Formal Opening of Hedger’s Almshouses New Garden Room – August 2024

Hedger’s Almshouses (founded in 1797) have been in Merrow since 1963. Until recently, they not had a permanent communal space where residents could socialise together. Happily, with the generous help from Your Fund Surrey Small Community Projects, Guildford Poyle Charities, Guildford Lions Club and The Mercers’ Company, they are now delighted to be able to offer their residents a beautiful new garden room.

The Charity is still exploring all the uses the room might be put to, but primarily it is somewhere for residents to relax and where friends and family can join them.

The official opening on Saturday 24 August was attended by residents and their guests, trustees old and new, funders, local dignitaries and friends of the charity. Despite the dreadfully wet weather, they were able to celebrate this exciting new chapter in the Charity’s story.

Cllr George Potter at the opening
in from the rain
Edward Martineau, Chair, delivering his speech

Chair, Edward Martineau, welcomed everyone and after his short speech he handed over to Cllr George Potter, whose support was instrumental to the project, to say a few words. Simon Ling, treasurer of The Almshouse Association, cut the ribbon to formally open the new garden room and guests enjoyed a delicious buffet prepared by one of our trustees.

almost finished

The original idea for a garden room was first floated in late 2023 by, trustee, Sue Tester. It was her vision to have somewhere for residents to get together and socialise. Having canvassed the residents’ opinion and got the other trustees on board with the idea, Sue began to look for possible sources of funding. She identified Your Fund Surrey in February and contacted local County Councillor, George Potter to see if he would support an application. He enthusiastically agreed to do so and the application was made later that month.

The trustees were thrilled when the funding for the full amount requested was approved in April 2024 covering the cost of the base, the building and its electrics. Wasting no time the building was ordered with the base being laid on 29 April.

With the building itself ordered, thoughts turned to furnishings and applications were made to Guildford Lions and Guildford Poyle charities. Again, they were delighted when the applications were approved and with the money granted, were able to buy eight chairs, two coffee tables, a unit to house a kettle and mugs and a portable heater.

lights on, ready for entertaining

Finally, they realised we needed an extension to our nonslip path, with a step up to the building and handrail for extra safety. An application was made to the Mercers’ Company in June. It was approved in July and the path was laid just in time for the opening.

The Charity, originally set up in south London, moved to Merrow after its property suffered damage in World War II. There are eight purpose-built bungalows offering affordable accommodation for older single women with a connection to Guildford who are able to live independently.