The almshouse movement is experiencing a long overdue renaissance with heightened media attention and, as we look ahead to the next 50 years, we are eager to use this growing awareness to inspire philanthropists to support and expand this vital cause.
In July 2024, The Almshouse Association welcomed a full house of almshouse enthusiasts to The Charterhouse in London.
As well as tours of the stunning buildings and gardens led by the ‘Brothers’, our guests listened to talks from a fascinating group of speakers that highlighted the significance of the almshouse movement and power of philanthropic giving.
They included George Courtauld, architect and generational philanthropist; Peter Aiers OBE, CEO of The Charterhouse; Simon and Juliet Dumas, landowners and community benefactors; Martin Smith, CEO of The Poland Trust; Christopher Ray, Chairman of The Frederick Ray Trust; and Willie Hartley Russell, Chairman of The Almshouse Association and The Hartley Trust.
There were also exceptional resident speakers who captivated the audience with their heart-warming life stories.
Speeches from the day have been shared below:
George Courtauld
Architect and generational philanthropist
The Courtauld family has a long history of philanthropic endeavours and their legacies, rooted in centuries past, continue to thrive today. They include Braintree Town Hall, The Courtauld Institute of Art in Braintree, Bocking Public Gardens and Halstead Homes of Rest almshouses.
Christopher Ray
Chairman of The Frederick Ray Trust
Christopher Ray, the grandson of Frederick Ray and current Chairman of The Frederick Ray Trust recounts the story of his grandfather, who founded the Trust in honour of his first son, Lt. Frederick Lee Ray of the Bedfordshire Regiment
Martin Smith
CEO of The Poland Trust
Martin Smith is the Chair of The Poland Trust, an almshouse charity based in Surrey. Recently, they hosted a royal visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester to celebrate the launch of their new almshouses in Brockham and were awarded The Inspirational Homes Award by The Almshouse Association.
Peter Avery
Resident
In 1996, Peter Avery became the first male resident of Trinity Homes in Brixton. A former senior lecturer at Central School of Art and Design, Peter, now 84, continues to be a very active artist and is currently designing a stage set for a south London theatre.
The Almshouse Association would like to express our huge thanks to all our speakers for their valuable contributions.
Following the event, Association CEO, Nick Phillips, has been continuing engagements with guests to establish new almshouse charities and secure funding for redevelopment. He says,
“This is a new era for the almshouse movement. The value of companionship, community and friendship that our members hold at their heart, is now recognised as the best model for providing a place a to live.”
We will keep you informed about our progress and future developments.
Photo credit: The Charterhouse
posted 3 October 2024