ALMSHOUSE RESIDENTS' TEA PARTY: 11 APRIL

One certain indication that spring has arrived is the tea party that is put on at the Hall for the almshouse residents and staff.  It takes place in the Livery Hall which is laid out in tables of twelve.  The Master and Wardens act as hosts and other members of the Company attend including members of the Friends of Drapers' Almshouses (FODAH) team. 

There is the ever popular piano playing by Philip Godfrey who plays medleys of tunes and any requests.  For more details about Philip go to www.philipgodfrey.co.uk/   I regret that we have yet to hear any selections from his recent musical Casanova.

We had a good turn-out but it probably had a smidgen less glamour than last year when Royal Freeman HRH Duchess of Gloucester attended and really charmed the alshouse residents. 

It was a glorious sunny day and the Philip's rendition of popular tunes from the forties and fifties added a distinct touch of jollity as the cream teas were served.

VISIT TO ALMSHOUSES 5 AUGUST

With Alastair Ross, the Clerk, I visited all three of our almhouses on Thursday.

This was principally to tell the residents about the decision of the Court of Assistants to carry out a review and to reassure everyone that their interests would protected. In particular completely unfounded stories that the Company was about to sell off bits of the estate or use Queen Elizabeth College at Greenwich for Olympic accommodation were completely untrue!

I also enjoy visiting the almshouses. All of them are beautiful sites. There is some rivalry between the three so I shall not reveal my favourite. But even more importantly there are some great characters amongst thr residents and a real sense of community.

We were well received and in the Q&A sessions a lot of useful feedback and ideas came out.

A useful and enjoyable day.