Members Day back with enthusiasm, fun and focus

Wednesday 15th June saw the return of Members Day. The atmosphere was warm and expectant as members met up again (which for many was the first time) post-pandemic.

Grand Station, Wolverhampton set the scene for the day. Originally opened in 1854, this Grade II listed building was formerly known as the Low-Level Train Station in Wolverhampton.

The Almshouse Association 71st AGM took place before the commencement of the Members Day with member voting for the adoption of the 2021 Accounts and the election of the Board Members.

Members Day 2022 then kicked off with a warm welcome from Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association and Chair, Elizabeth Fathi followed by a presentation of the exciting key elements of The Almshouse Association strategy taking the Association through to 2030.

Members then joined various workshops which included sessions on Governing Documents, hosted by Tim Rutherford of Stone King LLP, steps on reducing your carbon footprint with Tim Richardson of Quinquennial Inspections Ltd, attracting and motivating new trustees run by charity consultant, Diane Rutter and Mediation with Lisa Watson-Cook, Lester Aldridge LLP.

Simon Pott, Chair of our Awards Committee delighted the audience with his almshouse award committee visits outlining the experiences (and cream teas) the panel enjoyed whilst appraising the applications before presenting the Awards for 2019 and 2020.

Patron’s Award Winner – Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouse Charity
Clare Heyes Clerk, John Bradley Vice-Chair with Simon Pott Awards Chair

He then went on to introduce and present to each award winner – huge congratulations to them all!

The Almshouse Association Award for Excellence and Inspiration 2019/20

  • The Charity of Elizabeth Wadsworth, Calderdale, West Yorkshire
  • William and Julia E Chafyn-Grove Charity, Zeals Almshouses, Wiltshire
  • Hurst Consolidated Charity, Wokingham, Berkshire
  • Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, Bond’s Lodge, Coventry, West Midlands
  • W.C. Lee’s Resthouses, Windlesham, Surrey
  • Hugh Sexey’s Hospital, Bruton, Somerset

The Gardens and People Award 2020

  • Jesus Hospital, Ravenscroft Lodge, Barnet
  • The Eleanor Hirst Trust, Wilshaw, West Yorkshire
  • Coventry Church (Municipal) Charities, Bond’s Lodge, Coventry
  • Wivenhoe Housing Trust, Jonathan Feedham Court, Wivenhoe, Essex

Almshouse Association award winners receive their award certificates

Richard Morrice

Richard Morrice of Historic England followed with a very informative presentation on the spirit of almshouses in architecture and the newly developed Guide on Almshouses (expected to be published this Autumn, following consultation).

I just wanted to thank you for putting on such a successful event yesterday. Please pass on our thanks to your team. It was lovely to be back in the same room with representatives from the almshouse community and Liz’s comments in particular, provided a good perspective and food for thought for the future. I am pleased that my new colleagues were able to meet you both and gain from the workshops and networking.

Karen White; Chief Officer, Taunton Heritage Trust

Exhibitors and guest speakers chatted with members during breaks and members also enjoyed participating in a lively and educational Q & A session with our panel of experts, Lisa Watson-Cook, Tim Richardson, Liz Fathi, Adrian Nisbet and Sean Stafford.

Lisa Watson Cook, Tim Richardson, Liz Fathi, Adrian Nisbet, Sean Stafford

Roland Karthaus from Matter Architecture finished the day with a fabulous presentation on what the future almshouse could look like. Roland drew on research about wellbeing and modern almshouse architecture.


“The day was a great success with everyone bustling with enthusiasm and pleased to see each other again. The day started with the magic of almshouses and opportunities for the future. It seems all presentations in their own area touched on different aspects of that theme. Our experts were truly inspiring and it was indeed a boost for the almshouse movement. An event full of renewed friendships and plans for the future.”

Nick Phillips CEO | The Almshouse Association


Many thanks to all our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, panel of experts and member charities who made the day possible.

I just wanted to add how inspiring I found the day, thank you. One of the take aways for me, was how you reminded us the almshouse buildings are “the shop window” to the work we do within them. This was a really powerful way to remind staff and trustees the importance of these unique building – thank you, I’ll be quoting this often.

Ros Moreton; Office & Compliance ManagerTaunton Heritage Trust

Posted 4 July 22