An interview with Barbara Purkiss, Dulwich Almshouse Charity’s new Scheme Manager
Barbara Purkiss took on the role of Scheme Manager at DAC in January 2021. Despite the ongoing lockdown and restrictions on activities, Barbara has quickly been getting familiar with the Almshouse, our residents and the local area.
Drawing our areas of benefit
As those familiar with the history of the local area will likely already be aware, the Dulwich Almshouse Charity is over 400 years old and its areas of benefit – the specific parts of London where anybody must live to be eligible to live in the Almshouse – are drawn along the ancient parish boundaries that were set in 1891.
An interview with Martyn Craddock, Chair of the Board of Trustees
The Dulwich Almshouse Charity's newly appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees, Martyn Craddock, was recently interviewed for the Dulwich Estate newsletter.
Bidding a fond farewell to Catrin Waugh, Chair of the Board of Trustees
On Thursday 30th July, the residents met in the grounds of the almshouse for a socially distanced glass of wine and nibbles to bid a fond farewell to Catrin Waugh, Chair of Trustees, on her retirement. Catrin had been a Trustee of the Dulwich Almshouse Charity for 15 years and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the last 5 years.
The 'Pat Cox Meeting Room'
2020 began with the sad news of the passing of Pat Cox, a dear friend and trustee of the Dulwich Almshouse Charity. Pat was a powerful advocate for DAC’s work and our beneficiaries and was also awarded a British Empire Medal in the 2018 New Year Honours list. Her dedication, wit and support continue to be much missed.
Dulwich Almshouse Charity Residents do their bit for those in need
During these difficult times, many of us are acutely aware of those who are suffering, as well as of the contributions of many people, most notably key workers, NHS staff and voluntary sector workers, to saving lives and supporting those most in need.
VE Day Celebrations at the Almshouse
Almshouse residents’ VE day celebrations were very much filled with a sense of what might have been – both in terms of reflecting on the historic events of 75 years ago and commemorating all those that lost their lives in the Second World War, and when thinking about the celebrations to mark the anniversary that were unfortunately curtailed due to the social distancing restrictions in place to halt the spread of coronavirus.
COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 is impacting the lives of each and every one of us and this is particularly true for the current residents of our Almshouse. Due to evidence that elderly people are likely to be at most risk from COVID-19, Dulwich Almshouse Charity is strictly following all Government advice as regards social distancing measures and protection of high-risk individuals.
Looking back on happy times living at Belair House
Dulwich Almshouse Charity (DAC) resident Rose Brooks shares some of her memories of living in Dulwich with us.
In memory of Gerry Bowden and Patricia Cox
It is with much sadness that we announce the deaths of a former trustee of the Dulwich Almshouse Charity (DAC), Mr Gerald (Gerry) Bowden; and a current trustee, Mrs Patricia Cox (née Edwards). Gerry and Pat both passed away in January 2020.
Residents’ Christmas Fair
In late November the residents held their annual Christmas Fair in our new communal room at The Old Grammar School, to raise funds for charity.
Dulwich Almshouse Charity putting The Old Grammar School to good use
We have gained some much-needed extra space at The Old Grammar School in Dulwich.
Celebrating a 90th birthday
One of our much-loved residents, Sheila Grantham, celebrated her 90th birthday in September.
Dulwich Almshouse Charity knits 250 hats for The Innocent Big Knit
The Dulwich Almshouse Charity’s knitting group has produced 250 hats for The Innocent Big Knit. The little woolly hats are used on Innocent smoothie bottles and for each hat Innocent gives 25p to Age UK.
Foundation Schools annual service of commemoration
On Friday 28th of June the residents enjoyed attending the annual service of commemoration for the three Foundation Schools Dulwich College, James Allen's Girls School and Alleyn's School.
400th anniversary of Dulwich College
On Monday 24th June many of our residents, along with our scheme manager, went to St Pauls Cathedral to join the thanksgiving service to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Dulwich College.
An evening at the Dulwich College Spring Concert
On the evening of Friday 22nd March a number of residents of the Dulwich Almshouse Charity (DAC), were guests of Dulwich College at their Spring Concert.
Residents enjoy Alleyn's School 400th anniversary service at Westminster Abbey
On a rather chilly Friday in January, Dulwich Almshouse Charity (DAC) residents along with some members of our Befrienders group were delighted to attend Alleyn’s School 400th anniversary service at Westminster Abbey.
Dulwich Almshouse Charity residents and friends knitting for premature babies
A knitting group started by one of our residents is helping to keep premature babies at the Kings College Hospital Neonatal Unit warm with gorgeous handmade blankets, clothes and soft toys.
Getting to know the local clergy
In September our residents were delighted to meet the Bishop of Woolwich, the Right Reverend Dr Woyin Karowei Dorgu; and the Vicar from St Barnabas with Christ's Chapel, the Reverend John Watson and the assistant priest there, Reverend Antonio Fuerte. The Bishop spent time explaining his role to our residents, which was followed by a lively and wide-ranging discussion.
New Mayor joins us to honour former resident Elsie Taylor
On the 6th of July Councillor Catherine Rose, the Mayor of Southwark, unveiled a new bench at the almshouse to honour former long-term resident Elsie Taylor.
Mid-Summer Delights
Three local schools kindly invited the residents to attend some of their end of school-year concerts in June.
At Alleyns School on a warm summer evening a wonderful concert of jazz music was enjoyed. We were entertained by the Delta Saxophone Quartet to a musical gallop over their 40 years of professional jazz playing. Nevertheless, the stars of the evening for the residents were the virtuoso musicians who attend Alleyns School. Some of the instruments were almost as large as the young people playing them!
Inaugural Summer Social
On Friday 15th June 2018 the DAC’s residents, along with their guests and DAC staff and trustees, joined together for our first summer social event...
Spring outing to Ruxley Manor
On Wednesday the 25th of April, the residents went on an outing to Ruxley Manor garden centre in Sidcup to see the spring plants. Joining the residents were some of the members of the Dulwich Almshouse Charity’s Befriender group, along with the warden and carers.
Residents enjoy meeting authors
Last year, the residents were very pleased to be invited to attend ‘meet the author’ events held by Village Books and hosted by Alleyn’s School.
Village Books kindly invited the DAC’s residents to attend their latest series of author events, being held at Bell House in April and May.
Afternoon tea
A traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches and scones with cream and jam was enjoyed by the residents on the 15th of August, and a very relaxed afternoon was had by all.
Cocktail afternoon
For the very first time we enjoyed a a cocktail afternoon in our meeting room on the 28th of July. The residents were offered a variety of cocktails, and Pina Colada proved to be the most popular. There were also plenty of soft drinks and nibbles accompanied by lively chattering. An afternoon to remember...
Residents Summer Outing 2017
This year the annual summer outing was a visit to the Kent Life Museum on the 12th of July. The residents were given an introductory tour of the site sitting on a tractor and trailer. Lunch was an excellent ploughman’s lunch followed by a selection of cakes and tea or coffee. This was served in the Village Hall which is part of the Museum, and was reserved just for us.
Good Times Summer Celebrations
The Dulwich Picture Gallery invited the Dulwich Almshouse residents to an 'Afternoon of Summer Celebrations' on the 3rd of July. There was familiar dance music being played by the Swing Ninjas band, and a delicious afternoon tea was served. The residents were also given private access to the Gallery to see the Sargent exhibition. This was a delightful way to spend a Summer’s afternoon and the residents were so pleased to have been invited.
Annual commemoration service at the Chapel of God’s Gift
The residents were invited to attend the annual commemoration service at the Chapel of God’s Gift on the 30th of June. It was a lovely evening and the service was followed by a reception in the grounds. This is the first year the reception has been held here and the residents enjoyed the experience.
St Christopher's Hospice - 50th Anniversary Celebration
St Christopher’s Hospice celebrated its 50th Anniversary and marked the occasion on Thursday 22 June 2017 by hosting an afternoon tea party in the beautiful gardens of Lambeth Palace.
Reminiscence Afternoon
On the afternoon on Tuesday 20th June we held a reminiscence afternoon in the Almshouse meeting room.
Renia who comes in to hold reminiscence sessions came along, bringing with her many items to stir the memories of everyone’s past, childhood and previous years.
The afternoon provoked lots of thoughts and much laughter at how they had managed in the past and how things had progressed. Everyone spoke of their parents and Grandparents and how they had lived.
Dulwich College Spring Concert - Southwark Cathedral
The residents of the Almshouse attended Dulwich College’s Spring Concert in Southwark Cathedral on the evening of Wednesday 22nd March, at the invitation of the College.