Association welcomes new Chairman

We are delighted to announce that Willie Hartley Russell MVO DL, has been appointed as the new Chairman of The Almshouse Association.  The announcement was made on Thursday 15 June 2023 at the Association’s Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting.

Willie has been a dedicated member of The Almshouse Association Board of Trustees for 20 years, serving in significant roles as Chair of sub-committees, and as Vice Chairman of The Almshouse Association for the last six years.

Willie with the out-going Chair Elizabeth Fathi (2018 – 2023) at Members Day 2023

Willie is a highly regarded investment management professional with generations of family commitment to almshouses. He is a driving force in his local community having recently been High Sheriff of The Royal County of Berkshire (2021/2022), Vice President of the Berkshire Community Foundation, and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County. He is a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, ensuring that the important links with City Livery companies and The Almshouse Association are maintained.

Willie runs his own farming enterprise and has shown huge personal commitment to the almshouse movement, chairing the family foundation, The Hartley Trust, which dates back to 1393. The Trust has been in the family for nearly 400 years and is the tenth oldest almshouse foundation in the country.

Of his appointment as Chairman of The Almshouse Association Willie Hartley Russell said:

“Almshouses are about people – the people that occupy them and the volunteer trustees who manage them.  It is these people who provide the ‘community spirit’ that makes almshouse living so unique and enduring.

I am looking forward to being Chairman of The Almshouse Association. I want to build closer relationships with government and the housing sector to protect and enhance this exemplary form of community housing that is still so relevant today. I hope, too, that I can encourage more philanthropic support for the longevity of the movement.”

On Willie’s appointment, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, comments:

“I am delighted. Willie brings formidable experience to our leadership. With his financial career in investment management in the City he brings sound business acumen, and, with his long history of family commitment to almshouses, he has a depth of knowledge that can see the Association and the wider almshouse movement thrive and become robust for the next century.”

Cutting at the cake at the Association’s 75th Anniversary celebration
Willie Hartley Russell (second from left) with fellow board trustees, Clive Cook, Elizabeth Fathi and Paul Mullis

In the news:

  • The Almshouse Association Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell on Kennet News Radio – click on link below and slide to 30.21 to listen.

posted 22 June 2023, updated 24 July 2023

Day’s & Atkinson’s join the 2023 London Festival of Architecture

The London Borough of Barnet was involved in the 2023 London Festival of Architecture and the Day’s & Atkinson Almshouses played a part in the celebrations this year. They held an event on Saturday 24th June which took the form of a guided walk and talk with refreshments along the way.

“We met at the tomb of Charles Day (the ‘Day’ in Day’s and Atkinson’s) which is situated in the graveyard at St Margaret’s Church Edgware. We then moved on to the Day’s Almshouses in Stonegrove, then  Atkinson’s Almshouses and finally the housing and community project that is ‘One Stonegrove’ where we held a Q & A and enjoyed a buffet lunch.

The event attracted around 30 participants and was attended by Councillors, the Clergy, Historic England, and members of the public. Rev’d Simon Rea (Chair of the Charity) and Peter Murphy (Trustee) each gave talks and took us on a journey of the architecture of the buildings and the history of the Charity.

The weather was perfect and our residents welcomed visitors into their homes and gave very positive testimonies as to the benefits of living in an almshouse.”

Mike Seaman, Clerk To The Trustees, Day’s and Atkinson’s Almshouses

Thank you for sending in these fantastic photos Mike and well done for all your hard work.

posted 5 July 2023

Olfactory Dysfunction in older people

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) describes a range of issues associated with the sense of smell, including the inability to smell (anosmia), a reduced sense of smell (hyposmia) and a distorted sense of smell, where things smell different to the way they should (parosmia).

Pre-Covid European population studies have suggested that persistent anosmia affects 1-5% of the population, with all forms of olfactory disorders affecting about 20%, increasing over the age >60 1-3; Based on European estimates4, anosmia is more prevalent in the UK than reported rates of profound hearing loss or blindness.

OD affects all age groups but is particularly prevalent in the older section of the population; many people will start to lose their sense of smell as part of the ageing process. Based on European population studies of OD and analysis of the UK population as of 2021, existing data shows that approximately:

  • 13% of people between the ages of 60-69 (just under 1 million people) may have OD
  • 25% of people between the ages of 70-79 (around 1.5 million people) may have OD
  • 55% of people above the ages of 80 (over 1.8 million people) may have OD
  • 4.2 million people over the age of 65 live alone, more than 1 in 4 of them may have OD

The impact of olfactory dysfunction on people’s physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety is significant.  People can often experience poorer mental health by being unable to smell their partners and children, the places they visit or enjoy the flavours of their food and drink. Physical health can then suffer as people’s diet changes, which subsequently impacts nutrition. Safety and wellbeing at home is put at risk through being unable to smell gas, smoke or knowing when food has gone off and is unfit to eat. The fear and anxiety caused by being unable to smell these dangers further exacerbates the toll on mental health.

There is also a growing body of evidence pointing to olfactory dysfunction as being a significant factor in poorer health in later life. Research has demonstrated links between a poor sense of smell and frailty, as an early indicator of neurodegenerative disease, and of increased risk of mortality.

However, people don’t always realise they have a poor sense of smell, particularly if it deteriorates gradually over time.  The fact that testing of the sense of smell happens, at present, in a relatively small number of specialist clinics is a factor in this too. 

There are things that can be done to help people live well with a smell disorder, starting out with an awareness and understanding of the issue and how it can affect people’s lives, along with food tips, safety advice, peer support and more, all of which are part of the information and services provided by Fifth Sense, the charity for people affected by smell and taste disorders.

Information provided by Duncan Boak, CEO and founder, Fifth Sense
Fifth Sense is registered as a charity in England and Wales No. 1175553 and as a Private Company Limited by Guarantee No. 10255303.  Our registered office is at Unit 2, Franklins House, Wesley Lane, Bicester OX26 6JU

posted 4 July 2023

P&G update: 4.7.23

– Affordable Housing Definition

Today Baroness Hayman of Ullock has requested a review of the definition of ‘affordable housing’ under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Web link: Unnumbered amendment to Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill – Parliamentary Bills – UK Parliament

The Almshouse Association will be writing to contacts in The House of Lords seeking their support for the review.

Thank you to all members who have written to their MPs in support of the proposal. We are still not guaranteed a review and even further from a definition that includes almshouses under the framework ….. but we are moving in the right direction.

See also: Members: Call to Alms! | (almshouses.org)

posted 4 July 2023

The Almshouse Association Members Day 2023

A Celebration of Community, Compassion, Companionship, and Care

On 15th July 2023, The Almshouse Association hosted Members Day 2023 at the prestigious One Great George Street in Westminster, London. The day was dedicated to embracing the values of community, compassion and companionship, which lie at the heart of the almshouse movement, and, on the day, a fourth ‘c’ was added to the theme by the special guest speakers – care.

The event brought together esteemed individuals who shed light on the caring nature of almshouses and emphasized the significance of human interaction. The day was filled with inspiring speeches, informative sessions, and networking opportunities, making it an extraordinary experience for all attendees.

Welcoming the Chairman and Honouring the Award Winners

One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of the new Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell. His appointment marked a fresh chapter for The Almshouse Association, symbolizing its commitment to the future of the organization. His inspiring words resonated with the delegated, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation for the Association’s journey ahead.

New Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell

Another significant moment was the recognition and celebration of The Almshouse Association Award winners. These remarkable individuals and projects were honoured for their impressive developments, beautiful garden projects, dedication, and hard work. Chair of the Awards Committee, Simon Pott and new Chairman, Willie Hartley Russell presented the winners with Gardens and People and Inspiration Homes certificates and award winner pin badges, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the almshouse movement.

Liz Fathi steps down as Chair and receives the honour of officially becoming the Association’s first ever ‘Friend of The Association’.

The TAA ‘Friends of’ programme will be officially launched this September giving members and associates the opportunity to join a special group of people helping to preserve the historic value of the almshouse movement and securing its future.

Our Friends of Programme will offer a distinctive array of activities and projects for friends of active involvement, all the while supporting the almshouse movement.

Poland Trust, Inspirational Homes Award
Wyggestons and Trinity Hospital Charities, Inspirational Homes Award
Great Shelford Parochial Charities, Inspirational Homes Award
Barnstaple Almshouses, Gardens and People Award
Frances Darlington Charity, Gardens and People Award
Zeals Almshouses, Gardens and People Award
Peter Birtwistle Trust, Inspirational Homes Award
Tibberton Almshouses, Inspirational Homes Award
The Honywood and Douglas Charity, Inspiration Homes Award

Guest Speakers Emphasising Care

Our distinguished guest speakers from various fields shared their valuable insights, all converging on the importance of care within the almshouse community.

Paul Latham of the Charity Commission shed light on the regulatory aspects, emphasizing the significance of caring practices within charitable organizations. Research Fellow Dr Helen Pooley provided an academic perspective, underlining the positive impact caring architecture has on the well-being of residents. Sir Stephen Bubb JP FRSA, a renowned charity titan, shared his experiences and praised the uniqueness of almshouses and the caring nature that defines all charities.

Paul Latham, Charity Commission
Dr Alison Pooley
Sir Stephen Bubb JP FRSA

Our headline speaker, Author and Humanitarian, Terry Waite CBE captivated the audience with his personal anecdotes and insights into his time in captivity, illustrating the transformative power of care in fostering compassion and resilience.

The Q&A that followed his talk could have gone on for hours; so many questions, so humble his manner, and such a huge inspiration to us all.

Terry Waite CBE delights the delegates

A Day Filled with Inspiration and Engagement

Panel of Experts answers delegate questions

Members Day 2023 was brimming with engaging sessions, including Q&A opportunities with experts in their fields, allowing attendees to delve deeper into specific topics. The event encouraged active participation and facilitated networking among the members, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the almshouse community

A special thanks

The Almshouse Association extended their gratitude to the sponsors and exhibitors who supported the event, recognizing their invaluable contribution to its success. Thanks also to Richard Gray for the photography

Additionally, the Association expressed their appreciation for everyone who dedicated their time and effort to making the day truly exceptional.

The Almshouse Association Members Day 2023 was an unforgettable celebration of compassion, community, companionship, and care. With an illustrious line-up of guest speakers, the introduction of the new Chairman, and the recognition of outstanding achievements, the event exemplified the core values that define the almshouse movement. Through inspirational speeches, engaging sessions, and ample opportunities for networking, attendees were left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the vital role they play within their communities. The event served as a testament to the enduring commitment of The Almshouse Association and its members to creating a better world and seeing almshouses recognised as the exemplar form of community housing.

posted 28 June 2023

New almshouses for Great Shelford

Five years in the planning, Great Shelford’s £4.4M almshouse development is now complete and has welcomed its first residents.

The 21 new homes, a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, are grouped in three curved terraces surrounding a central green. Equipped with air source heat pumps, mechanically ventilated heat recovery systems, triple glazing and high levels of insulation, the homes are designed to minimise energy consumption and keep residents’ running costs low.

“Ever since our initial public meeting in July 2018 at which we outlined the need for further affordable housing in Great Shelford, we have been working closely with villagers and both parish and district councillors to bring this project to fruition. And I would particularly like to thank the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority for their generous grant of just over £1M towards the development cost,”

Sarah Rann, Chair of the Parochial Charities trustees.

Alongside the new development the charity has planted some 250 native trees and laid out allotments, a community garden, footpaths and benches, providing enhanced public access to the 8 acres of land it owns on the northern edge of the village.

The new development brings to 53 the total number of almshouse homes managed by Great Shelford Parochial Charities, providing affordable accommodation for villagers on low incomes and in housing need.

The trustees plan to hold a formal opening later in the year.

Taken from GSVC website news: New almshouses for Great Shelford – GSVC (gspc.org.uk, Sunday February 12, 2023

History of Beeston’s Almshouses, Peckham

posted 16 May 2023 in ARCHITECTURE, HIDDEN GEMS, LONDON, LOOK UP LONDON, SOUTH LONDON by Katie Wignall

Along Consort Road in Peckham you can admire the quaint-looking Beeston’s almshouses. As well as their charming appearance and characteristic almshouse layout, the aspect that really piqued my interest was the shield of the Girdlers’ Company.

Worshipful Company of Girdlers Crest | Look Up London
Beeston’s Almshouses

You can spot more of these in Farringdon (featured on my Clerkenwell walk in my book!)

THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GIRDLERS

The Girdlers’ Company have a recorded history going back to 1327 when King Edward III granted them Letters Patent. This gave them a monopoly over the trade of girdles (making belts and other metalwork) and allowed them to regulate manufacturing standards and see off competitors.

London weathervanes

The company’s Arms – granted in 1454 – contains three gridirons, chosen because griddle-iron sounds similar to girdler. Their patron saint is Lawrence of Rome who was grilled to death(!) on a gridiron in AD258.

The church of St Lawrence Jewry by the City of London Guildhall has a gridiron weathervane and the Girdlers’ Company have been associated with that church for centuries.

The name Beeston is a nod to Cuthbert Beeston, a past Master of the Girdlers’ Company who left seven houses to the company in his will of 1582.

Beeston's Almhouses, Peckham | Look Up London

Originally, the bequeathed houses weren’t in Peckham, but at the south end of London Bridge. These were compulsory purchased in 1834 when the Old London Bridge (1209-1831) was being replaced by the John Rennie’s London Bridge (1831-1970).

In the 1828 map below you can see both the new and old London bridges marked across the Thames. The original almshouses were on the south approach to the Old London Bridge.

Image credit: layersoflondon.org – C and J Greenwood 1828

The proceeds of that sale funded a two-storey almshouse building in Peckham.

Today they’re home to 20 residents and when the occasional vacancy does appear the criteria is fairly strict, the charity stipulating that the residents shall be “poor persons in the following categories”;

  • Freemen of the City of London;
  • Persons who are, or have been, employed in trades akin to that of a Girdler (including workers in metals, leather, cloths and fabrics);
  • Persons resident in the former administrative county of London, as constituted on 31st March 1965.
Beeston's Almhouses, Peckham | Look Up London

The almshouses were built in 1834, designed in a Tudor-esque style with gabled roofs at each end and hexagonal chimneys. Presumably this is a nod to their 16th century foundation and I found the overall effect visually striking and totally charming.

Peckham has a few other notable almshouses. I wrote about the former Asylum and Caroline Gardens chapel after visiting for Open House London.

There’s also more Girdlers’ Company almshouses in Choumert Road. Similar to Beeston’s, they were funded by a past Master, George Palyn in 1610 and were originally in the City before moving further into the London suburbs. You can see photos of them here. 

Article from Look up London website posted on The Almshouse Association website on 26 June 2023

Members: Call to Alms!

Almshouses: National Planning Policy Framework – almshouses in the definition of affordable housing in the National Planning Policy Framework

Dear Members

I hope all is well with you and the teams.

As you will have seen from our regular updates, we’ve been working hard with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Almshouses and supportive MPs to see almshouses recognised as “affordable housing” under the definition set in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

You may wonder why this is important, but, having dealt with so many issues over the years where local and national government have excluded almshouses or, even charged almshouses a levy towards the affordable housing fund (Section 106) because of the guidance under the current NPPF, it is clear that almshouse charities are not being recognised under the NPPF definition of “affordable housing”. Our members are disadvantaged as a result and are often being affected negatively under planning legislation.

For years, we have been asking for a review and we have, at last, been told that there will be a parliamentary review and consultation. The Almshouse Association has written to The Secretary of State and senior civil servants who have been working with us for years on this matter as well as to others who may have influence yet we have not secured the review in our favour.

I appreciate how busy you all are and I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it was so important for our members, but this is possibly a once in a decade or twenty- year opportunity to put right the national guidance and allow almshouses to have the recognition they deserve. Would you consider sending a letter or email to your local MP asking them to support this case?

If you would consider sending a letter or an email, I enclose a rough draft to help save you some time – you are welcome to use this and just add your charity’s details or, having read the letter, draft your own version in support of the proposal. If we are successful it will make a huge difference to the opportunities open to almshouse charities in the future.
• Click here for letter template
• Click here for tips on writing to MPs

MPs must submit their comments by 30th June 2023 so if you do have the time to participate, we would be incredibly grateful and strongly recommend getting your letter off to your MP before the end of this week – 23rd June 2023.

Thank you.

Nick Phillips | CEO The Almshouse Association

21 June 2023

Case Study: Poland Trust

CAF Bank has published a great case study on their website on the Poland Trust Almshouse Build which we have shared with you below:

The cause

A philanthropic gift, the commitment of trustees to a decade-long project and CAF Bank’s support. These are the foundations of a new build scheme in Surrey, to make affordable accommodation available for people who otherwise may not have been able to stay in the area.

High property prices mean that the availability of housing is a worry for many local people. The Poland Trust, a locally-based charity and Almshouse Association member, has been looking at ways to meet the need for affordable homes, so that the community can continue to flourish.

The Trust’s main aim is to help people in need, hardship or distress who have a connection to the villages of Brockham, Betchworth, Buckland and Leigh. It was set up with the financial support of Sidney Michael Poland who lived in the area. He died in 1936, leaving funds and property for the benefit of local villagers. Originally, the charity helped older residents to find suitable homes for retirement. In recent years, it began exploring how to help young people stay in the area by providing social housing.

CAF Bank support

After nearly ten years of searching for a suitable site, The Poland Trust is developing Poland Meadow. 12 homes are being constructed on land gifted by a local family. The Weekly Maitenance Charge for these flats and houses will be at approx. 60% of market rate, with priority given to those with a strong connection to the local area.  The development also includes five self-build plots, which the Trust has sold to local residents at 75% of market value. A covenant means that these can only be sold on at 80% of market value and have to be offered to people in the local community.

Getting this project off the ground relied on support from a number of sources, including the Trust’s own resources, a grant from Mole Valley District Council, proceeds from the self-build plots and a bank loan.

CAF Bank was selected to provide long-term finance. Following discussions to understand the needs of the project, we were able to provide a secured loan which was drawn down in summer 2022.

The impact

The development provides four one-bedroom flats, two one-bedroom houses, five two-bedroom houses, and one three bedroom-house. In collaboration with The Almshouse Association, all the homes are designated as almshouses, in line with other properties run by the charity. The first four units are occupied by residents with an average age of around 30.

“I never thought I would be able to live independently in the village and community where I grew up, because of housing costs in the area so this lovely new flat is a life-changing opportunity for me and I am extremely grateful for it,” said one new Poland Meadow resident.

Project takeaways

A challenge might have multiple solutions

The inclusion of self-build units assisted The Poland Trust in making the project financials stack up, as well as providing a different option for those for whom rental properties are not a suitable solution.

Know your local environment

The trustees of the charity are all local and know that the area floods. With this knowledge they invested approximately £300,000 installing a reservoir for surface water, so they can control the release of water into the local catchment area.

Engage with the local community and employ local firms where possible

The architect of the project has lived in a local village all his life, the builders are based nearby and the building standards supervisor lives in the area.

We recognised some time ago the need for social housing for the younger generation, to supplement our existing almshouses which cater for older beneficiaries.

We are immensely grateful to CAF Bank and all the supporters of this development, which will provide high quality homes for current and future residents. The greatest reward has been the reaction of the new residents as they move in.

Andrew Barratt, Trustee

See Also: Almshouses for young people in Surrey |

posted June 2023

Charities Act 2022

Find out about changes being introduced by the Charities Act 2022 

The Charities Act 2022 is introducing a number of practical changes aimed at making life easier for trustees, and the latest set of provisions came into effect on 14 June 2023.

As trustees of almshouse charities, you may be particularly interested in the changes being introduced to selling or leasing charity property and how you can use the charity’s permanent endowment. 

By reviewing your governing documents you will be able to determine if your charity is holding land or funds as permanent endowment.

Selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of charity land 

The new provisions simplify some of the legal requirements that apply to the disposal of charity land.

  • widening the category of designated advisers who can provide charities with advice on certain disposals 
  • confirming that a trustee, officer or employee can provide advice on a disposal if they meet certain requirements 
  • giving trustees discretion to decide how to advertise a proposed disposal of charity land 
  • removing the requirement for charities to get Charity Commission authority to grant a residential lease to a charity employee for a short periodic or fixed term tenancy 

The following provisions are expected to come into force by the end of 2023:

  • the provisions relating to disposals by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • the provisions relating to the taking out of mortgages by liquidators, provisional liquidators, receivers, mortgagees or administrators
  • changes about what must be included in statements and certificates for both disposals and mortgages

You can  find full details of these new provisions in updated guidance on the Charity Commission website  

Using your charity’s permanent endowment 

Put simply, permanent endowment is money or property that your charity must keep rather than spend. 

The Charities Act 2022 has introduced new powers that enable: 

  • trustees to spend, in certain circumstances, from a ‘smaller value’ permanent endowment fund of £25,000 or less without Charity Commission authority 
  • certain charities to borrow up to 25% of the value of their permanent endowment fund without Charity Commission authority 

If you can’t make use of the new statutory powers you will need to ask the Charity Commission for authority. 

If your charity has opted into a total return approach to investment, you are able to use permanent endowment to make social investments with a negative or uncertain financial return, provided any losses are offset by other gains. 

It is important to think about the long term (next 50 years or so) as well as the short term when considering the disposal of assets and consider all options. All decisions about the sale of permanent endowment should be discussed and recorded.

You can find full details of all these provisions in the Charity Commission’s updated guidance on the Charity Commission website  

There are a number of other changes which have been, or which will be, introduced. You can find details of all the changes on the Charity Commission website 

posted 20 June 2023