HRH The Duke of Gloucester unveils new almshouses in Richmond

The Chair and Chief Executive of The Richmond Charities welcomed His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to Richmond to officially open The Elizabeth Twining Almshouses in Mitre Mews, Richmond.

His Royal Highness was greeted by residents, trustees, staff, members of the project team, the Mayor, representatives of the Council and dignitaries. He viewed the new almshouses and talked with residents, who have recently moved in, about their new homes. The Duke was then escorted into a marquee in the grounds of Church Estate Almshouses where he met further guests.

The Duke is the Vice Patron of The Almshouse Association and is very supportive of all almshouse charities and of charities continuing to develop more almshouses fit for the 21st century. His Royal Highness made a speech and unveiled a plaque.

Chief Executive of The Richmond Charities, Juliet Ames-Lewis, said: ‘The royal visit was a celebration of The Richmond Charities and of the work we do to house elderly residents in our thriving community and the ways in which we are always looking to develop more almshouses in order to house more residents.’

The Richmond Charities’ next new development of 12 almshouses, located on Queen’s Road in Richmond, will complete shortly, bringing the charity’s total number of almshouses to 162.

The Richmond Charities provides a vibrant, friendly and caring community where older people are encouraged to live full and active lives within the setting of high-quality housing, support, comfort and security.