150th Anniversary Celebrations
In 2009 the Saint Pancras Almshouses celebrated 150 years on their present site in Gospel Oak, Camden. A programme of events to include the Almshouse residents and people living in the surrounding community was arranged.
An informal launch of the celebrations took place in May in the historic meeting place for Almshouse residents, the Regnart Room, named after an early benefactor. Michael Ogden, a distinguished local historian, set the scene, vividly describing the Victorian society of a century and a half ago, in which the Almshouses were such a welcome alternative to the misery of the workhouse.
That same evening saw the unveiling of an historical exhibition designed by Ivor Kamlish which, in a series of six illustrated panels (Nos 1-5, 6), recounted the story of the Almshouses from their beginnings as the charitable project of St Pancras churchwarden Dr. Donald Fraser to the present day. As a finale to the evening residents, Trustees and management watched – and together performed - a play in verse about the building of the Almshouses, specially written by local dramatist Beth Shaw, and entitled ‘Dr. Fraser’s Dream’.
Later events included the first showing of a video about the Almshouses made by graduate students at City University, which includes interviews with the Manager and residents. The video will be posted on this website shortly. The website itself, designed and produced by Trustee Jean Stone and her son Lee, is another of the features of this anniversary year and gives the Almshouses for the first time the opportunity to tell their story world-wide.
Remembering the origin of the St Pancras Almshouses as an act of Christian charity a special church service took place in July at St Martin's church, Gospel Oak.
The climax to the celebrations came on 8 July 2009 with a garden party, complete with marquee, speeches and music, attended by HRH The Prince of Wales. A souvenir booklet was later produced which provides a splendid pictorial record of a great occasion. Copies were presented to residents, Trustees and to all those who had had a hand in the year's celebrations.
Throughout the year events organiser Leila Mars arranged a series of visits to the Almshouses for interested community groups and individuals. Afternoon tea was provided.
The Thunderer
This publication, known as the 'inmates gazette', is the the work of a group of residents, and gives a good flavour of life in the Almshouses.
The THUNDERER was founded in 2006 with resident David Landman as its first editor and since then has attracted contributions, many highly original, written by residents on a wide range of subjects from the serious to the flippant. The residents hope you will enjoy this insight into their world.
THUNDERER EDITIONS AVAILABLE TO VIEW:
