Andover Charities Trustees hold a garden party in their orchard

Last weekend Andover Charities Trustees joined in The Almshouse Association’s 75^th celebrations by holding a garden party.

Eighteen residents and trustees enjoyed a picnic afternoon tea in their beautiful community orchard. To make sure everyone kept safe, the Travelling Cupcake made sumptuous individual food boxes with a range of finger food that went down a treat!

Clerk to the Andover Charities Trustees Katherine who sent us in photos from the day, said

“It was really wonderful to be able to sit together and socialise for the first time in over a year!”

Andover Charities Trustees look after 19 properties in the centre of Andover, along with the nearby common acre.

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Policy & Governance: 02.08.21 update

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

Property and Planning

National Disability Strategy – The Government has published its National Disability Strategy which seeks to improve the life of disabled people across the country. Part of the strategy focuses on housing, particularly accessibility, with some immediate measure including:
- boosting the supply of housing for disabled people by raising accessibility standards for new homes, increasing the supply of affordable homes, including supported housing, and accelerating the adaptation of existing homes by improving the efficiency of local authority delivery of the Disabled Facilities Grant, worth £573 million in 2021 to 2022
- extend disabled tenants’ rights on accessibility
- ensure the safety of disabled people in buildings, for when there are emergencies

Building Beautiful Places – Members who are considering developing new almshouses may be interested in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and new National Model Design Code which place ‘beauty’ at the heart of new buildings.

Charity

Charity Commission – updated guidance on charity accounting – The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on Charity reporting and accounting: the essentials November 2016 (CC15d) and on Independent examination of charity accounts: guidance for trustees (CC31) to include advice on the use of electronic signatures on the balance sheet, trustees’ annual report and independent examination.

Adult Social Care

Help with anti-social behaviour for social housing tenants – MHCLG has published guidance that clarifies the roles of the agencies responsible for tackling anti-social behaviour and the help and support available for residents. Although the guidance refers to ‘tenants’ it is generally applicable information.

Environment and Energy

Government Consultation Opens on automatic energy switching – The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has published proposals to trial automatic switching for customers on expensive default energy tariffs to cheaper deals. The proposals include trials of a new system (to take place in 2024) in which some consumers on costly tariffs would be automatically switched to cheaper ones on the market unless they opt out. BEIS has published a related policy paper and consultation – closing 15 October 2021.

Miscellaneous

Risk management template for event organisers – DCMS has published a Risk management template for event organisers, which it offers as a resource to help event organisers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in event settings. This may be of interest to members thinking about holding a celebratory tea party as part of The Almshouse Association’s 75^th anniversary.

Posted 2 August 21

Its blooming marvellous at St Mary’s Hospital almshouses!

The St Mary’s Hospital almshouses in Chichester opened up the gates to their beautiful gardens as part of the National Gardens Scheme this July.

The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,600 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors, the National Garden Scheme has donated over £60 million to nursing and health charities. The National Garden Scheme doesn’t just open beautiful gardens for charity – they are passionate about the physical and mental health benefits of gardens too. They also support charities doing amazing work in gardens and health and grant bursaries to help community gardening projects.

Over the 2 days, St Mary’s Hospital almshouse trustees, staff and residents welcomed 310 visitors raising £1,553.05 for the NGS health, mental health & gardening charities with the refreshments stall raising £347.00 in donations to St Mary’s.

Scheme Manager, Monica Winnett , who sent us in these stunning photos (mostly taken by Mrs Vivien Ruddock) writes:

“This was a real community effort – the setting up was done by me, the gardens are single-handedly cared for by Ray Winnett, who is also responsible for the maintenance here and the refreshments stall was run entirely by residents on both days, who reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with visitors and were delighted with the money raised.
Our Custos (Chaplain) Canon Bruce Ruddock was also on hand on the Saturday to speak to visitors and muck in as needed”.

Such a brilliant demonstration of a community working together!

Monica is hoping that they will soon be able to reopen for the monthly tours they offer to members of the public – we hope so too, those gardens really need to be shown off!

Ray Winnett, the man with the green fingers!

Posted July 21

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Celebrating 90 years! Goodly Dale Cottage Homes

Goodly Dale Cottage Homes almshouses in Windermere are celebrating 90 years since their very first trustee meeting on the 6^th February 1931!

The party takes place on 7th August with entertainment from local singer Fiona Hanlan , a few words from Chairman Bill Smith and a delicious afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Bob Pow, trustee, told us that he has read through every single ‘minutes of the meeting’ reports from the past 90 years, twice! As part of the special commemorative day, he will give a reading from their very first trustees meeting along with other interesting minutes from the last 90 years.

The original homes were constructed by well-known local builders, Pattinson’s, to provide homes for those meeting strict qualifications in relation to their age, character, local origin or longevity of local residency. Today the almshouses provide 20 homes comprising of the original cottages and six more modern bungalows built in the 1970s with very similar occupancy qualifications to those established in 1931. They are occupied by a mix of single and married couples with a resident Warden support.
Bob Pow, Trustee

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New! Photography competition!*

Are you a budding David Bailey?

As temperatures start to rise across the summer months, we are launching our summer photography competition to coincide with our 75^th anniversary.

The competition is split into themes consisting of:

Generations
Tea and cake
Almshouse pride
Happiness
Flora and fauna
Through the garden gate

You simply choose a theme that your photograph relates to and send the photo to us in jpeg format via email with your name, contact and almshouse charity details to gerryharmon@almshouses.org.

All members are welcome to enter!

The winner will receive a quality garden tool set and £50 Dobbies voucher and the runner up will receive a pair of gardening gloves and £20 Dobbies voucher. Both will receive a commemorative certificate and Almshouse Association pin, as well as coverage on our website and social media channels

The winner and runner up, chosen by a group of judges, will be announced at our afternoon tea garden party on the 8^th September and notified the week commencing the 13^th September 2021.

The closing date for the competition is 4 pm on the 16^th August 2021.

So…. set your shutter speed, polish your lenses, fire up your artistic flare and get clicking!!

We can’t wait to see all your amazing photos!

*Please read our Terms & Conditions for the Photo competition here

Posted 2 June 21

New almshouses in Cheltenham

New ecologically friendly almshouses offer more than a roof over residents heads.

CEO Nick Phillips attended the official opening of four new almshouses at Jesse Mary Almshouses in Cheltenham on 16th July 2021.

The new solar-powered almshouses have been built to a very high standard of comfort and economy, typical of the new generation of almshouses – taking the best of traditional design and incorporating the highest standards of insulation and solar energy in order to reduce the impact on the environment and improve economic resilience.

Amongst the throng enjoying the day were trustees, residents, The Mayor of Cheltenham (who cut the opening ribbon), Councillor Steve Harvey – The Deputy Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Sandra Holliday and MP for Cheltenham, Alex Chalk, Assistant Whip and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Justice, Valerie O’Connor, Chairman of Trustees, Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association and architect and building contractor representatives.

Resident Fran has been living at the Jesse Mary almshouses for 17 years; now 70, she enjoys supporting the older residents and playing her part in the community and neighbourly spirit of almshouses.

“I have loved every single minute of living here and I am very happy. Even if I won the lottery I still wouldn’t want to move!”

In his statement to the BBC, MP Alex Chalk spoke of the vital role almshouses play today in the social and community housing sector.

“Almshouses are a proven model and fill a gap not just in quality affordable housing for those in need but in reducing isolation and loneliness. A powerful model for the future!”

Nick Phillips, commented on the value that almshouses bring to a community and their genuine affordable model.

“These almshouses show what can be achieved by one local charity, established nearly 100 years ago, leading the way locally on not just affordable homes and creating close communities but in environmental construction and design.”

It was a great day enjoyed by all and we even managed to get a spot on the BBC news!

The new almshouses consist of four individual one-bedroom properties, finished to the highest modern standard with open-plan kitchen and underfloor heating throughout. All have ground-level entry with two designed for wheelchair access and equipped with re-enforced ceilings which can accommodate a hoist. State of the art PV panels have been installed to minimise any environmental impact.

They have been built in the grounds of the Jesse Mary Chambers almshouses and complement the existing building which was put up in 1924 under the Will of Mr. Henry David Gregory Chambers, in memory of his sister.

Cheltenham Almshouses & Aid own and manage four almshouse sites across the town with a total of 39 properties and residents

Posted 20 July 21

Refugee resettlement – can you help?

Hospitality Pledge Landlord Search

Krish Kandiah, social entrepreneur, writer, activist, theologian and Chair of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board recently reached out to Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association to talk about the plight of Afghan refugees and to see if any almshouse charities would be able to help.

UK and NATO forces are pulling out of Afghanistan after 20 years. The UK is resettling hundreds of Afghan families who helped us with translation and support services during the conflict that are now facing extreme threat to life.

They are urgently looking for landlords, Housing Associations and private home owners who would be willing to rent out their properties to the local authority for 12 months to help.

If you are interested in helping please click here.

Posted 20 July 21

Policy & Governance: 19.07.21

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

English Housing Survey, 2019 to 2020 – social rented sector – MHCLG has published the English Housing Survey, 2019 to 2020: social rented sector, which reports on the characteristics and circumstances of social renters in England.

Building Safety Bill – The Building Safety Bill has been published (explanatory notes). The Bill takes forward the Government’s commitment to reform the building safety system and changes to the Architects Act 1997, the Housing Act 1996, and will establish a National Regulator for Construction Products and a New Homes Ombudsman.

Charities

Annual Charity Commission research on public trust in charities – The Charity Commission has welcomed research findings suggesting trust in charities is continuing to recover after hitting an all-time low three years ago. But the regulator says trust remains fragile, and that charities must respond to underlying public expectations if they are to fully return to levels of trust last seen a decade ago. Maintaining trust within the communities we serve, through high standards is vital to ensure that our charities continue to receive the support necessary to provide relief to those in need. Almshouses have provided this high standards as cornerstones of the communities they work in for hundreds of years, we must strive to continue this work in perpetuity.

Annual returns – The Charity Commission’s 2021 charity annual return service is now available. The Commission has also updated the document that lists the questions in the annual return: see its Guidance: Prepare a charity annual return.

Covid-19 and charity AGMs – The Charity Commission has updated its Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for the charity sector in relation to Annual General Meetings disrupted by the pandemic. Specifically: “We recognise that for some charities virtual meetings are not a viable solution, nor are socially distanced face-to-face meetings. In such instances, trustees may consider they have no choice but to cancel or postpone their AGMs and other critical meetings. If you do consider such a decision is necessary, you should follow any rules in your charity’s governing document that allow for postponement, adjournment or cancellation. If there are no such rules, but you decide that this is still the best course of action for your charity in the current circumstances, you should record the reasons for this decision to demonstrate good governance of your charity. This is particularly important if it is not possible to hold your AGM which may make it difficult for you to finalise your annual reports and accounts.”

Taxation and Finance

Proposed Accounting Direction for registered providers of social housing – The Regulator of Social Housing has published a consultation – closing 21 September – on proposed updates to the existing Accounting Direction. The responses to the Accounting Direction 2019 consultation identified a number of issues that were outside of the scope of the changes proposed at the time. RSH will review the proposed changes to the Accounting Direction in light of the responses received to the consultation. Any changes that may be made to the Accounting Direction will come into force for accounting periods commencing 1 January 2022. Members who are also Registered Providers may wish to respond to the consultation.

Posted 19 July 21

Covid-19 update: July 21

The Government has confirmed that the country will be proceeding to the final stage of the restriction easing on July 19^th 2021.

On 19 July, most legal restrictions will end, removing social distancing and social contact restrictions and enabling remaining businesses to reopen. With cases continuing to rise, however, it is vital that we remain cautious and take necessary precautions to ensure we can limit the spread of the virus. Those who have previously shielded or have been classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable should consider what additional precautions should be taken, even if you have received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Members may now wish to consider how to best manage communal areas if these have remained closed. It is also still recommended that you continue to wear a face mask is crowded areas such as public transport.

Government guidance still encourages us to:

think Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air
take part in free, regular, rapid COVID-19 testing
come forward for vaccination when it is offered.

The Almshouse Association would ask members to assess their own circumstances and consider the most appropriate measures on a case-by-case basis.

Wales

The Welsh Government has announced that most coronavirus rules will end on August 7^thas the country moves to alert level 0.

From July 17^th:

Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.
Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seat and up t 200 standing.
Ice rinks can reopen.

From August 7^th:

Nightclubs will be able to reopen.
Face masks will still be required in most indoor places, expect for pubs, restaurants and schools.
Social distancing rules will be removed with venues carrying our individual risk assessments.
People who are fully vaccinated will not need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

Posted 19 July 21

Double celebrations in Sonning!

Robert Palmer Almshouses in Sonning on Thames opened their garden gate to community and companionship for a celebration garden party.

To celebrate their 175th anniversary and the 75^th anniversary of The Almshouse Association, Mike Hart, Chair of the board of trustees and his team held a wonderful summer afternoon garden party at their beautiful almshouses in Sonning on Thames on the 11^th July 2021.

Former Prime Minster, Theresa May and Philip May joined Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association at The Robert Palmer Almshouses for a champagne toast and afternoon tea.

Residents, trustees and friends gathered in the beautiful gardens to celebrate the community spirit of almshouses. The event was blessed with sunshine and everyone really enjoyed meeting up again after such a long time. It was a such joy to be a part of; to see the smiles and hear the laughter and raise a toast to community and kindness!

Theresa May is an active supporter of her local almshouses and The Almshouse Association we would like to thank her wholeheartedly for her support of the almshouse movement across the country.

Very Special Thanks also go to the trustees and all the residents for making the day so special for everyone!

Scan of newspaper article in the Henley Standard – click here
Link to online version

Posted 12 July 21

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