PROJECTS
RESTORATION PROJECT
In 2022 we began a major restoration project which included replacing the boilers, upgrading the door locks, removing some overgrown trees in the garden and the refurbishment of unit 241. Unfortunately, issues with damp in the walls meant that work on 241 had to stop and our priorities re-assessed. We are now fundraising to complete the additional works. We rely on donations to fund these projects. Please support us to protect this important historical building.
Repointing
The first phase of our restoration project is the repointing of the walls along the back of the almshouses and the Cower Road elevation. This also requires some ties to stitch and stabilise a crack that has developed due to the heavy traffic. The existing cement mortar will be removed and replaced with lime mortar which will allow the building to breathe. We were fortunate to receive some funding in 2022 which allowed us to repoint the rear of unit 241.
Guttering
The existing guttering is another factor in the damp issues currently visible in the walls. The falls are incorrect and the guttering is set too close to the building which means the water overspills. With climate change increasing rainfall, the roof is not able to cope with the volume of water. Replacement gutters will be wider, positioned correctly and the falls adjusted.
241 Refurbisment
Unit 241 requires extensive refurbishment. This includes structural work in the roof, reinstating the ceiling with lath and plaster and removing the gypsum plaster on the walls to be replaced with lime. Work to strip the unit started in 2022 but was stopped when it became apparent that further specialist restoration work and more funding was needed.
Funding
We rely on donations and grants to fund our major projects. We are extremely grateful to those organisations and individuals who have donated.
In particular, we would like to thank the following:
- The John Apthorp Charity
- Tring Lions
- The Almshouse Association
- The Masonic Charitable Foundation
- Berkhamsted Town Council
- Berkhamsted Parochial Charities
If you would like to support us please click the button below to donate via our Just Giving page, or contact us to make an offline donation.