In his third almshouse charity visit of the month, Uxbridge United Welfare Trust welcomes HRH The Duke of Gloucester
After days of non-stop rain, on Friday 20 October 2023 the almshouses in Uxbridge were blessed with blue skies and delighted trustees, staff and residents of Uxbridge United Welfare Trust came out to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to the official opening of Ossulton Court.
Ossulton Court is the latest almshouse to be built by Uxbridge United Welfare Trust which has 20 almshouse apartments in the centre of Uxbridge. All are for local state pensionable aged residents who qualify for housing benefits. All the apartments at Ossulton Court offer step-free access and the wet rooms and kitchens built in these units allow all the residents who live here to remain in their homes for longer.
“All of us here at Uxbridge United Welfare Trust are incredibly proud of our new almshouse development. This is our fifth reincarnation of almshouse living in Uxbridge spanning over 300 years. Ossulton Court is a shining example of what a 21st century almshouse should be.  Safe, secure, step free access housing, for local elderly people in the centre of our town.”
Dominic Gilham, CEO for Uxbridge United Welfare Trust
The project to build Ossulton Court took just over four years from planning to completion.
During his visit, His Royal Highness engaged with residents, staff, and trustees, and was given a guided tour of the stunning new almshouse development, as well as a beautiful display of apple trees that were planted during the pandemic. Each tree is dedicated to a resident and bears their names on small plaques at the base of the trees.
Resident Mrs Janet Brown welcomed His Royal Highness into her flat, where he enjoyed the view overlooking the wonderful courtyard garden, tended to by the residents.
The visit culminated in a gathering in the dining area, where His Royal Highness joined residents for a piece of cake and some enjoyable conversation. His Royal Highness also unveiled a special commemorative plaque and signed the visitor’s book.
“His Royal Highness created such a positive atmosphere during his visit, meeting all the residents and trustees. He spoke knowledgeably and enthusiastically about the almshouse model and the impact almshouses, such as Ossulton Court, have on the lives of residents. With his architectural background, the Duke noted how the new building had captured much of the heritage of the almshouse model with its wonderful courtyard and orchard.”
Nick Phillip, CEO The Almshouse Association
His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester, is the Royal Vice Patron for The Almshouse Association. The Association is an essential component of the almshouse movement; providing support, information, and guidance on a broad range of general and specific issues, to over 1600 independent almshouse member charities that provide low-cost community housing for around 36,000 residents across the United Kingdom.
Many of The Duke’s Patronages are related to architecture and conservation, both areas in which The Duke remains deeply interested. He was elected a corporate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1972 and he is President of the Scottish Society of the Architect-Artists. His fellowships include those of the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
His Royal Highness is a supporter of several architectural preservation societies, including the Kensington Society and the Victorian Society, as well as the International Council on Monuments and Sites, UK National Committee.
posted 24 October 2023