished hall; C – Mr Bhatti with chairman David Corney, resident Yvonne Kerr and The Almshouse Association Patron’s Award plaque from 2018. R: Photo 3 Mr Bhatti with trustees. Mike Holford, Graham McGuinness, Jan Cove and Mary Spencer

Drayton Parochial Charities 

When resident and trustees met up for the first time in a long time, there was lots of news to catch up on at the party in Abingdon!

Click here for more almshouse charity celebrations