When were the Cambridge Royal Albert Homes founded? The Cambridge Royal Albert Homes is a registered almshouse charity. It was originally formed in 1846 and provides subsidised homes for independent, retired older persons of modest means. The founding President was mayor of Cambridge at the time and the founding treasurer, and the committee, all had strong connections with the Town (as it was then) Council. There then followed a period of fund raising. The site was purchased in 1857 and the first buildings along Hills Road were designed and built with the first three homes filled in 1863. Further substantial donations made by local people have allowed more houses along Brooklands Avenue and opposite the Botanic Gardens to be built. On 1 April 2023, The Cambridge Royal Albert Homes transferred from a benevolent society to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with the registered charity number 1190144, and remains a member of the Almshouse Association. How many buildings do we have and how many residents? The historic buildings consist of 28 dwellings including terraced houses and flats suitable for one or two people. At present we have about 30 residents and we are managed by a group of trustees, our Community Living Coordinator (CLC) and our Clerk. Our Residents have a broad range of ages and interests. They love living in the Homes and there is a genuine community spirit. They all have their own accommodation which allows them privacy but with a neighbour not very far away. Our residents enjoy living in the centre of Cambridge, close to shops and services, and adjacent to the Botanic Garden. Our beautiful communal gardens are available for our residents to use and enjoy. As recently as 2018 a generous legacy from Miss Egan allowed us to replace many kitchens and improve insulation as well as providing a professional makeover of the Recreation and Meeting Room. What is life like as a resident? Our CLC facilitates the life of our residents including checking on their well-being, organising functions to encourage good neighbourliness, as well as building and fostering a community spirit. The programme of social events includes lunches, musical events and visits. Who else supports the homes manager? Eleanor Matthewson, is the clerk to the trustees. Eleanor provides professional support to the Trustees, keeping them in touch with all the administrative issues that they should be aware of. Eleanor also assists the trustees in organising the meetings of our four committees: Finance and Investment, Selection and Welfare, Buildings and Grounds Development Please look at our governance - meet the trustees - page for more information. |
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