Welcome to

Winifred Bamford Hesketh Almshouses

Our small community of almshouses in this peaceful corner of Groes Lwyd, Abergele, comprises ten purpose-built, one bedroom bungalows. They are arranged in two terraces facing each other across well-kept gardens and lawns. There is also an eleventh bungalow, with two bedrooms and a garage, especially for the resident Warden.

When they were first erected in the early 1960s, their design was fairly basic and in keeping with the life-style of the period. But in recent years, shrewd management of the funds has enabled the Trustees to ‘upgrade’ the kitchens and the bathrooms, and install gas central heating (maintained by Clwyd Heating), double-glazing, and cavity wall insulation. Furthermore, when a bungalow becomes vacant, its condition is reviewed to see if further improvements are necessary, including redecorating and re-carpeting.

Originally, caring for the lawns and gardens formed part of the Warden’s duties, but the declining health of successive Wardens persuaded the Trustees to engage a professional gardener. However, currently, the Warden's partner, Mr Darin Highton, has undertaken this work. Likewise, in view of the residents’ advancing years, all windows are cleaned monthly at no cost to the residents.

In this way, the Trustees can ensure that the housing stock and the grounds are well maintained, and that the residents enjoy a high standard of comfort and convenience in a secure and congenial environment.

The Warden

The key person in any community of almshouses is the Warden, whose prime duty is to keep a discreet and caring eye on the residents’ individual needs, while at the same time fostering a general spirit of neighbourly good will. The Warden also works closely with the Trustees and consults them on any matter that she herself cannot resolve. At Winifred Bamford Hesketh Almshouses we have the very latest 'Telecare' pendant alarm system in place, and our Warden, as first key-holder, has access to all the bungalows in case of illness or emergency. The Warden's own periods of absence are covered by the Deputy Warden, Ms Wendy Jeffs, a resident, who, during such periods, works to the same brief and conditions as the Warden herself.