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 17th 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