In our latest blog, resident Allan Mercado talks about his experiences living in an almshouse
“My late wife, Phyl, and I were married for close to 60 years. Three sons now flown the nest. A close friend had pointed out a small advertisement inviting applications for an almshouse owned by the Newbury Almshouse Trust. Our current home then was a mobile home, which had seen better days. We were interviewed formally by the trustees and were delighted to be accepted.
The weekly maintenance charge was, and still is, well within our pension means. Our neighbours were entirely friendly and a proctor, the name given to a representative of the trustees, called each month to check that all was well."
"Residents did not live in each other’s homes. Elderly residents like to maintain their privacy and throughout my time at Lower Raymond’s this respect has always been maintained. A fine way, for me, to pass the December of my years."
"But let us enquire on the real-life experiences of the residents. Once one’s neighbours have overcome their initial and wary “good morning, cold today” exchanges, a new resident will find themselves chatting and getting many surprises from their new friends. They will be chatting to a low handicap golfer, a police support officer, a press and wedding photographer, a school cleaner, a car park attendant, an advertisement executive, an insurance clerk, publican, newspaper reporter, air gunner, antique and book collector, local history buff… and that’s just one resident! You’d better believe it!”
To find out more about living in an almshouse, and enquire about vacancies, contact us today
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