When the present incumbent of the parish of Wickhambrook (part of
the Bansfield Benefice group of rural parishes) in West Suffolk, arrived
in the Vicarage next to the Almshouses he discovered that he was also
to be Chairman of the Wickhambrook United Charities, whose main concern
is the running of the two Almshouses built circa 1634 (which happen
to be between the church and the Vicarage in the village). |
| Upon first visit to the two residents Rev. Ian Finn
found the properties to be vermin infested, dirty, and cold, basically
unfit for habitation. Residents had lived under the impression that
they were living on ‘charity’ and could expect nothing
more but to put up with the conditions. They were paying a peppercorn
maintenance charge. |
In 2001 the Chairman made the Trustees aware of the situation in the
properties and it was decided to take action to rectify the situation.
Initial contact was made with The Almshouse Association to ask for
help and guidance for the restoration of the properties. |
The then AHA Deputy Director- Mrs Heather Greves came to visit the
Almshouses and upon seeing the conditions lent her total support to
the project. An Architect Mr Richard Waite of King’s Lynn, was
recommended and came to see the properties, drew up some plans and
funding was sought. The AHA offered a low interest loan and the Trustees
felt confident that the quotes from contractors could be met from
this loan and their own investments. Plans were made for residents
to leave and the properties vacated, to the relief of the long suffering
residents. |
However, the stock market took a dive, the Charities investments plummeted
and the Trustees found that almost overnight the money they thought
they had in stocks and shares had slumped by 25%! The project had
to be put on hold. The Almshouses left unoccupied. |
It was then in early 2004 that the Trustees, with a new treasurer
at the helm of the project, saw their investments rise again. With
a very generous grant from the Environmental Health and Housing department
of St. Edmundsbury Borough Council, the AHA loan and the Trustees
investments the project could go ahead. Builders, G.J Bream Ltd. of
Bury St. Edmunds, were instructed to begin work on the restoration
works. Porches, originally planned, were left off for cost reasons.
|
The two properties were completely rewired, existing floors were excavated,
concreted, insulated and DPM fitted. The south end sole plate and
timber studwork replaced in oak, oil central heating systems fitted,
low level shower and WC room, new kitchens including fridge, washing
machine and cooker, secondary double glazed, carpets throughout lounge
and bedrooms, tiles on floor of kitchen and bathroom were donated
by Traditional Tiles of Wickhambrook. |
| With the help of a generous charitable grant from Carr
Sheppards Crosthwaite - a private client and charity investment company
of London. the gardens of the Almshouses were reconstructed by a local
landscape gardening contractor. |
| Altogether the project has cost £60,203. |
Two new residents applied to live in the Almshouses, and have now
moved in. The monthly maintenance charge has been raised to a level
advised by the Housing Officer from St. Edmundsbury Borough Council.
The Trustees, and new residents, are very pleased with the refurbished
Almshouses which once again are an asset to the local community and
home to two lucky people. |
The Trustees would like to publicly thank all those
who have been named above who have enabled the long needed restoration
of the ancient Almshouses in Wickhambrook, Suffolk, to take place.
Rev. Ian Finn
Chairman of Trustees
> RETURN TO ALMSHOUSES |
