Saffron Waldon Almshouses welcome 550 people to party!

Donna Sharp, Communications Volunteer at King Edward VI & The Revd Joseph Prime Almshouse Charity tells us all about the fantastic day the Saffron Walden Almshouses recently enjoyed.

“To support the UK-wide celebration of The Almshouse Association 75th anniversary we welcomed the public to a Garden Party in our grounds.

During the unexpectedly glorious sunny afternoon over 550 people attended, enjoying live music provided by Joanna Eden and Leigh McDonagh, almshouse resident Catherine Hunter and friends, and the U3A Ukelele group; children’s entertainment and face painting from Youth Create, and delicious things to eat from food trucks Sliderman (another resident’s new business) and The Giddy-Up Teacup, both of which sold out!”

“Although virtually in the centre of town (since 1400!), our historic buildings tend to be regarded as one of Saffron Walden’s ‘hidden gems’ so it was lovely to be able to share our history and what we do with so many interested visitors. “

Enjoying the sunshine at the Almshouse Association 75th Anniversary Garden Party Photo: © Celia Bartlett

We were especially delighted to welcome Cllr Arthur Coote, Chair of Uttlesford District Council, seen here with Nancy Grigg who is not only our oldest resident but was also for many years our Almshouses Warden, right up until the time that post ceased.

Nancy Grigg with Cllr Arthur Coote © Celia Bartlett

Chair of UDC, Cllr. Arthur Coote with residents Catherine and Simon ejoying the sunshine at the Almshouse Association 75th Anniversary Garden Party Photo: © Celia Bartlett

All images © Celia Bartlett Photography.

Photo competition winners announced!

Back in June we asked our members to take part in a photo competition to coincide with our 75^th anniversary.

We suggested a number of themes that included Generations, Tea and cake, Almshouse pride, Happiness, Flora and Fauna and Through the Garden Gate.

And what a wonderful photography competition we have had! We were blown away by the stunning photographs sent in and it was an incredibly difficult decision to make for our judges to choose a winner and runner up! Our professional photographer, said ‘they are all worthy winners!’

We agree. You are all winners, but sadly we could only offer prizes to the overall winner and runner up and these were announced at our 75th Garden Party.

Winner

Sheila Seymour, Clerk to the Trustees, Chubbs Almshouses won first prize for her photo on the theme ‘happiness’ entitled ‘In my shed, litho printing’ Congratulations Sheila!

Runner up

Susanne Munslow-Adair, Resident, Benn’s Walk Almshouses, Richmond – Theme ‘Flora and Fauna’ – ‘Tall Rudbeckias’ Congratulations Susanne!

Sheila will be receiving a fabulous garden tool set and £50 Dobbies voucher and Susanne a pair of quality gardening gloves and £20 Dobbies Voucher, courtesy of Dobbies Garden Centre.

Thank you to everyone who participated and watch out for another competition next year!

posted 21 September 21

Policy & Governance update: 20.09.21

The Almshouse Association regularly posts a news summary of the latest Policy and Governance legislation that could impact / requires action from our member charities, with links to further information where applicable. Please find below our latest summary:

New Housing Secretary Announced – As part of the recent Government reshuffle, Michael Gove MP has been appointed as Housing Secretary, replacing Robert Jenrick MP. The Association will be writing to Mr Gove to outline our priorities for improving support for almshouses.

Prime Minister sets out autumn and winter Covid plan – The Prime Minister has announced the Government’s plan to manage Covid throughout autumn and winter. Over autumn and winter, the Government will aim to sustain the current situation through:

Building defences through pharmaceutical interventions – for example, the announcement that the most vulnerable will be offered a “booster shot”
Identifying and isolating positive cases to limit transmission
Supporting the NHS and social care
Advising people on how to protect themselves and others
Pursuing an international approach

If the NHS came under series pressure, the Government will implement “Plan B” that would include:

Introducing mandatory vaccine only Covid status certification in certain settings.
Legally mandating face coverings in certain settings, such as public transport and shops.
Communicating clearly and urgently to the public if the risk level increases.
Consider asking people to work from home.

Posted 20 09 21

New mediation scheme

The Almshouse Association has launched a dedicated mediation scheme for its members in conjunction with the Society of Mediators.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in the number of enquiries involving disputes between almshouse charities and their residents. These have been on matters such as the non-payment of the weekly maintenance contribution, antisocial behaviour by residents, the refusal to allow maintenance to be carried out on the property, and much needed maintenance work not being carried out by the charity on the property amongst others.

In each instance, communication between the charity and its residents has broken down and in some cases the charity’s trustees have felt that they had no other option but to ask the resident to leave. Setting aside a resident’s appointment can be costly and stressful for all involved.

Mediation is a technique for resolving such disputes before more formal action is required. Mediation is held by a neutral person (a ‘mediator’). The mediator is impartial and will help to find a solution to the issue that all parties can agree to. It is, however, a voluntary process and all parties must be willing to participate. Mediation can take place at any time but, if undertaken at an early stage, could prevent an issue ending up in court and the all the associated costs.

Under the new mediation scheme, members will have access to a pool of mediators who have been trained on the peculiarities of almshouses and the legal landscape in which they operate. A 1-2 hour session with a mediator will cost between £325 and £425 + VAT and sessions can either be held online or in person (with the charity providing a venue).

To find out more about the scheme or to download a referral form, visit Mediation Scheme | (almshouses.org) or contact us at memberservices@almshouses.org

Posted 15 September 21

‘Good excuse for a party!’

Almshouse Association member Kathryn Cooper sent us in the most fabulous photos from the party they held at their Linton Park Almshouses, south of Maidstone in Kent.

Kathryn writes

“Linton Park Almshouses have, in the past few years, celebrated lots of national events with a garden party. Margaret and Shirley love baking, Rosie makes bunting and everyone joins in!

So after this last 18 months The Almshouse Association 75th anniversary was a good enough excuse to party!
The residents of our five almshouses in Linton invited their families, friends and neighbours to our Garden Party on Sunday 5th September.
It was a gloriously sunny day and it was captured by Richard Butters, Chair of the Trustees, who came along and took all the photos.

Nothing puts more of a smile on our faces than other people’s happy smiles 🙂

If you have enjoyed an almshouse celebration recently and would like to see it posted on our website and/or social media accounts, please do not hesitate to get in touch with karenmorris@almshouses.org.

Posted 14 September 21

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Royal visit to Colchester

Colchester almshouses were delighted to host a visit by The Almshouse Association Royal Vice Patron HRH The Duke of Gloucester on 9th September 21.

The Duke and Lord Lieutenant Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst were welcomed by The Almshouse Association CEO, Nick Phillips and introduced to supporters, trustees and residents of the St Mary Magdalen almshouses who are celebrating their 900 year anniversary!

Supporters included The Mayoress Mrs Elizabeth Davidson, Mayor, Cllr Davidson, Rt Revd Roger Morris – Bishop of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell – High Steward of Colchester (ret MP and Ex Mayor).

The Duke said how astonishing it was to find an almshouse established during the time of the crusades still providing a home to those in housing need.

One resident who moved in to St Mary Magdalen House in January, said he was hugely grateful for the security in the eight months he has lived there. He said

“The people have welcomed me with open arms – I couldn’t have asked for more help”

The Duke also met resident Jordan Smith (pictured left) who is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and has won 17 caps playing for the England cerebral palsy football team.

The Duke then went on to see the nine fabulous new almshouses built in Winnocks Road next to the 17^th Century almshouses. They now form part of the great community of Winnocks and Kendall almshouses right in the heart of Colchester.

During his visit the Duke met residents Irene and Douglas Brownsdon (pictured right) Mr Philip Tolhurst, Mr Simon Brice High Sheriff of Essex and Mrs Brice, Councillor Eddie Johnson, Chairman Essex County Council & Mrs Carol Johnson, Mr Adrian Pritchard Chief Executive Colchester Borough Council, Mr Roger Hirst Police & Crime Commissioner, Mr Harrington Chief Constable, Mrs Susan Leng Trustee ex-Chairman with 40 years service and Mr John Enfield Chairman of Winnocks & Kendall.

Before moving on to his next appointment, HRH unveiled a plaque celebrating his visit to Colchester (top photo) and John Bradley, vice chairman of trustees at Winnocks and Kendall’s Almshouse, added

“We’re really grateful to the Charity Bank and Colchester Council for funding this wonderful project – without them, it simply would not have gone ahead.”

HRH The Duke of Gloucester with John Enfield (Chairman of the Trustees) trustees, John Bradley, Anna Daniell, Tim Bushell, Pat Sharman, Wendy Allen, Brian Taylor

HRH The Duke of Gloucester meets residents of Winnocks and Kendalls Almshouses, Mrs Andrea Elliott, Ex military veterans Mr Alan Toussaint and Mr Trevor Orton.

“The almshouse movement is greatly boosted by a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester. As an architect, the new building programme of almshouses has been of great interest to The Duke and he also seems delighted to meet the residents and hear their wonderful stories. Knowing how busy he is we feel very privileged to host a visit by The Duke.”
Nick Phillips, CEO | The Almshouse Association

[Top photo: HRH The Duke of Gloucester with (left) HM Lord Lieutenant Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Nick Phillips CEO, The Almshouse Association, Michael Siggs, Almshouse Clerk, trustees and residents of Winnocks and Kendal Almshouses, Colchester]

Posted 13 September 21

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Celebrations at two Wantage almshouses

The Almshouse of Robert Stiles based in Newbury Street and Vicar’s Row, Wantage and the Wantage Town Lands based in Mill Street and Eagles Close, Wantage can trace their foundations back to 1598 and 1680.

With The Almshouse Association celebrating our 75th anniversary, they took the opportunity to join the celebratory occasion with a tea party for residents and trustees and guests.

Guest included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Brigadier Dennis Blease, Wantage and Didcot MP, David Johnston and Mayor of Wantage (who is also a trustee) Jim Sibbald. The beautiful summer weather ensured that some 80 people enjoyed drinks and tea and cakes.

The two almshouses have 27 units with 33 residents.

Pictures courtesy of Scott Galbraith.

September 21

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16th century almshouse joins in the celebrations!

Dunton’s Almshouses in Dedham, Essex date back to the 16^th Century and said that celebrating our 75^th anniversary was a very good excuse to put on a party!

The weather was very kind to the trustees, residents and guests who enjoyed sandwiches, cakes, tea and musical entertainment. It was a really lovely day and requests are in to do it all over again!

After a fun-filled day, their oldest resident hitched a ride on her son’s mobility scooter up the garden slope to her back door!

September 21

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140th anniversary at St John’s Homes Almshouses

The St. John’s Homes Kempston Almshouses Charity holds a garden party to celebrate their 140th anniversary!

The St. John’s Homes Almshouses charity was set up by Mrs. Anne Charles Williamson in 1881 for local “retired and needy” members of the Church of England with 10 dwellings in the now Grade II listed building on Bedford Road.

Almost a century later, a warden’s flat, residents’ lounge and a further 10 dwellings were added, creating a courtyard garden between the two main buildings. There are currently 23 residents, forming a small local community.

Committee members and Clerk to the trustees

Mrs. Anne Charles Williamson’s father and grandfather were both vicars, and both of Campton, near Shefford, but she grew up at the Manor House in Kempston, built for her grandfather in 1815. The Williamsons were significant benefactors to Kempston and Mrs. Anne, who died in 1927, also left a bequest for the building of The Church of the Transfiguration, completed in 1940.

Residents and trustees celebrated their milestone anniversary with an al fresco tea party in the courtyard and all the current residents were given memento toasters and keyfobs to mark the occasion.

September 21

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Party time at Royal Albert & St Swithuns Almshouse!

Caroline Dodds is the warden at Royal Albert and St Swithuns Almshouse based in Worcester Worcestershire.

Together with their Chair lady, Mrs Beverley Thompson, Clerk of trustees Mr John Wagstaff, trustees and Caroline’s husband Mark Dodds who she describes as her ‘volunteer in all occasions’, they

” Decided to have a fabulous time celebrating The Almshouse Association becoming 75 years old!
We are spread over two sites with varied age groups youngest being 63 years of age oldest being 93 in September .
We held a BBQ and quiz on the Saturday 7th August and much fun was had by all.
We were due to have an out door cinema but sadly the very British weather let us down with rain and wind.
On Sunday 8th August we held an Afternoon tea with a fabulous singer to entertain us .
Both sites were invited to each venue and joined in together with much laughter and happiness and chat was had by all .
We also took the opportunity to present our gardeners of the year from both sites for having a wonderful display in the gardens but also for always being willing and helpful to others.
Caroline Dodds, warden at Royal Albert and St Swithuns Almshouse

We are glad that the weather did not spoil your celebrations!
Your photos really capture the happiness and community spirit found in almshouses all over the country. Well done to you all!

September 21

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