I HAVE recently become a trustee on a charitable trust for sheltered accommodation in Marlow and was fascinated by its history.

It dates back to 1608 when John Brinkhurst founded and endowed 6 Almshouses on the corner of Oxford and Cambridge Road for poor widows with a weekly allowance of 3/- each and a small piece of garden ground.

Four of the original houses were given to Marlow Parish and two to Bisham. In 1874, two more almshouses were built by James Rolls. The Almshouses fell into disrepair and were eventually replaced by the building which stands on the site today in 1969.

Today, Brinkhurst is a lovely small sheltered scheme which consists of ten spacious and light bedsitting rooms with their own toilets and kitchens. A very friendly warden lives on site and when she is not there residents can be connected to a lifeline service that Wycombe Council operates. The rent is £75 per week. Residents have to be over 60, single and able to care for themselves.

They also need to have a local connection with Marlow, Marlow Bottom or Bisham. To find out more, please do not hesitate to contact me at Julie.greatwood@btopenworld.com or on 07884 428567.

Julie Greatwood, Bisham Road, Marlow