Our mission is to provide our residents with a safe, secure and happy living environment.
Find out more about our residents here.
The Home of Devenish was founded in 1961 with a bequest from Major John Devenish to provide accommodation for Christian widows of C of E Clergy and Officers of HM Armed Forces. The first six bungalows and two maisonettes were completed soon after. Another 16 bungalows followed. For more on the history of the Trust and its properties, click here.
Recently, our remit expanded to include single Christian women who are themselves retired C of E clergy or retired officers in HM Armed Forces.
More than 100 women have lived in our houses since our foundation. They have ranged in age from 60 to 105. All have enjoyed the sense of community and valued the peace and tranquillity of the estates and gardens – each making her new home her own.
To find out whether you qualify for a home with us, please click here. If you would like to find out more, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
The Trust does not depend on public appeals and donations, and, as well as providing housing for its residents, supports other charities assisting ladies who would qualify to reside in The Homes.
Sorting out a curtain issue
Meet the team
Our dedicated team work with our residents to keep them independent and make the day-to-day operation of our homes and estates run smoothly.
We have two permanent members of staff, Lesley and Alex.
Lesley is our General Manager. It's a busy job: apart from the paper work, Lesley usually visits the estates three times a week, and will spend time with several of the ladies. She calls in on those who are more housebound or ill. She is available on the phone and will visit anyone who wants to see her, whether just to chat or to sort out any problems.
Will is now Maintenance Manager on all our sites. Will has worked along with the Trust for many years. He has replaced our long serving Estates Manager Alex who has now retired. As Maintenance Manager Will is usually on one of the sites and available to tackle any repairs that may come up and to assist our residents. He is keen to ensure that our properties are updated and kept to a high standard. Since taking on the role Will has already overseen the installation of new front doors on all our properties. He is also the first port of call if any of the ladies press their alarm buttons. Both he and Lesley are on call 24/7. If Will is not available, Lesley gets the calls..
Alex who was our Estate Manager for 17 years with one of our residents
We have a team of local tradesmen who have been working with us and our residents for many years. Among our regulars are Ian the gardener and Paul the plumber. To ensure we know who is entering our properties we always use the same local electrical company and kitchen designers.
Ian at work in the communal gardens
Judy, who was manager for more than 20 years, chatting with one of our residents
Ian, the gardener
Will Ford our Maintenance Manager