CENTURIES OF CARE

A Call to Alms

Sherborne is home to a splendid, historical asset that seems to be little known and less understood. It is the Sherborne Almshouse, on Half Moon Street facing the Abbey. This beautiful medieval building, licensed in 1448, has run as The Almshouse of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist ever since.

This made us think. 1448. At that time many people thought the earth was flat, America was largely undiscovered and Shakespeare had not yet been born. Almshouses are the oldest form of social housing and ours has survived battles, Oliver Cromwell, three of Britain’s greatest Queens, the Reformation, the Restoration, Spanish Flu and even bombs.

St Johns’ House accommodates 18 residents. There is a lovely 15th-century dining room, a spacious, comfortable sitting room and a chapel with weekly worship. Residents live independently but home-cooked meals are provided from the Almshouse kitchens; eating together is central to community living in the House. Appropriate modernisations such as stairlifts, ensuite bathrooms and wifi are installed but traditional full-time care is there. The gardens are glorious.

So, who can live in St Johns’ House? More people than you may think! The majority of residents today are local, retired and with limited financial means. However, there is no longer the requirement to be born in Sherborne, of ‘good character’, linked to the Abbey or even elderly.

Meanwhile, many people are fighting loneliness and isolation – those whom the Almshouse movement exists to support. As our Grove Medical Centre says in its recent publication – ‘Dorset’s older population is significant, is growing, and is getting older. We need to offer people with care needs, choice and control over where they live’.

We understand that St Johns’ is threatened with closure, as early as 1st June, largely because of the financial impact of Covid. The consultation period may be over when you read this. To lose this priceless asset would be untenable, especially in the midst of a housing crisis.

A group of local residents is gathering to draw attention to this issue and to harness others’ support. With the Board of Trustees (The Brethren), surely we can help The Almshouse thrive for another 600 years.

To find out more, contact the Almshouse Support Group on: helpstjohnsalmshouse@gmail.com

Artisan Route

by clive webber

ALPACA - PIMA COTTON - SILK

Open Day Event – Digby Main Hall

Friday 24th & Saturday 25th March

This special event will be held on:

Friday 24th March from 1 PM – 5 PM and Saturday 25th March from 9 AM – 1 PM

There is plenty of parking at the Digby Hall car park.

We will be featuring our brand new Spring Collection of Alpaca Knitwear, ‘Perfect Fit’ Pima Cotton Tops and Silk Scarves – All by Artisan Route

This is a young company and brand name, but please remember that Clive Webber has had connections for over 20 years in Sherborne and really knows how to produce top quality designs in Alpaca, Pima Cotton and Silk.

The beauty of the Open Day is that it provides the opportunity for Artisan Route to show our products in reality, giving customers the chance to see all the products we have.

Personal service and attention is the focal point of our small business.

We are sure that you all know how to reach Digby Hall at Hound Street, Sherborne, but just in case, the postcode is DT9 3AA.

We have chosen a spacious setting in the Main Hall to give you a warm and friendly experience !

You can check out our collection in advance on our website, please enter the full address below www.artisan route .co.uk or phone for a brochure. T : 01896 823 765

( Monday - Friday 10.00 - 18.00)