His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant visits The Almshouse Association’s new Windsor offices: A celebration of heritage and member community
On a crisp November morning, His Majesty’s Lord‑Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Andrew Try, Esq., DL, visited our newly opened offices – Leonard Hackett House, at 19-21 Victoria Street, Windsor. He also toured the ‘Keep’, our secondary office space, leased to support the operations of the new premises.
His Lordship was particularly impressed by the almshouse movement timeline, a central design feature which will adorn the office walls. The wall displays will be a graphical celebration of the history of this enduring community-led housing model, featuring photographs, archival images, and a detailed UK map of almshouse locations for visitors to view and admire.
There will also be a Wall of Thanks dedicated to all our supporters who have contributed in some way over the past 80 years.
Throughout the visit, he commended the office’s thoughtful architectural design, highlighting its seamless integration of modern functionality with historical character. The tour underscored the innovative vision of the new workspace, which not only honours the organisation’s heritage but also serves as a dynamic hub where members can connect, collaborate, and engage with one another.
CEO of The Almshouse Association commented,
“The Chair, myself and the staff of The Almshouse Association were delighted to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire to our new offices in Windsor. After more than 50 years in Wokingham, a generous gift and legacy from former General Secretary Leonard Hackett enabled the Association to sell its small, outdated premises and relocate to a modern office in the heart of Windsor—just a short walk from Windsor Castle and our Patron, His Majesty King Charles.
During his visit, Andrew Try, the Lord-Lieutenant for Windsor and Berkshire, expressed his admiration for the work of the Association and its members, and kindly introduced us to several local charities with shared interests.”
posted 24 November 2025
Leonard Hackett with Mrs Hobbs at our old Billingbear offices in Wokingham
Our new office in Windsor, Berkshire, Leonard Hackett House, honour the late Leonard Hackett, the Association’s first General Secretary, who generously left his house and attached offices to The Almshouse Association in his Will.