News

Celebration for Dovehouse Court’s official opening

30 May 2023

Girton Town Charity’s new almshouses and office were formally opened on Saturday 29thApril by Dr Robin Hiley, Trustee and former Chair. The event was attended by 30 invited guests who had been involved in the project, followed by an open session for Village residents to come along and see the new homes for themselves.

The sun shone on Dovehouse Court as people gathered to mark the occasion, enjoy the communal gardens and see inside one of the 15 new homes, which brings the total number of GTC almshouses in the Village to 28.

Sustainable homes
GTC Trustees were on hand to explain some of the design elements including the Passivhaus features which minimise energy use in a building ensuring it is cosy in Winter, cool in Summer and has good air quality all year round. This helps to reduce energy bills for residents as well as provide a sustainable and environmentally- responsible development for the future.

GTC Chair Ann Bonnett welcomed guests by saying: “One person who has been part of this long journey from the start is Robin Hiley and Girton should be very grateful for his time and dedication. He has promoted quality projects that all residents can be proud of whilst preserving the integrity and the endowment of the Charity for future generations. For this reason it is absolutely right and proper that Robin is our guest of honour today and the person to formally open Dovehouse Court.”

New community
Robin responded: “I am delighted to be with you and to celebrate the delivery of these 15 wonderful homes to the community of Girton.

“This flagship project started way back in 2006 when Trustees stated a wish to provide our residents with more up-to-date and efficient houses than our older bungalows. Today, thanks to the effort and dedication of many Trustees, advisors and contractors, you can see this truly cutting-edge 21st century housing and a community for individuals and couples to enjoy for as long as they are able to live without intensive support.”

Inspirational ideas
Jenny Knights, a former GTC Trustee for 24 years who attended the opening, added: “It is wonderful to see the fulfilment of all the many years of hard work and I am so impressed to see the totally inspirational ideas that had finally gone into this project.

“One resident invited me into her apartment and I saw how thrilled she is with her spacious accommodation, including such carefully-designed details as the height of the kitchen cupboards, how easy it is for her to enter and sit down to take her shoes off, how she loves have a raised bed of her own to plant out, a safe place to put her bicycle and the washing area complete with an orchard and sitting area.”