The tradition of a carol service at Glover’s returned this year by taking the festivities al fresco.

Residents and trustees wrapped up warmly to enjoy the shortened yet still joyful carol service outdoors, led by Reverend Gary Birchall from nearby St Michael’s church.

Mulled wine and mince pies were served before the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Residents were thanked for their resilience and community spirit during the ongoing pandemic and each received a festive food hamper, sourced locally from The Deli in Boldmere.

We were extremely saddened to hear of the death of Tony Wood.

 Tony was appointed to Glover’s as a Trustee in March 1992. He took responsibility for overseeing the properties and grounds and diligently provided the Trust with his considerable expertise in these matters.  He was a regular attender at meetings and contributed greatly to the affairs of the Trust and also to the wellbeing of the residents.

Tony was always interested and interesting. His love of cricket and tennis were well known and he was an excellent raconteur with a ready sense of humour and wit.

As his health failed in later years, Tony resigned his Trusteeship but always had a keen interest in the affairs of the Trust and we were pleased to welcome him and his wife, Jill, to our Celebratory Event in September 2018 which was held to recognise the successful completion of a major refurbishment of the cottages.

Glover’s will continue to owe Tony a huge debt of gratitude.

Pam Johnston
Chairman of the Trustees

After the extraordinary year that was 2020, our staff and trustees made sure there was some Christmas cheer for residents at Glover’s.

Festive lights decorated the site and food hampers were delivered to residents.

“It was a lovely gesture,” said Margaret, a resident. “We have, of course, missed our Christmas lunch together and carol service.  But what matters is that we’ve all stayed safe and well this year. We look forward to social occasions returning in the brighter times ahead.”

Throughout the pandemic, residents have had the assurance of our scheme manager being on hand daily and 24-hour emergency response should they need it.

To help ease any feelings of isolation, there is also the offer of regular ‘friendship calls’ by phone.

Even at this time of the year, there’s plenty of gardening work to be done. Our extensive grounds offer a green and serene setting, enjoyed by residents and a myriad of birds and other wildlife.

Our gardener Les is making the most of dry winter days to prepare for spring by clearing leaves, preparing the soil and pruning shrubs. Great work Les!

Residents and trustees enjoyed an afternoon tea together in our grounds to celebrate the completion of major improvements – and the building of two brand new cottages.

The £2.9 million refurbishment programme has laid the foundations for our future by creating properties that meet the needs and aspirations of our residents for many years to come.

“Glover’s is a peaceful haven and the latest alterations have made it even more special,” said resident Gerry.

Pat recently moved to here. She said: “My home is beautiful, warm and comfortable, and since moving here I’ve made many friends. I feel safe and reassured by the support available.”

Residents at Glover’s have celebrated the spirit of Christmas at two recent social events.  A Christmas lunch was enjoyed at a local hotel, followed by singing and dancing. Everyone was in fine voice too for a joyful carol service held in the residents’ lounge at Glover’s, led by Reverend Gary Birchall from St Michael’s church in Boldmere.

We are delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious Patron’s Award from the Almshouse Association. The annual award celebrates outstanding almshouse developments.

Members of the awards committee recently visited us to see for themselves the refurbishment and new build work we’ve carried out, visiting three different properties and their residents.

The committee’s recommendations are being made to HRH The Prince of Wales, patron of the Almshouse Association. An announcement is expected in mid-June 2018.

Update: Although we didn’t win, we are thrilled to have been shortlisted and to know the judging panel were impressed by the renovations we have made to our properties.

It’s not always tea and cakes at Glover’s – sometimes there’s bubbly too!

Residents recently enjoyed socialising at two celebratory events, with plenty of food, drink and music.

A much-liked resident, Irene, was remembered at a tea party held in her memory.

“My aunt spent many happy years at Glover’s Trust and I think she would really have enjoyed the idea of a ‘get together’,” said her niece Alison, who generously funded the event which residents organised.

Key organiser Geraldine added: “Irene was a lovely, funny lady – and a great neighbour to have. It felt special to remember her in this way.”

An afternoon party was also held to mark the completion of the major refurbishment of Glover’s, including the building of two additional cottages.

Our chairman Pam Johnston took the opportunity to thank residents for their co-operation during the upheaval, and wished everyone continued enjoyment of their updated facilities.

Thanks too were paid to resident Linda who has retired from her role providing support to the scheme manager, after many years of dedicated service.

The philanthropist Sarah Glover, who founded Glover’s Trust almost 200 years ago, has been celebrated with a street being named in her honour.

Sarah Glover Close is the new street name for the Glover’s housing development, which lies off the main Chester Road. Properties here were previously addressed as being on the main road.

Trustees and residents thought the recent redevelopment of homes at Glover’s was an ideal opportunity to commemorate Sarah, the wife of a prominent Birmingham builder.

Birmingham City Council has approved the change and new street signs will soon be installed.

This was originally published on Charity Bank’s website.

Founded in 1824, Birmingham-based almshouse Glover’s Trust has provided accommodation to those in need for almost 200 years. A Charity Bank loan is helping to fund the renovation and modernisation of its properties. Chairman Pam Johnston shares their story.

“At Glover’s Trust we have been combating isolation for almost 200 years by providing independent living to older people as part of a close knit community. We offer more than a place to live. Our communal lounge provides a space for residents to socialise, with weekly coffee mornings giving residents the opportunity to discuss any concerns.

“We provide a community for individuals who may otherwise find themselves alone in their later years. What makes us special is that we consider Glover’s to be a family, where no one should feel isolated.”

“However, in recent years, we found it increasingly difficult to fill our homes in Sutton Coldfield. They were very small and in need of updating to suit modern day standards.

“Finding funding was not easy. The few trusts that might have supported us were inundated with requests. Lots of trusts didn’t even respond to our funding requests and our own bank said it was unable to help.”

“The total cost of the project is £2.9 million. We received a Homes and Communities Agency grant, raised some donations, and added our own funds. A Charity Bank loan of £1.7 million is covering the remaining costs. This funding will enable us to refurbish all 30 existing homes and build two new homes.