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News from the Almshouses

Residents at the Charity’s two almshouse locations, at Harpur House in Bedford and Randall’s Close in Bromham, benefit from a full and varied social calendar that allows them the opportunity to meet up with friends and enjoy social activities on a regular basis. Activities include quizzes and bingo and a large number of food related events, such as regular fish and chip suppers, lunch clubs - both traditional and light - and a new monthly pub lunch club instigated by residents at Randall’s Close.

The proximity of Dame Alice Harpur School to Harpur House provides residents with ample opportunity for intergenerational activity. Residents have enjoyed attending the School’s dress rehearsal for a production of My Fair Lady, and a Christmas Carol event, at which residents entertained the girls with a buffet and enjoyed joining in with the singing.

Our partnership with Bedford Citizen’s Housing Association (BCHA) for the past two years has also brought new social opportunities for residents. For example a number of our residents took part in a joint trip to Althorp House with other residents of BCHA schemes and also Harpur House residents hosted a strawberry tea for residents at BCHA’s Bedesman’s Court.

However, the highlight of the almshouse calendar remains the Almshouse Summer Party. Each year pupils from the Harpur Trust Schools take it in turn to host and organise a party with entertainment and food for all of our almshouse residents. Last year’s extravaganza was at Dame Alice Harpur School, where staff and students braved a heat-wave to organise a wonderful afternoon. All of the Trust’s schools provided entertainment, from Pilgrims School who performed a charming song about Otto the school dog, to a cricket themed comedy sketch from Bedford Modern, rounded off by a rousing sing-a-long led by Bedford School’s Composer in Residence.

Related pages:
Grants news

Fun, laughter and singing at the Almshouse Summer Parties