From The Middle Warden: Prof Andrew McNaughton FREng

Dear Members of the Livery and Freedom

One of the Livery movement’s charitable endeavours is the Pan Livery Pro Bono Group, on which Past Master Dr Peter Blair-Fish and I represent our Company.  At our meeting on 30 September, we received a presentation by the new CEO of the Almshouse Association, Nick Phillips, on the history but more relevantly the current challenges Almshouse charities are facing.  It seemed to me there were opportunities for those of us looking to offer a little time to a worthwhile charitable cause perhaps local to where we live to assist.  Hence this brief note, with the blessing of Past Master Gordon Masterton, Chair of our Engineers’ Trust.

The Almshouse movement is as old as the Livery and they have shared much through the ages – they still do with some Almshouses being directly supported by the older Companies.  Rather than rehearse the history, I commend you to the website www.almshouses.org which is a good introduction.  I didn’t know (and I bet you don’t either unless you are involved already) that there are over 1600 independent Almshouse charities, each with a Board of Trustees.  Between them they provide shelter to some 67,000 people.  Whilst there are a few larger charities, most cater for a handful of people in a local building.

The Almshouses are about far more than being social housing associations.  Think Chelsea Pensioners and you will understand they seek to provide a whole fabric of support starting with “good neighbours” who residents know and associate with.  Historically most residents are elderly but increasingly it is younger people and sometimes with children who need their support. 

Nick discussed the three principal issues facing them today.  One, as ever, was current expenditure on existing commitments and a second was raising capital for both new and modernised Almshouse infrastructure.  However, most relevant to us was the call for people to volunteer to become Trustees of their local Almshouse charity.

In many cases the 1600 Boards’ Trustees are ageing and are looking for new blood.  This is not especially about engineering know-how although, along with other professions, those skills will be useful especially in tackling the asset management of facilities in need of modernisation or replacement.  It is more about bringing the common sense and nous that you have to a local worthy cause without too much time commitment.  If you think you might be interested to help, do make contact with Nick Phillips who can be reached on nickphillips@almshouses.org

If you do take up the challenge, please let me know so I can add you (anonymously) to our feedback on livery charitable work.

Best

Andrew