The Almshouse Association was delighted when our Royal Vice Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester accepted our invitation to visit the Hammersmith United Charities almshouses in celebration of their 400 year anniversary and to present the Patron’s Awards for 2016 and 2017.

The event took place on Monday 10th December at Sycamore House in London. HRH arrived at 2pm and was greeted by Kevin McGrath Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Mike Smith Chair of Trustees Hammersmith United, Elizabeth Fathi Chair of Trustees, The Almshouse Association and Nick Phillips the Association’s CEO.

HRH was invited to sign the visitor’s book and the Chair presented Victoria Hill CEO and HUC trustees.

HRH then met David Simpson, the architect and was shown the wonderful display that traced the history of the charity right back to 1618 when Dr Thomas Edwards made a gift of £20 for the immediate benefit of the poor of Fulham and left £100 to buy land for their longer term benefit. Visit  https://hamunitedcharities.org.uk/400th-anniversary/ to find out more.

Following this, HRH visited two residents’ homes and walked through the award winning gardens to the residents’ lounge.

HRH was full of admiration and commented on the importance of having a garden, whatever the size.

Our Chair Elizabeth Fathi then presented the Patron’s Award recipients for 2016 and 2017 to the Duke and he joined residents for a delicious afternoon tea.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester was then invited to present Patron’s Awards scrolls and plaques to:

Peter Brown and Andrew Clague (architect) – The Sir Roger Manwood Trust project

Rev Canon Tim Harper – Amersham United Charities

Richard Auger  – Shrewsbury Drapers’ Company

David Corney  – The Davenport Homes

 

At the end of his visit,  the Chair of Hammersmith United thanked HRH and it was a very proud moment when he accepted the invitation to unveil a plaque to commemorate the day.