Royal Visits

Celebrating Special Occasions with Royal Support

A Royal visit is a truly special occasion, one that can make milestones and celebrations within your charity even more memorable. These visits offer a wonderful opportunity to highlight the remarkable work you do and to celebrate significant achievements in your community.

We are deeply grateful for the support of our Royal Patrons and are committed to nurturing long-standing partnerships with the Royal Households for the benefit of all our members.

Thanks to our strong relationships with the private offices of our Royal Patrons, we are able to ensure they can focus fully on the visits and events they are able to attend. This careful coordination helps to make each Royal visit a meaningful and memorable occasion for everyone involved.

Should your charity wish to host a Royal visit, our established protocol with the Royal Households is for members to contact us as the first step. An initial discussion with you helps determine the most suitable way for a Royal visit to enrich your event, while guiding you in crafting an occasion that seamlessly embraces this unique honour.

Following this conversation, we gather the details of your request, your potential event plan and a range of possible dates. All requests are then discussed with the Royal Households during our annual review meeting, where requests are considered that complement their calendars for the coming year.

We recommend contacting us as early as possible, ideally up to 12 months in advance, to maximise the likelihood of a successful visit. Once a visit has been agreed in principle, we liaise with you to confirm the dates offered by the Royal Household and, where possible, secure a date in your diary.

Royal visits are a collaborative effort between The Almshouse Association, your charity, and the Lord Lieutenant’s office, with all parties maintaining close communication throughout the process.

To discuss your plans or learn more about organising a Royal visit, please contact Gerry Harmon, PR & Engagement Manager, at gerryharmon@almshouses.org.

We thank you for your support in following this process and look forward to helping you create truly memorable celebrations with the support of our Royal Patrons.

Please note: Our Royal Patron and Royal Vice Patron are not available for fundraising events.

posted 23 October 2025

2026/27 Specimen Outline Budget

Every year, it is important that the trustees of almshouse charities review the weekly maintenance contributions (WMCs) their charity sets for their residents.

To assist members in setting their residents’ WMCs , The Almshouse Association has produced its annual Specimen Outline Budget.

As a first step members will need to consider two elements when setting their WMC:

the financial viability of the charity,
the avoidance of hardships on the residents.

Increases in WMC are necessary so charities can maintain financial viability and continue to provide support to residents and the wider community. Any increase, however, should consider the wellbeing of the residents who must be able to afford the WMC without being caused hardship. Striking a balance between these two demands will help to ensure that the WMC is set at an appropriate level.

The Association recommends that wherever possible members increase their WMC in a way which is sympathetic to the needs of the charity and its residents.

Those of our member charities who are Registered Providers of Social Housing are obliged to abide by the rent formula set by the Regulator of Social Housing i.e., CPI plus 1%. The CPI figure for September 2025 was 3.8% and hence the maximum WMC increase for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 is 4.8%.

We are also aware that some members will be able to absorb some of the burden of increased costs for their residents. However, it is vital that charities, when considering increasing the WMC, seek to maintain stable foundations not only for the foreseeable future, but for the years ahead.

Our Specimen Outline Budget for 2026/27 can be accessed via the below links:

posted 22 October 2025

In Memory of Christopher Ray

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Christopher Ray, Chairman of The Frederick Ray Trust. His loss is felt profoundly — both by his family and by all within the almshouse movement.

Christopher’s company was always a joy, his wisdom generous and freely shared. We remain truly grateful for all he did to champion almshouses and enrich the lives of their residents. It was a privilege to have known him, to share conversations about his thoughtful vision for almshouses, and to hear his fond recollections of the Trust’s long and remarkable family history.

The almshouse community is immeasurably poorer without Christopher’s warmth, humour, and tireless enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed and long remembered with admiration and affection.

Among the obituaries Christopher left behind was one he wished to see published with us. It is our privilege and honour to share his words here:

Chris Ray died at the age of 66, after a brave journey with Prostate Cancer for over 12 years. He became a trustee at the age of 22 in 1982, serving for 43 years, the last 10 of which were as Chairman. In the summer of 2024 he presented to the guests at The Almshouse Association seminar at Charterhouse in London, describing the establishment of the charity, by the Will of his grandfather Frederick, for the benefit of his retired employees in 1945.

During his time as a trustee, the properties at Rays Close grew from six to eighteen. In May 2018 there was a church service in Bedford, followed by tea on the lawns of Rays Close, and the unveiling of a sculpture by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant. This was to commemorate 100 years since the death of Frederick Lee Ray of the First Bedfordshire Regiment, in whose memory the charity was established.

The next generation of family trustees are already in place, with his daughter Phoebe succeeding him as Chairman. It is a duty that is willingly undertaken to honour both the settlor and his son, who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1918. Chris’s experience and knowledge will be greatly missed.

21 October 2025

Rethinking affordable, community-led charitable housing

Appleby Blue, United St Saviours Charity – RIBA Award Winner

Congratulations to Appleby Blue: A triumph for modern almshouses!

Appleby Blue has won the RIBA Stirling Prize, the UK’s most prestigious architectural accolade. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), founded under a royal charter in 1837 and recognised internationally, champions design excellence and innovation. This award celebrates Appleby Blue’s success in combining stunning architecture, social purpose, and economic impact, setting a new benchmark for sustainable, transformative housing.

Almshouses are making a powerful comeback. For over a thousand years, they have blended design with altruism, creating homes that foster dignity, connection, and belonging. At their best, they are civic architecture at its finest, an exemplar model of community-led housing.

Momentum is growing. New almshouse charities, including one in Budleigh Salterton, Devon, show this historic model thriving today. More than just homes, they are in-perpetuity legacies, sustainable, community-led housing designed to serve generations.

Appleby Blue proves that architecture with social purpose can be beautiful, enduring, and transformative, demonstrating that almshouses are not just a link to the past, but a vital solution for the future.

Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, explores why almshouses are experiencing a modern revival…

“The remarkable news that one of our flagship almshouse member charities, United St Saviours Charities has won the internationally recognised RIBA Stirling Prize for their flagship almshouse Appleby Blue, has once again placed community-led charitable housing firmly in the spotlight.

You may wonder what persuaded the judges to honour Appleby Blue? We think the answer lies in a unique combination of history, innovation and social purpose.

Beneath the headlines is a thousand-year-old model of community-led charitable housing, seamlessly integrated with contemporary architecture to create spaces of tranquillity, security and connection. Appleby Blue did not emerge from a single idea but from centuries of the tried-and-tested almshouse model, guided by the courageous leadership of the CEO, planners, visionary architects and trustees.

Its almshouse design features, thoughtfully retained and reinterpreted for a modern city setting, have inspired architects and planners across the UK and as far afield as Japan.

What is the “magic” of Appleby Blue?

Is it the shared entrance, fostering neighbourly encounters? The communal benches and tranquil courtyard, alive with trees, water, and greenery? Or the vibrant community, where residents share recipes, art, sewing, and connections with the wider Southwark community?

As one resident recently said, “It’s paradise. I just love living here. I feel very lucky.”

Like many almshouse developments, it is difficult to pinpoint a single feature. The success lies in the holistic combination of architecture, social design, and community.

Standing on the shoulders of centuries of almshouses, Appleby Blue demonstrates that this model is the exemplar of community-led charitable housing, both architecturally and socially.

It is time for almshouses to be fully recognised for their contributions to society. Once in the shadows, they now shine, proving that architecture with social purpose can be beautiful, enduring and transformative. Appleby Blue is quite rightly in the headlines but for the last decade or so, new almshouses have been built round the country at a rate of many hundreds a year.

As charitable legacies, almshouses are gifts to both present and future generations. With new, often smaller almshouses being created, this enduring model continues to evolve, not as a link to the past, but as a vital, forward-looking solution to the housing challenges of our time.”

Further reading

posted 20 October 2025

Dorant House marks 45 years

Joyful garden celebration at almshouses in St Albans

Residents, families, friends, trustees and staff gathered at Dorant House almshouses, St Albans, to celebrate the almshouse’s 45th anniversary with a relaxed garden party in the beautiful grounds.

Guests enjoyed a delicious spread of sandwiches and homemade cakes, while local entertainer Peter the Magician delighted everyone with his card tricks and sleight of hand.

Residents described the afternoon as “a wonderful get-together with friends and neighbours” — a fitting tribute to the warm sense of community that defines life at Dorant House.

The almshouse was founded through the Will of Lionel Annesley Dorant (1880–1942), a respected St Albans land and property agent. His wish was to provide homes for “people of limited means and good character” from the local area. Originally serving the former City of St Albans, the charity’s remit was extended in 1985 (with Charity Commission approval) to cover the wider City and District.

Today, Dorant House offers eleven studio and eight one-bedroom flats across three floors, with lift access and a large communal lounge for social activities — a lasting testament to Mr Dorant’s vision of providing comfort, companionship and security for local residents.

posted 20 October 2025

Recording the next ‘Alms Around’ podcast at Ewelme Almshouses

Nick recently met Jeremy Porteus, Founder and Director of Housing LIN, at the historic ‘Cloisters’ Ewelme Almshouses in Oxfordshire to record the next episode of our “Alms Around” podcast series.

They were joined by Angharad Saunders (Trust Manager) and John Brannan, a resident of the almshouses, for a wide-ranging and colourful conversation exploring the enduring legacy of almshouses, the influence of Chaucer, and the timeless importance of being a good neighbour.

Our sincere thanks go to Dr Tim Wilson, Trustee of the Ewelme Almshouse Charity, for providing such a stunning and atmospheric setting for the recording.

The “Alms Around” podcast series will launch in 2026, as part of The Almshouse Association’s 80th anniversary celebrations, shining a spotlight on the rich history and modern relevance of almshouses across the UK.

_{posted 16 October 2025}

Beware of copyright

Don’t let that ‘free‘ photo cost you!

Using images from the internet without proper permission or credit can land you in serious trouble. Many of us mistakenly believe that if a photo is online, it’s free to use. Wrong! Most images are protected by copyright and using them without permission can result in hefty fines or legal claims.

Photographers and image agencies regularly scan the internet for unauthorised use of their work. If they find one of their images on your website, newsletter, or promotional material without the proper licence or credit, you could receive an unexpected demand for payment – often hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

To stay safe, always ensure you have the legal right to use a photo. This means either paying for a licence through a reputable stock photo site, using free-to-use online graphic design tool images *, or taking your own photos.

A moment of caution can save you from a costly mistake. If in doubt, leave it out, or get proper permission. Protect yourself and your organisation by respecting photo copyrights.

* always check the small print!

posted 16 October 2025

Consultants for members

Architects, Project Managers, Health and Safety professionals, Clerking Services, Legal Services, Surveyors, Maintenance Services and more..

The Almshouse Association’s Panel of Consultants provides members with access to professional advice and services. Each consultant has previously worked with, and been recommended by, member charities.

In 2025, we were delighted to welcome several new experts and specialists to the panel. Their details can be accessed via the links below, and the full directory of panel members is available here.

Service type	Company Name	Regions covered	Website
Legal	Brown Jacobson LLP	UK wide	www.brownejacobson.com
	Lee Bolton-Monier LLP	England & Wales	www.lbmw.com
	Muckle LLP	Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham, Cumbria, Teesside, North Yorkshire	www.muckle-llp.com
	Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP	Basingstoke, Birmingham, Cambridge, Guildford, London, Reading	penningtonslaw.com
	Tozers LLP	Primarily South-West England, England & Wales	tozers.co.uk
	Winkworth Sherwood LLP	UK-wide	wslaw.co.uk
Property Repairs & Maintenance	Darv Ltd	London, Bucks, Berks, Southeast, Herts, Beds, East & West Midlands	www.darv.co.uk
Property Repairs & Maintenance	The 50 Plus Organisation Ltd	Predominately Southeast England	the50plus.co.uk/
Architects & Property Management	AEW Architects	UK-wide	aewarchitects.com
	Brown & Co LLP	Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambs, Essex, Lincs, Herts, Beds, Greater London, Northamptonshire	brown-co.com
	Carless & Adams	UK wide	carless-adams.co.uk
	Corporate Architecture Ltd	UK wide, East Midlands-based	corporatearchitecture.co.uk
	KKE Architects	UK wide	kkearchitects.co.uk
	S + SA Architects	UK wide	ssa-architects.co.uk
Construction and Property Services	Hampstead Building Services	London and surrounding areas	hampsteadbuildingserviceltd.com
Mediation	The Wayfinders Group	UK wide	thewayfindersgroup.com
Timber Frame Supplier & Project Management	Solo Timber Frame	UK wide	solotimberframe.co.uk
Clerking Services	Witlet almshouse management & clerking	Lower East of England i.e. Essex, Herts, Cambs, Suffolk	witlet.co.uk
Clerking Services	PBE Properties Ltd	Northeast	pbeproperties.co.uk
Chartered Building Surveyors & Built Heritage Consultants	Terrace Surveyors Ltd	Glos, Cotswolds, Wilts, Oxfordshire, Herefordshire, Warwicks, Berks, London	terracesurveyors.co.uk
	Thames Valley Surveying Ltd	Southeast	thamesvalleysurveying.co.uk

Members are reminded to satisfy themselves that any consultant’s services, qualifications, and professional memberships meet their particular needs, and to undertake their own due diligence checks before engaging.

From Ferryhill to the Palace: Les Lewis honoured by The King

In their latest resident story, the Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association (DAMHA) chat to Les Lewis, a devoted lay minister from Ferryhill, whose lifelong service to his community recently earned him a royal honour.

“I grew up in Ferryhill and started going to church when I was young,” Les recalls. “I sang in the choir for many years and in my twenties, the vicar asked if I’d consider training to become a Reader — what’s now known as a Licensed Lay Minister.”

After three years of training, Les was licensed in 1978 and has been preaching, teaching and leading services ever since. His ministry extends beyond the church walls – he helps lead Remembrance Sunday services and has presided over more than 250 funerals during his time of service.

Les began his working life as a joiner with Stephenson’s in Bishop Auckland, catching an early morning bus from Ferryhill to Spennymoor and then on to work. He later held various roles, including with the local council, and spent time driving a minibus for young people attending a training centre in Ferryhill. He eventually returned to the council, where he trained young joiners, some of whom still stop him in the street today to say hello.

Earlier this year, Les received an unexpected letter from Buckingham Palace, inviting him to accept Maundy Money from The King during a special service at Durham Cathedral. “At first I thought it was a joke,” he admits. “I still don’t know who nominated me, but once I realised it was real, I was honoured to accept.”

The Maundy Service, a centuries-old tradition, recognises those who dedicate their lives to helping others. The number of recipients matches the Monarch’s age; this year, 76 men and 76 women. Les received two purses from The King: one red, containing commemorative coins, and one white, containing silver Maundy coins, each piece representing the monarch’s age in pence.

“It was wonderful meeting The King and Queen,” Les says. “Sharing the occasion with my son made it even more special.”

In his spare time, Les enjoys making walking sticks, and he even sent one to The King at Balmoral. “I received a lovely letter saying he’d got it,” Les smiles. “You never know — maybe one day I’ll see him on television using it!”

15 October 2025

Royal celebration for Appleby Blue almshouses

Bermondsey, London – 13 October 2025

On Friday 10th October, the streets of Bermondsey hummed with excitement as His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited Appleby Blue Almshouse, the striking new development by United St Saviour’s Charity. The occasion was more than a ceremonial visit, it was a celebration of community, design, and a 500-year legacy of caring for older people in Southwark.

Greeted warmly by Colonel Simon Duckworth, His Majesty’s Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Southwark, the Duke was introduced to Nick Phillips and Martyn Craddock, before embarking on a tour of the landmark building.

Appleby Blue, recently shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize, has already been recognised as a triumph of thoughtful architecture, blending beauty, accessibility, and a sense of home.

The Duke explored the sunlit courtyard, the inviting garden room, and the roof gardens, stopping to meet residents and staff who shared their experiences of life at Appleby Blue. He visited a fully accessible flat, designed to enable independent living, and witnessed firsthand how the building fosters both comfort and community.

Later, over tea and cake in the Lounge, residents had the chance to chat with the Duke about their lives at Appleby Blue. Stories of friendship, support and newfound independence filled the room, a reminder of the extraordinary impact of carefully designed spaces and dedicated care.

“It was a real honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Appleby Blue,” said Martyn Craddock, Chief Executive of United St Saviour’s Charity. “This visit highlights the importance of creating well-designed homes where older people can live independently and joyfully, as part of a strong, thriving community.”

Nick Phillips, Chief Executive of The Almshouse Association, added:
“Almshouses play a unique and vital role in communities across the UK. Today’s visit is a wonderful recognition of the work being done here in Bermondsey, providing warm and welcoming communities in exemplary buildings.”

As the Royal visit concluded, residents, staff, and the Bermondsey community felt a renewed sense of pride and inspiration. Appleby Blue is not just a building, it is a vibrant, living community, a testament to centuries of generosity, and a beacon of what thoughtful design and care can achieve for future generations.

_{All photos: Richard Gray for The Almshouse Association}

posted 14 October 2025