It started with a vision

Hedger's Almshouses has been in Merrow since 1963. Until now we have not had a permanent communal space where our residents can socialise together. However, with the generous help from Your Fund Surrey Small Community Projects, Guildford Poyle Charities, Guildford Lions Club and The Mercers' Company we are delighted to now be able to offer our residents a beautiful new garden room. We are still exploring all the uses the room might be put to, but primarily it is somewhere for our residents to relax and where friends and family can join them.

The official opening, on Saturday 24 August 2024, was attended by residents and their guests, trustees old and new, funders, local dignitaries and friends of the charity. Despite the dreadfully wet weather we were able to celebrate this exciting new chapter in our story. Our Chair, Edward Martineau, welcomed everyone and after his short speech he handed over to Cllr George Potter, whose support was instrumental to the project, to say a few words. Simon Ling, Treasurer of the Almshouse Association, then cut the ribbon to formally open the new garden room. Our guests were then able to enjoy a marvellous buffet prepared by one of our trustees.

The original idea for a garden room was first floated in late 2023 by one of our Trustees, Sue Tester. It was her vision to have somewhere for our residents to get together and socialise. Having canvassed the residents’ opinion and got the other Trustees on board with the idea Sue began to look for possible sources of funding. She identified Your Fund Surrey in February and contacted out local County Councillor, George Potter, to see if he would support an application. He enthusiastically agreed to do so, and the application was made later that month. We were thrilled when the funding was approved in April for the full amount requested which enabled us to cover the cost of the base, the building and its electrics. Wasting no time the building was ordered with the base being laid on 29 April.

With the building itself ordered thoughts turned to furnishings and applications were made to Guildford Lions and Guildford Poyle Charities. Again, we were delighted when the applications were approved and with the money granted, we were able to buy eight chairs, two coffee tables, a unit to house a kettle and mugs and a portable heater. Finally, we realised we needed an extension to our nonslip path, with a step up to the building and handrail for extra safety. An application was made to The Mercers’ Company in June. It was approved in July and the path was laid just in time for the opening.

August 2024