November 2024
MANY CHANGES
During the last few months there have been a number changes amongst the almshouse team. The pressure that comes with looking after the upkeep of nineteen flats across four separate locations and overseeing twenty residents has given rise to the need for the first time ever to employing a clerk: Rupert Cole. This change has worked well and has released the trustee team to give a more personal caring support to our ageing residents. At the same time a more focused oversight has been maintained in ensuring the properties and the gardens are well managed. This year all four gardens have looked colourful despite one of the wettest summers.
There have recently been two changes in our trustee team, with Anthony Youlton joining us along with Janice Begbie; one trustee from All Saints `Church, the other from St Johns the Evangelist both in Crowborough. New members will bring a wealth of experience and strength to the team together with vision and fresh inspiration. The charity is still in need of further trustees and the chairman and the clerk are always ready and happy to discuss the charitable work of the almshouses with anyone interested in supporting the charity, either as a trustees or volunteer. Pictures of the new trustees can be seen on the trustees and officers page within the website.
One of the pending major changes is that the charity is well advanced in moving from a straightforward charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This takes time to come to fruition and the new scheme is currently being considered by the Charity Commission. This change amongst other matters offers the trustees greater security and legal protection especially when dealing with property matters.
CELEBRATION AND VISITS
Having celebrated the charity’s 150th anniversary in June when the charity was honoured in having the Deputy Lieutenant, Amanda Hamblin, join the church commemoration service and afternoon tea the charity was again honoured on 24th September when the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Lucinda Fraser paid a visit to the charity and viewed two of the properties: de Lannoy Cottages, in Beacon Road and Swift House in Walshes Road. The high Sheriff also met several of the residents. On both visits Rupert Cole, clerk to the charity and Judy Goode vice chair escorted the two dignitaries.
