Charity of Ann Edwards – almshouses

History and background:

The Charity of Ann Edwards was established by a bequest of Ann Edwards, for the building of almshouses to house clergy widows and female dependants of deceased clergymen who had served in the Diocese of Gloucester. The original almshouses, built in South Cerney, were sold and a new development of eight units (two-bed houses and one-bed bungalows) was built in Abbeydale in 1994. Since then, the Scheme has been widened so that the properties are for the benefit of people with an active Christian faith who are in necessitous circumstances, with a preference for the widowed and children of deceased clergy in the Diocese of Gloucester. The Charity has also purchased two additional properties (one in Cirencester and one in Hucclecote) to support its beneficiaries.

Current vacancies: There are currently no vacancies at Ann Edwards Mews. You may apply to join the waiting list – please contact the Clerk to the Trustee, Kathryn Warner on 01452 835529 or ku.gr1733401328o.coi1733401328dsolg1733401328@renr1733401328awk1733401328 for further details.

Application information:

If you would like to apply for housing, please complete an Almshouses application form and a GP authorisation form, and have a look at the Residents’ Handbook and the Letter of Appointment, which will tell you more about living at Ann Edwards Mews. All these documents can be found in the Documents and information section of this page.

The Monthly Maintenance Charge (currently £430 for bungalows and £403 for houses) is normally paid by Direct Debit. This charge covers repairs and maintenance, external decoration, grounds maintenance , buildings insurance and the running of the guest flat. Residents are responsible for their utilities and council tax. There is a concessionary TV licence in place which is paid for by the Charity. Please note: only small house pets may be considered at Ann Edwards Mews – please contact the Clerk if you would like more information about the pet policy.

Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by the Selection and Welfare Panel to make sure you fit the eligibility criteria. A meeting will then be arranged, in your current home if possible, to meet and discuss your application with you. We will take up your references (one of which needs to be a leader from within your church) and will contact your GP to get confirmation that you are capable of independent living.

If you are successful, you may be placed on a waiting list, or you may be offered a property if there is a vacancy. Where there is a waiting list, applications will be considered by the Ann Edwards Sub-Committee, who will make a decision based on the highest level of need. We will then agree a moving-in date with you and help you settle in.

Management and general information:

Please contact the Clerk to the Trustee if you have queries about the following things:

• how to apply for accommodation at Ann Edwards Mews – please call the Clerk to find out more about living here.
• General information about the scheme

For residents:

• how to pay your Monthly Maintenance Charge
• to discuss support you may need in your home
• to update us on a change in your circumstances
• to let us know when something has gone wrong
• to book the guest room
• to tell us if you are going away, going into hospital, or moving out of your home

Clerk: Kathryn Warner Tel: 01452 835529 Email: ku.gr1733401328o.coi1733401328dsolg1733401328@renr1733401328awk1733401328 

You may be entitled to Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Pension Credit or other benefits. For further information please contact the helplines below:

• Universal Credit – 0800 328 9344
• Pension Credit – 0800 731 0469
• Council tax benefit – 01452 396495 ku.vo1733401328g.ret1733401328secuo1733401328lg@se1733401328uneve1733401328r1733401328

Residents’ repairs enquiries:

Please contact the Diocese of Gloucester’s Maintenance Team if you have queries about the following things:

• to talk about the grounds maintenance in the courtyard area
• to ask for a repair to be carried out to your home or in the courtyard area
• to find out when planned maintenance works are due on the scheme
• to ask about trees in and around the scheme
• to check when your gas and electrical inspections are due

The repairs team can be contacted using the details below.

Mike Stone (Surveyor) Tel: 01452 410022 ext 224 Email: ku.gr1733401328o.coi1733401328dsolg1733401328@enot1733401328sm1733401328

Mary Coates (Property Administrator) Tel: 01452 835 530 Email: ku.gr1733401328o.coi1733401328dsolg1733401328@seta1733401328ocm1733401328

Maintenance requests: ku.gr1733401328o.coi1733401328dsolg1733401328@sria1733401328per1733401328 

Emergency out of hours numbers:

Gas leaks: 0330 303 5063

Power cuts: Western Power Distribution – 0800 6783 105

Urgent maintenance issues: Gas, plumbing, electrics – Neptune: 01452 541939 or 0333 344 8754. Roofing – King Builders: 01452 526631

Trustee and Governance:

Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance is the Trustee of the Charity of Ann Edwards. Delegated authority has been given to the Ann Edwards Charity Sub-Committee of the Diocesan Resources Committee to oversee the management of the Charity. The Sub-Committee meets five times a year, and reports are taken to each meeting. They review and approve the annual accounts and any new or amended policies. They have delegated authority to select residents and to ensure the support of all beneficiaries of the Charity. They make recommendations to Resources Committee and Bishop’s Council on significant matters regarding the running of the Charity.

We are currently looking for more volunteers to join the Ann Edwards Sub-Committee, particularly clergy or lay members of Gloucester deanery. We would like the Sub-Committee to be representative of the Charity’s beneficiaries, and would welcome applications from women and people from black or minority ethnic backgrounds. Please contact the Clerk if you would like to find out more.

Registered Charity Number: 263956

Charity Commission information on the charity →

Useful links:

Gloucester City Council: www.gloucester.gov.uk

Almshouse Association: www.almshouses.org