News
Royal Visit to Dovehouse Court
15 Jun 2024
Girton Town Charity was delighted to be chosen to host a royal visit on 13th June when HRH The Duke of Gloucester, who is Vice Royal Patron of the Almshouse Association, visited Dovehouse Court.
On arrival he was greeted by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence, Nick Phillips CEO and Willie Hartley-Russell Chair of Trustees, both from the Almshouse Association and Ann Bonnett, Chair of GTC.
First in the UK
His Royal Highness was given a tour of the first almshouses in the UK to receive full Passivhaus accreditation by Ian Bramwell, Director of Mole Architects, who designed the development, before visiting resident Diana Henderson, in her own home.
He then joined Trustees and residents in the adjacent marquee where they were enjoying morning refreshments and talked to them about what it was like to live at Dovehouse Court.
Homes for the future
After unveiling a plaque to commemorate the day, Ann Bonnett said: “Thank you so much for visiting today to see Dovehouse Court and to meet us all. It has been a pleasure to show you around our new almshouses so you could see at first hand these homes for the future.”
She then presented him with a signed copy of local photographer Martin Bond’s new book entitled ‘Cambridge: Town & Gown’.
Supportive community
Before leaving, His Royal Highness said: “I am delighted to have been able to come to Dovehouse Court today to see and hear about your ground-breaking development. It is very impressive that your charity which has a 500-year history is now looking to the future with these inspiring homes which have preserved the principles of traditional almshouse design with shared gardens and a community courtyard.”
Nick Phillips, CEO of the Almshouse Association added: "We are very honoured to receive HRH The Duke of Gloucester at one of our member charities, particularly to show off the first example of a new Passivhaus-certified almshouse development. The Duke seemed very interested in how the charity, blended historic design with cutting edge environmental engineering."