Frome’s oldest charity, The Blue House, has launched a fundraiser to help pay for essential structural repairs to its 300-year-old iconic almshouse in the heart of Frome.
The Grade I-listed The Blue House on The Bridge was built between 1725 and 1728 and has been providing affordable accommodation for the town’s elderly men and women since 1482.
To mark its tricentennial anniversary, trustees have launched an appeal to raise £500,000 to cover structural repairs, including work on the windows, external stonework and roof.
A special evening drinks party was held at The Blue House last month to launch the fundraiser. The event was sponsored by Mogers Drewett LLP, Southwick Wines, an anonymous donor, and Guy and Lady Monson.
Attendees included the Lord-Lieutenant, Mohammed Saddiq, local councillors, Frome’s mayor Cllr Anita Collier, and residents of the almshouse.
“We were blessed with a fine evening, and over 20 people attended the launch event,” said David Hoare, manager of The Blue House.
Short speeches were given by the chairman of the board of trustees, Miriam Cheal; architect Paul Davies; and trustee Guy Monson. These were interspersed with interviews between David and residents. “There was also a very well-received film about The Blue House, what it does, and the impact it has on people’s lives,” added David.
The Blue House does not receive any direct public or government funding. Repair and maintenance costs are funded almost entirely through fundraising activities organised by its volunteer trustees, along with the modest affordable charges residents pay monthly.
Tours around The Blue House helped guests understand the urgent need for the essential repair work.
People can help reach the fundraising target by visiting The Blue House JustGiving page at https://justgiving.com/page/thebluehousefrome.
David added, “Donations have started to come in, and we encourage anyone wishing to support The Blue House appeal to visit www.thebluehousefrome.co.uk for further information.”
Pictured: The trustees outside The Blue House
