Building for the future: four new almshouses in Ottery St. Mary


How The Almshouse Association’s £100,000 loan enabled Ottery Feoffee Charity’s most ambitious development in decades.

Ottery Feoffee Charity is a long-standing almshouse charity serving the parish of Ottery St. Mary, Devon, with origins tracing back to 1440 when local benefactor John Lawrence gifted land and housing for the support of elderly parishioners.

Over the centuries the Charity has continued to provide accommodation for those in need, expanding and rebuilding its sites through the contributions of figures such as Robert Hone, William Sherman and Henry Beaumont. As of 2025, the Charity manages 22 homes across three sites, offering secure, affordable accommodation to both individuals and couples.

Illustration of new building on plot

In recent years, the trustees identified an urgent need to increase the availability of almshouse housing in response to a growing list of applicants. The Charity owned a plot previously occupied by a second-hand portable classroom, acquired in the 1970s for community use, which had since become outdated and underused. After careful consideration, the trustees concluded that redeveloping this land into new almshouse accommodation would provide far greater long-term benefit to local people.

The Almshouse Association played a central role in enabling this vision. In 2024, the Association awarded Ottery Feoffee Charity a £100,000 interest-free loan over ten years, providing essential financial support toward the construction of a new block of four one-bedroom almshouse flats on the site. This contribution formed a cornerstone of the project’s funding package and gave the Charity the confidence and capacity to proceed with what is its most ambitious building project in decades.

Their interim report on the build outlines the background to the development, the steps taken to bring the project forward, the challenges encountered, and the progress achieved to date, highlighting the significant impact that The Almshouse Association’s support has had in helping the Charity expand its provision for the community it has served for nearly six centuries.

The Charity’s report can be access by clicking below:

Ottery Feoffee Charity Feoffee Rise Report 2025Download

Did you know?

If a charity does not have sufficient funds to carry out necessary works to their almshouses, part of the service The Almshouse Association offers its member charities is financial help in the form of grants and loans. We are most grateful to all the people and organisations who so kindly donate to The Almshouse Association and leave gifts in their Wills. Without their generosity, we would not be in a position to help support almshouse charities with their renovations and new builds.

The Almshouse Association awards loans and grants to our member charities every year. In 2024, £813,667 was approved in new loans and grants totalled £60,000. Charities pay no interest on the loans, just a small administration fee. As they make repayments on the loans over a ten-year period, the Association can continue to offer loans to charities year after year, meaning that your donations continue to support almshouses and their residents in perpetuity.

If you are interested in making a donation to The Almshouse Association or leaving a gift in your Will, please do visit our Support Us pages here.

posted 26 November 2025

Panel of Consultants Networking

Celebrating the success of the inaugural Panel of Consultants Networking Morning

On Thursday 6th November, The Almshouse Association hosted its first Panel of Consultants Networking Event at The Charity of Elizabeth Jane Jones in Bedfont. The event brought together professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including architects and lawyers, for an inspiring and informative session.

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, provided a full update on the movement and guest speaker Simon Smith, one of the Association’s Ambassadors, delivered a compelling presentation on the history of almshouses. Steve Melvin from Atelier Architects shared insights into the development of Ossulton Court in Uxbridge, and Tim Kenny, Trustee of The Poland Trust, discussed the creation of Poland Meadows in Brockham, Surrey, both sites having received prestigious Almshouse Association Awards.

We extend our sincere thanks to our distinguished guest speakers, whose expertise, generosity, and willingness to share their experiences made the event truly impactful. Their presentations offered valuable insights and practical takeaways for all attendees.

The Almshouse Association looks forward to hosting further Panel of Consultants Networking mornings in 2026.  If you are a Panel Member and wish to express your interest in attending, please contact: Susanbrooks@almshouses.org

posted 26 November 2025

Kendal Almshouse Charity unveils two new eco-homes

Plaque unveiling at Kendal Almshouse Charity, which created two new, state-of-the-art homes for vulnerable people in South Cumbria, signalling a new era in social housing in the region.    

Residents have now moved into the new almshouses. Each property is eco-friendly and highly energy efficient, with each comprising one bedroom, a bathroom and open-plan living, kitchen and dining area.   The homes are built to high thermal efficiency standards and feature air-source heating and solar panels to generate electricity.

Kendal Almshouse Charity saw the potential to build two new homes on the site of a single 1950s dwelling which had been in trust and for the occupation of over-55s with strong local connections.    This site, on Romney Road and near the Kendal War Memorial, benefits from easy access to the town centre while also being in a quiet neighbourhood surrounded by trees and wildlife.

Back in 2019, the trustees of Kendal Almshouse Charity began exploring options for the 1950s bungalow, known as Romleigh, when it became vacant.    The trustees, in conjunction with H&H Land and Estates, explored various options in conjunction with leading specialists in the social housing sector.  Ultimately, the most cost-effective and modern solution was to demolish the existing bungalow and develop two state-of-the-art one-bedroom bungalows on the site.

No building project is ever without its challenges and various obstacles such as the Covid pandemic, global events and escalating inflation all contributed to the equation!  The work is now fully complete, and the first residents have moved in.  

Kendal Almshouse Charity with their Almshouse Association Innovation for Living Award

Commenting on the project, Kendal Almshouses Chair Peter Ducksbury said,

“I am delighted we have created two beautiful new homes in Kendal  for local people aged 55 or over who are in need.   We are very proud of these beautiful new homes which bring our total number of houses to 42.  Each property – old or new – is individual in its design and location.  Our residents are our first priority and we aim to support them well through building quality new homes such as these or maintaining existing properties to the best of our ability.

“Our retained managing agents are H&H Land & Estates, who helped steer the building project through the many stages of concept, planning, design, development and fit-out.  

“Our new homes have been made possible by funding awarded through the Community Led Homes Fund to assist with pre-development costs, including preparing tender documents and applying to Homes England for a grant under their Affordable Homes Programme.  Grant funding was also secured from Homes England and the South Lakeland District Council (now Westmorland & Furness Council), as well as a loan and through Kendal Almshouses’ own reserves.”

Building work was awarded to Fylde Joinery & Building Services Ltd.

posted 26 November 2025

St John’s launches £5m expansion of almshouse provision in Bath

St John’s Foundation invests £5million into upgrading and creating new affordable housing for older people in Bath.

St John’s Foundation is investing £5 million over the next three years to create new almshouses and refurbish existing ones, building on its long-standing mission to support older adults. The project will see up to 15 new safe and affordable homes made available for people aged 65 and over who are facing financial hardship, ensuring they have both a home and a supportive community to live in. 

Once complete, St John’s will provide up to 109 almshouses, placing it among the top 2% of providers nationally. The project underlines the vital role that charities can play in their communities in response to today’s housing crisis. 

Almshouse concept. Credit: St John’s Foundation

“This is one of the most important and exciting projects in our history. We know how much of a difference almshouses make – not just by providing affordable housing, but by creating a community of friendship and support that reduces loneliness and gives people a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Older people are at the heart of everything we do, and this investment means we will be able to welcome more people into our community and give them the security of a safe home.” 

Catharine Brown, Chief Executive of St John’s Foundation

The new development comes at a time when Bath faces a severe housing challenge. House prices in Bath and North East Somerset are over 13 times the average salary, making it one of the least affordable places to live in the UK. There is less social housing available in BaNES compared to the national average, with more households in temporary accommodation than at any point in the last 20 years. At the same time, the number of people aged 65+ is expected to grow by 15% by 2028. Against this backdrop, St John’s commitment will provide a vital lifeline – safe, affordable homes, built around community and connection.  

Almshouse Concept. Credit: St John’s Foundation

“St John’s Foundation has always played a vital role in our city, and this new investment will make a real difference to older people here in Bath, especially at a time when housing is such a challenge here. Creating more almshouses means more people will have the security of an affordable home as well as the support of a strong community. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have for generations to come.” 

Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath

The £5million investment also includes improvement works at St John’s Combe Park almshouses, helping to modernise and future-proof these homes so current residents can enjoy warm, efficient and comfortable living spaces. 

As part of this major investment, St John’s will be relocating its headquarters from Chapel Court to another of its buildings.  1 Queen Square will now host the offices for the charity, alongside clients of the House of St John’s, a co-working and events space which is operated as part of the charity’s trading company. The space which will continue to offer Bath a unique place to connect, work and celebrate with purpose.  

The charity expects the new almshouses to be completed by 2027, subject to planning approval. 

About St John’s Foundation
For over 850 years, St John’s Foundation has been changing people’s lives for good. As one of the UK’s oldest charities, it proudly serves Bath and the surrounding area.
At the heart of its work is an almshouse community, where housing is provided for older adults in need. Alongside this, St John’s runs outreach services that help older adults in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES) live independently for longer. Drawing on centuries of expertise and resources, St John’s now supports even more people in the community by offering direct help to individuals of all ages facing financial crisis.
The charity also works to reduce the Key Stage 2 education attainment gap in the BaNES area, which is the widest in the country. It addresses this by providing specialist support to the children who need it most. Every aspect of St John’s work is grounded in its values of trust, kindness, and courage, and guided by its purpose: to change lives. For good. It is a long-term strategy, but an unwavering one, as demonstrated by more than eight centuries of service.

posted 26 November 2025

TV Licensing | Stay scam safe this winter

Stay scam safe this winter – BBC TV licensing has sent out helpful information on staying scam safe this winter which we have shared below:

Keeping the public scam safe this winter

Hello, from the TV Licensing Communications team.

You may not have heard from us before, but we are contacting you – and a range of other organisations we work with – to ask you to help protect TV Licensing customers from being scammed.

This newsletter contains a STOP, CHECK, ASK campaign toolkit. We encourage you and your organisation to download and share the campaign materials on your channels and with the public. If you require any further information, please contact tvlstakeholders@bbc.co.uk

Key Information

Throughout 2025, TV Licensing has become aware that the public continue to fall victim to increasingly sophisticated email and text scams – particularly scams that appear to be from TV Licensing, but are in fact fraudulent. 

TV Licensing message is simple.

STOP – Scammers will attempt to trick you into giving away your personal or bank details. Always be wary of letters, emails, texts or phone calls that promise you money or a refund.

CHECK – Has the sender spelt your name correctly, and are there any grammatical errors? You should also make sure they have included the correct licence number, which you can check on the TV Licensing website. Be wary though, recent email spoofs are using our official email addresses. If you click or tap the email address shown, it will reveal the actual email address being used. If this shows a different email, it’s proof it’s a fake.

ASK – If you are ever unsure about a communication you have received, it is always best to ask someone – perhaps a friend or trusted advisor. You can go to the TV Licensing website and sign in to your licence at tvl.co.uk/yourlicence to check if anything is wrong or call TV Licensing on 0300 303 9695 to speak with someone who can help.

FAQs

What if you’ve already entered your personal details on a suspicious site? Report it to Action Fraud or call them on 0300 123 2040. If this included card or bank account details, talk to your bank immediately.

How do you report a scam email?

Protect your information by sending any scam or suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and the National Cyber Security Centre will investigate. If the email links to a scam website it will be blocked or taken down.

How do you report a scam text message?

Help stop the scammers by sending a photo or screenshot of the scam text message to textscam@tvlicensing.co.uk

How you & your organisation can keep the public scam safe

1. Promote and amplify STOP, CHECK, ASK on your social media channels  

TV Licensing has produced a suite of content for your organisation to use on social media channels. The images are available in different formats and we welcome you to download and use them.

Also featured is a document containing supporting text which you can use alongside the images. Please use the hashtag #StopCheckAsk and support year-round and regularly.

The content can be downloaded via the button below and scrolling to the scams section

2. Be aware of misleading websites  

TV Licensing has been made aware of websites offering a paid service to purchase, renew, or cancel your TV licence. These websites, such as mylicenceassistant.co.uk, have no affiliation with TV Licensing and do not act on behalf of TV Licensing. We urge the public to visit the official TV Licensing website at tvlicensing.co.uk, where TV licences can be purchased, updated, or cancelled for free. 

3. Watch and share the TV Licensing anti-scam Help Video  

TV Licensing has a dedicated anti-scam Help Video which we welcome you to share with the public via social media, newsletters, and on your website.

4. Share the TV Licensing anti-scam website page  

You can also find more information about how to avoid scams and how to report one on the TV Licensing anti-scam web page. Share this page with the public via online and offline channels. 

5. Download and share the TV Licensing STOP, CHECK, ASK leaflet

The TV Licensing STOP, CHECK, ASK leaflet explains what a scam email and text looks like and where to report it to. Please share this with the public via any offline and online channels.

Need further information? Contact TV Licensing

If you are interested in learning more about the support available from TV Licensing, contact the Communications team at tvlstakeholders@bbc.co.uk  

posted 26 November 2025

Lord-Lieutenant visits Association’s new Windsor office

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.

Policy & Governance update: November 2025

NOVEMBER 2025: A summary of the latest UK Government policy changes and news.

1. Awaab’s Law Guidance

Awaab’s Law was introduced on 27 October 2025 through an amendment to the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, in response to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak who died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020.

In the wake of this tragedy, Awaab’s family has fought to secure justice, not only for their son but for all those who live in social housing. Awaab’s Law places strict time limits on social landlords who are regulated by the Social Housing Regulator to investigate and repair reported issues of damp and mould.

At the present time (October 2025), Awaab’s Law applies to Registered Providers in England only. The Almshouse Association supports the principle in all cases of providing warm, safe homes for our residents; however, following extensive engagement with government officials, we can confirm that almshouse charities that are Registered Providers in England (along with almshouse charities that are not Registered Providers) are exempt from the requirements of Awaab’s Law. This exemption recognises the distinct legal and operational status of almshouses, where residents occupy their homes under licence rather than tenancy agreements – and can be seen in the guidance produced by the Government below:

1.5 Which type of housing does Awaab’s Law apply to?  
Awaab’s Law does not apply to temporary accommodation, supported accommodation, or other housing that is occupied under a licence. [taken from Awaab’s Law: Guidance for social landlords – Timeframes for repairs in the social rented sector]

The Almshouse Association is reviewing and, where applicable, updating its policies for all member charities on damp, mould and other housing hazards to ensure residents continue to live in safe, well-maintained homes. These policies will reflect the charitable nature, size and governance of almshouse charities, while maintaining high standards of accommodation and care.

2. Company law

If member charities are registered with Companies House, members will soon need to verify identities on their platform. Identity verification for directors and people with significant control (PSCs) will be mandatory from 18 November 2025 and will be phased in over 12 months.

Recently, Companies House published a new blog on identity verification for directors and people with significant control (PSCs), which should help you understand how this will work. The blog explains the different ways relevant members can verify their identities.

The Companies House register will be updated on 18 November 2025 to show the due dates for each role a member might hold. Companies House is encouraging all directors and PSCs to verify their identity as soon as possible.

3. Charity Governance Code

An updated version of the Charity Governance Code was published on 31 October.

The Code sets out eight universal principles of governance for charities to consider and helps to shape a common view of what good looks like.

Each of the principles describes what to expect to see (with 41 outcomes in total) to show how the charity’s governance is working well.

Within the updated version of the code, members will find behaviours, policies, processes and practises and evidence of good governance for each of the principles.

4. Charity Finance

The Charity Commission has made a few minor updates to its Trustee Finance Toolkit, changing some of the links to pieces of guidance.

  • They have also updated the charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice). This includes new tiers and requirements for how charities should report dependant on size. These include:
    • New requirements for how charities should report on certain types of income and lease arrangements. The SORP now includes charity sector specific examples to assist charities in applying new requirements introduced by the Financial Reporting Council’s update to Financial Reporting Standard 102.
    • Three new tiers for greater transparency. Tier 1 – for charities with income up to £500,000, Tier 2 – for  charities with income between £500,000 – £15 million and Tier 3 – for charities with income above £15 million.
    • Refreshed Trustees Annual Report requirements, with further guidance on financial reserves and plans about the future.
    • Updates to how charities should account for social investments.
    • Easier to understand requirements for reporting provisions and contingencies.

The changes will take effect for accounting periods starting on or after 1 January 2026.

posted 5 November 2025

Celebrating a Century

Eileen Terry turns 100!

Isleworth & Houslow Almshouse Charity were thrilled to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone recently—their beloved resident, Eileen Terry, turned 100 years old on Tuesday, 28 October 2025!

To mark this special occasion, they organised a surprise birthday party in her honour. The celebration was attended by over 30 guests, including the Mayor of Hounslow, who joined them in recognising Eileen’s incredible milestone. The room was filled with laughter, heartfelt wishes, and shared memories as friends, family, and fellow residents came together to celebrate her century of life.

Eileen has been part of the Tolson House community since 2012, and her presence has enriched the lives of everyone around her. It was a joy to mark this extraordinary moment and to show her just how cherished she is.

Here’s to Eileen—a remarkable resident and a wonderful part of our community!

New online training courses

Head over to our Online Training page to explore 12 new online training opportunities that are now live on our training platform!

🌿 Featured Course: Dementia Awareness
Gain a deeper understanding of dementia — including its signs, symptoms and types — plus insights into the impact on individuals and communities, the role of carers and employers, and practical guidance on living well with the condition.

💡 Also available – 11 new skills guides:

  • Active Listening • Budgeting • Communication • Decision Making • Delivering Bad News • Effective Meetings • Leadership • Organisation • Project Management • Sexual Harassment Awareness • Writing Effective Emails

All courses are free for members and included in your TAA membership — and all our existing online courses remain available to you too!

  • An Introduction to Almshouses • Cyber Security Awareness • Social Media Awareness • GDPR UK essentials • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults • Legionella; • Health and Safety • Fire Awareness • Risk Assessment • Mental Health Awareness

➡️ Click here to access!

posted 17 November 2025

New Fundraising Code

What Trustees Need to Know

The Fundraising Regulator has introduced a new Code of Fundraising Practice, which came into effect on 1 November 2025.

This Code sets out the standards that charities should follow when raising funds, ensuring that fundraising is honest, respectful, and safe—for both donors and fundraisers.

What Has Changed?

  • Principles-Based Approach: The new Code focuses on broad principles rather than detailed rules. Charities are expected to act reasonably, transparently, and responsibly in all fundraising activities.
  • Modern Fundraising Covered: Guidance now includes online donations, contactless payments, and unmanned collection points, reflecting how people give today.
  • Fundraiser Protection: Charities must take steps to ensure staff and volunteers are safe and supported while fundraising.
  • Third-Party Fundraising: Any outside companies or platforms raising money on the charity’s behalf must be properly vetted and monitored.

What This Means for Trustees

Trustees play a key role in ensuring the charity meets the new standards. Trustees should:

  1. Familiarise themselves with the new Code and the main changes.
  2. Review current fundraising activities— including events, online campaigns, and collection boxes, to ensure they meet the new standards.
  3. Update policies and procedures to reflect the Code, including risk assessments and oversight of third-party fundraisers.
  4. Support staff and volunteers, ensuring they are trained, safe, and confident in fundraising activities.
  5. Keep clear records of fundraising practices, decisions, and monitoring activities.

Support for Charities

The Fundraising Regulator has produced helpful Code Support Guides to make it easier for charities to understand and apply the new standards in everyday practice.
You can find them here: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code/code-support-guides

In addition, the Regulator offers a Code Advice Service, where you can ask specific questions about how the Code applies to your charity’s fundraising work.
Find out more here: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/about-fundraising/code-advice-service

Why This Matters

Following the new Code is not only about compliance, it’s about maintaining public trust and demonstrating that the Almshouse Association is transparent, ethical, and responsible in its fundraising. By taking a proactive approach, trustees can ensure that all donations are raised in a manner that reflects positively on the charity and the wider sector.

For more information, trustees can view the full Code on the Fundraising Regulator website.

posted 17 November 2025