HERALD newspaper proprietor Sir Ray Tindle joined guests at a lunch at Loseley House at which The Almshouse Association launched a special fund to support Surrey almshouse charities dedicated to providing good quality housing for those in need.

The majority of almshouses are for those of retirement age but there are also almshouse charities that cater for families, ex-servicemen, the disabled, the young and for the dependants of certain trades such as fishermen and miners.

In rural areas, almshouses are often the only provider of accommodation for those in need.

The association acts as a support charity for 1,650 member charities. It provides interest-free loans from the rolling fund to enable them to upgrade their accommodation and lends on average £500,000 each year.

Hambledon Almshouses, near Haslemere, was one of the 51 charities in Surrey to benefit from an interest-free loan of £5,000 last year, towards a much-needed extension and refurbishment.

The association also offer an advocacy and support programme, lobbies government and enables almshouse charities to bid for Social Housing Grant for major new build and modernisation projects via a National Almshouse Partnership.

Eighty per cent of almshouse charities are small, providing fewer than 20 dwellings. Residents do not pay rent but pay nominal weekly maintenance contributions to enable trustees to fund modernisation and refurbishments, hence the need for the rolling fund.

The association has now launched a special fund to support almshouse charities in Surrey, many of which will require financial support over the next five to 10 years.

Donations received specifically for almshouse charities in Surrey will be made available as interest-free loans to be repaid by members at a later date, thereby creating a perpetual fund. The funds raised will help many hundreds of almshouses in the county and their residents.

Association director Anthony de Ritter said: “Almshouses have been around for over 1,000 years and are a cherished part of this country’s heritage.

Collectively, they accommodate 35,000 people which equates to the largest housing association in this country.

“We are the only association providing vital support to almshouse charities in the UK. Many struggle to fund the cost of essential repairs, particularly in the case of listed buildings where the costs are substantial.

“We have some splendid examples of almshouses charities in the region and all are most worthy of our support. To be able to maintain continuity in their support, we wish to establish a special fund for charities in the area to make immediate funding available, thus enabling them to improve and modernise their accommodation.”