By Peter Archer
For many people, the issue of housing for the elderly remains a subject of little immediate concern. However, for those in their 80s and beyond, the availability and suitability of sheltered housing can become an important issue.
Within the Chilterns there are a variety of sheltered homes for the elderly ranging from the purely residential, through care homes to full nursing homes. One particular organisation with its own distinctive style is the Abbeyfield group of Societies. For over 20 years now, Abbeyfield Great Missenden has had a presence in the centre of the village providing a sheltered residential home for up to 15 residents.
Abbeyfield is a charity, administered by a group of volunteers who are responsible, as Trustees for the supervision of the management of the house and the welfare of the residents. The house employs a full time manager and a team of staff responsible for the day-to-day running of the house.
Abbeyfield, as a charity, is able to offer affordable accommodation to a wide range of people. Fund raising is an important part of the activity of the volunteer trustees enabling the house to meet rising expectations and standards. During the current year, money is being raised to increase the en-suite facilities and to create an additional residential room.
The next major fund-raising event will be the Art Fest taking place in July. This event is being run in conjunction with the Hawker Gallery in Amersham and two other Abbeyfield Houses – the Gerrards Cross House and the Leonard Pullen nursing home in Halton. The Art Fest includes a special exhibition at the Hawker Gallery and the highlight of the Fest will be a performance, at Great Missenden Parish Church on 10th July, entitled ‘Words for the Heart and Music for the Ear’ given by Geoffrey Palmer and actress Jennifer Funnel with musical interludes. Geoffrey Palmer, the well known actor, is Hon. President of Abbeyfield Great Missenden and a local resident.
The Art Fest as an event is expected to raise over £15,000 to be shared between the three Abbeyfield Houses.