PROJECTS

RESTORATION PROJECT

In 2022 we began a major restoration project which included replacing the boilers, upgrading the door locks, removing some overgrown trees in the garden and the refurbishment of unit 241. Unfortunately, issues with damp in the walls meant that work on 241 had to stop and our priorities re-assessed. In summer 2023 we were fortunate to receive a grant and also raised some money which has enabled us to repoint some of the walls and replace the guttering. In 2024 we had our quinquennial (5-yearly) inspection which highlighted some more urgent works. We are now fundraising for the restoration of unit 241. We rely on donations to fund these projects. Please support us to protect this important historical building. 

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Phase 1 – Repointing

The first phase of our restoration project was the repointing of the walls along the back of the almshouses and the Cower Road elevation.

Before

 This also required some ties to stitch and stabilise a crack that had developed due to the heavy traffic. The existing cement mortar was be removed and replaced with lime mortar which will allow the building to breathe. This work was carried out in the summer of 2023.

After

Phase 2 – Guttering

Another factor in the damp issues was caused by the guttering. The falls were incorrect and the guttering was set too close to the building which meant that the water overspilt. With climate change increasing rainfall, the roof was not able to cope with the volume of water. We now have new hoppers and the replacement gutters are wider, positioned correctly and the falls adjusted. This work was completed in November 2023.

New gutter hopper

Phase 3 – More repointing

The wall of 241 (next to Daisy & Co) and some of the front elevation require repointing and some repairs to the brickwork. We hope to complete this work in summer 2025.

Phase 4 – Fire walls

For safety, we need to install barriers between each of the units in the loft space – currently it is an open space running the length of the
entire building. We have also hired an experienced contractor to seek detailed quotes for the refurbishment of 241.

Phase 5 – 241 Refurbisment

Unit 241 requires extensive refurbishment. This includes structural work in the roof, reinstating the ceiling with lath and plaster and removing the gypsum plaster on the walls to be replaced with lime. Work to strip the unit started in 2022 but was stopped when it became apparent that further specialist restoration work and more funding was needed.

Funding

We rely on donations and grants to fund our major projects. We are extremely grateful to those organisations and individuals who have donated. 

In particular, we would like to thank the following:

  • The John Apthorp Charity
  • Tring Lions
  • The Almshouse Association
  • The Masonic Charitable Foundation
  • Berkhamsted Town Council
  • Berkhamsted Parochial Charities
  • Potten End WI
  • Berkhamsted Social Club

If you would like to support us please click the button below to donate via our Just Giving page, or contact us to make an offline donation.