About Us
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The Wilkes Alms Charity |
The Charity has a rich and interesting history, more detail of which is available on the History page of this website.
The former Charity, The Leighton Buzzard United and Almshouse Charity has been superseded by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation known as The Wilkes Alms Charity (1200027). During this process the Charity reviewed its Objectives. However, the Charity's objectives remain much the same and can be summarised below;
- The relief of those in need by reason of age and / or financial or other hardship by the provision and maintenance of almshouse accommodation, with a preference being given to persons who are resident within the Area of Benefit; and
- Such charitable purposes for the residents of the almshouses of the CIO as the charity trustees shall in their absolute discretion think fit; and
- The advancement of the Christian religion in particular by;
- The repair, maintenance and insurance of the stained-glass window erected at the west end of All Saints’ Church Leighton Buzzard; and
- A yearly payment of £50 (or such other reasonable sum as the charity trustees decide) to the Vicar of All Saints’ Church in the ecclesiastical parish of Leighton Buzzard for preaching an annual sermon, notwithstanding that he or she may be a trustee of the CIO; and
- In so far as the income cannot be applied for the above object such charitable purposes for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Area of Benefit as the charity trustees see fit.
(where “Area of Benefit” shall mean the civil Parish of Leighton Buzzard and its immediate surrounding area.)
The charity owns and runs for sixteen Almshouses in central Leighton Buzzard. The Almshouses are a mix of one bedroom and bedsit configuration best suited to single people.
In addition to this the Charity uses income generated from its agricultural land, investment properties and cash investments to support its grant giving.
The charity is regulated by the Charity Commission and a member of the Almshouse Association.
Mission Statement
The Wilkes Alms Charity aims to provide stable, warm, secure housing with light touch support to people in need to live independent and fulfilling lives in addition to the Almshouses the Charity also collaborates with Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation to provide annual grant funding to other local Charities and Community Groups.
Further information about The Wilkes Alms Charity
The Charity owns and operates 16 Almshouses across two sites. A terrace of ten, one-bedroom properties are located at North Street. There are six Almshouses at Pages Almshouses in Church Street.
The Wilkes Alms Charity is a local charity for its community. It reliant on the generosity of its community to continue to fulfil its objectives.
There are various ways you may wish to get involved.
The charity can, in accordance with its scheme, assist almshouse residents with grant giving. The charity has previously coordinated grant giving through the Luton and Bedfordshire Community Foundation.
Like many local Almshouse Charity, the Wilkes Alms Charity has a rich and important history. The Wilkes Alms Charity is delighted that its own 16 almshouses make up some of the 35,000 almshouses across the UK.