Celebrating 150 years
The Mrs de Lannoy & Haven Homes Almshouse Charity celebrated its 150th anniversary on 14th June 2024 with a thanksgiving service at All Saints Church, Chapel Green, Church Road, Crowborough. This was followed by a reception and afternoon tea when the residents, trustees and officers, together with many people closely associated with Crowborough Almshouses, come together to enjoy this important anniversary.
The charity was honoured in having a number of dignitaries present, including the Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex, Amanda Hamblin, the Vice chairman of Wealden District Council, Gavin Blake-Coggins, the joint leader of Wealden DC, Councillor James Partridge, Crowborough Mayor, Matthew Street, Nusrat Ghani the local MP together with Julian Marczak representing the Almshouses Association.
Rev. Steve Rees conducted the service with Father Edward Dowler taking prayers. Bob Bailey, chairman of the trustees spoke, giving background and history of Crowborough Almshouses. Information about the Almshouses Association, of which the charity is a member was presented by Julian Marczak, drawing attention to the benefits of almshouse living.
The highlight of the event was the poem, ‘Sanctuary’ specially written for the 150th anniversary by Peter Jackson and read with great vivacity by Mary Corny, donning a late 19th century dress for the occasion; a resident from de Lannoy Cottages.
The design theme across the invitation cards, service booklet as well as the reproduction of the poem together with the pictorial loop of Crowborough through the ages incorporating the almshouses were the work of JAC design, for which the charity were extremely grateful.
Almshouse Association Director visits Crowborough Almshouses.
Prior to the church service, Julian Marczak, Membership director, was shown around by Rupert Cole, clerk to the charity, visiting three of the almshouses. Julian was introduced to a number of residents and to Judy Goode and Rosemary Clark, trustee visitors. This was well received and Brian Goode was able to capture some excellent photographs of the visit.
