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Renovation

Objective

The Trustees believe it is very important that everything possible is done to protect this valuable and attractive piece of village heritage. The object of the Trust is to provide good quality affordable accommodation for local elderly people and so contribute to the sustainability of Marshfield as a rural community. In the last 18 months, all eight houses have been upgraded to modern standards. The final phase of this refurbishment is to provide a communal meeting room for the residents.  

Project

The plan is to convert the boiler room into a communal meeting room for the residents. The boiler room has become redundant since the introduction of a modern boiler in each house. A secondary benefit will be to restore the view through the chapel window.

Alongside these changes is a firm steer from Government that elderly people should be encouraged to stay in their own homes as long as possible, with appropriate support. The project gives the Trust an opportunity to look afresh at its current provision and to create a community that is both appropriate to the current needs and aspirations of the Trust and its Clients and is responsive to future changes.

Architects, Wrigley Associates, have been appointed with specific knowledge of working with Listed Buildings. After discussion with the Planning and Conservation Officers of South Gloucestershire Council, Planning and Listed Building consents have now been granted.

Fund Raising Strategy

In 2004 with very limited reserves, the Charity embarked on a major fund raising campaign to upgrade all 8 houses. By 2006, work started on the first two houses and the final houses were completed in 2008. The Charity had to raise over £500,000 to fund these improvements through Social Housing Grant, grants from Trusts, an interest free loan from the National Almshouses Association and significant local fundraising. The Charity aims to seek funds for this final phase from the following sources

• Trusts
• Local fundraising events
• The rents charged are being restructured in line with Housing Corporation guidelines and will eventually result in an improved cash flow for the Trust.  This will provide long-term sustainability for the charity.

Phase 5

• The costings have been prepared by Chartered Quantity Surveyors, Bare Leaning and Bare.

•  The anticipated fundraising is the minimum necessary to ensure that the Trust retains a reserve of £20,000 over the life of the project to protect against unforeseen major repair or other costs.

Summary of Costs

• The Parish Council is fully supportive of the project and has given financial support in each of the last four years.
• The following Trusts have given their financial support since 2004: Clothworkers Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, All Churches Trust, Dulverton Trust, Spirax Sarco  Engineering plc Charitable Trust, Stephen Clark 1957 Charitable Trust, R J Harris Charitable Settlement, Robinson Trust, Jack Lane Charitable Trust, Leach No 14 Trust, Coutts Charitable Trust, Wessex Water, Verdon-Smith Family Charitable Settlement, The Percy Bilton Charity
• Local fund raising from a variety of events demonstrates strong village support. 

The sole remaining activity of Marshfield Consolidated Charities is the administration and management of the Crispe Almshouses.

Page updated 20 April 2008.