The Lench’s Trust almshouse charity, which provides care for the elderly, is celebrating 500 years.
Founded in 1525 when Henry VIII was on the throne, the Birmingham-based trust currently offers accommodation and support to 200 people over the age of 55 at its facilities in Moseley, Sutton Coldfield and Quinton.
The trust marked its historic milestone yesterday with a celebration hosted by CEO Dominic Bradley at the Old Crown in Digbeth, Birmingham’s oldest surviving pub.
Birmingham historian Professor Carl Chinn, attending the event, unveiled his new book detailing the history of the Lench’s Trust and its founder, William Lench.
Residents also shared how the trust had helped them.
“They gave me my independence back,” said one. Another said: “It’s a community.”
Others described how the trust had helped give them discover “new purpose” in their lives.
Among those attending was Professor Paul Cadman, CEO of the One Thousand Trades Group and big supporter of the Lench’s Trust, who said: “Congratulations to all at Lench’s Trust on reaching this exceptional milestone. As Lench’s Trust looks to the future, it carries forward a rich legacy of compassion, resilience and service.”
