Yorkshire is known for its involvement in social welfare, the Co-operative movement and the foundation of many Building Societies. The county seems to be the center of the Rotary Club initiative to build retirement homes under the charity banners of Flower Fund Homes.
Bradford Flower Fund Homes
This is a registered charity founded in 1957 by Ernest Marriott a prominent Bradford businessman. Its main objective is “the relief of elderly folk by the provision of homes and dwellings”. They provide easy-to-manage homes in pleasant surroundings for elderly people of pensionable age to enjoy their retirement. The Fund takes its name from the original funding idea, whereby donations could be made in lieu of funeral flowers after bereavement. The Fund still receives some of its support in this way, along with other donations, legacies and self-generated income.
The homes generally have one bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Flats may be ground floor or first floor and there are stairlifts in the three Main Houses at Flower Mount, Flower Hill and Flower Garth.
Scarborough Flower Fund Homes
The Scarborough and Filey homes arose from an idea promoted by the local Rotary Club during the 1960′s when, at the time, there was a pressing need for affordable homes for those members of the local community who were single and for various reasons were unable to enjoy a retirement home of their own – often after a lifetime of service to the community.
The Bingley Flower Fund Homes.
Registered as a Charity in 1962 this organisation was formed by local business people, raising money from charitable donations, to provide bungalows and flats for retired people from Bingley district.
In 1966 eighteen units were opened, a further sixteen in 1969, thanks to the enthusiasm of the entirely voluntary committee.In 1986 the final phase at Littlelands in Cottingley provided a further six flats. The complex includes a common room, laundry and a flat for the warden.
Subsequently a new development took place at Lyndhurst in Hall Bank Drive, Bingley, comprising eight flats and facilities as at Cottingley.
Other West Yorkshire Flower fund charities include Spenborough Flower Fund Homes Ltd, Bingley, Littlelands and Aireborough who build and maintain one bedroomed bungalows for the elderly in need in the Aireborough area. We aim to allow tenants to lead an independent life in affordable homes and work to support them in this.We are a registered charity.
Managed by Harrogate Flower Fund Homes, Fulwith Close has age exclusive housing including 18 one and two bedroom flats Built in 1991.
Funding Of Flower Fund Homes
- The original funding idea, or flower fund principal is one whereby donations could be made in lieu of funeral flowers after bereavement.
- Whilst initial funding was based on this ‘flower fund’ principle, it was realised that even with the additions of the modest rents to the budget, there was a considerable shortfall if development of the existing site was to continue and new sites bought and developed.
- With the help of publicity, local business and the community many were encouraged to donate, but more particularly to consider Flower Fund as a deserving local cause for legacies and inheritance or when making a will. Such provision plays a considerable part in the development of our sites.
- Most of the work done by these charities is undertaken by volunteers including organisation, fund raising and routine maintenance.
Comment
- Any house building is to be welcomed at the moment and the government could do worse than encourage a whole new flush of Flower fund charities.
- Flower funds fits in well with The Big Society.
- These homes also fit in with the agenda that wants to see retired folk downsize to make more space available for young families.
- Read Yorkshire Gods Own County.
