The Finchley Charities

The Finchley Charities Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Finchley Charities, Charitable organisation, 41a Wilmot Close, London.

For over 500 years The Finchley Charities have been providing quality sheltered housing in a supportive community environment, across three sites in East Finchley and Finchley Central.

✨ Celebrating Good Friday, Easter, Pesach and Hanuman Jayanthi✨ Recently, we came together to mark two meaningful occasi...
09/04/2026

✨ Celebrating Good Friday, Easter, Pesach and Hanuman Jayanthi✨
Recently, we came together to mark two meaningful occasions that centre on reflection, hope, and renewal, bringing people closer across our diverse community.

✝️ Good Friday
Observed as a time of reflection and remembrance, Good Friday offered a moment for many to pause, connect with their faith, and consider themes of compassion and empathy. It was a time that encouraged quiet reflection and deeper understanding, shared across communities in different and meaningful ways.

🌼 Easter
Easter brought a sense of joy, renewal, and new beginnings. For many, it was a time to gather with loved ones, celebrate hope, and embrace the spirit of togetherness. Whether through faith, community events, or simple moments of connection, Easter created opportunities to share kindness and joy.

🕊️ Pesach (Passover)
Pesach, the Jewish festival of freedom, was a time for reflection, storytelling, and gathering with loved ones. Rooted in tradition and remembrance, it brought communities together to share meals, honour history, and celebrate resilience, hope, and liberation.

🪷 Hanuman Jayanthi
Celebrated on 1st April, Hanuman Jayanthi marked a time of devotion, strength, and courage. For many, it was an opportunity to honour the values of loyalty, service, and perseverance, bringing communities together through prayer, reflection, and shared traditions.

We are proud to support a diverse and inclusive community where different beliefs, cultures, and traditions are recognised and valued. These moments remind us of the strength found in unity, respect, and belonging.

Wishing everyone who celebrated continued peace, joy, and connection. 🌍💛

🌿 March Moments: Colour and Community in Bloom at The Finchley CharitiesThis month, we’re pleased to share another beaut...
31/03/2026

🌿 March Moments: Colour and Community in Bloom at The Finchley Charities

This month, we’re pleased to share another beautiful photograph by Jay Pushkaran — our talented Sheltered Housing Officer and local artist. Over the past year, Jay has captured our homes through the changing seasons, celebrating the beauty and everyday life within our communities.

This March image shows a peaceful walkway framed by vibrant flowers and fresh spring greenery — a simple but powerful reflection of care, pride, and belonging.

Thank you, Jay, for capturing our communities so beautifully. ✨🌿

✨Celebrating 538 Years of The Finchley Charities✨We were proud to mark a very special milestone — 538 years since The Fi...
27/03/2026

✨Celebrating 538 Years of The Finchley Charities✨

We were proud to mark a very special milestone — 538 years since The Finchley Charities first began.

Our CEO Miedziolka shared a powerful reflection on the day:
“I’m very proud and privileged to host our 538th birthday. Almshouses are very special places and close to my heart. There is real space for kindness, for small acts of care, for looking out for one another — and through our Residents’ Voices, we experienced so much of that at this event.
Community doesn’t just happen. Community grows best when the conditions are right. There’s a very special extra ingredient in almshouses: a blend of history, stewardship and community that allows both vulnerability and strength to sit side by side.”

The event brought together a wonderful mix of special guests, residents, colleagues and Trustees, as we reflected on both our history and our future. It was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the legacy of our charity while looking ahead to the continued growth of our community.

We were delighted to hear from our speakers, who brought our history and work to life:
• Simon Smith — History of Almshouses in the UK and the World
• John Price — History of The Finchley Charities and our upcoming Heritage Project to preserve our archives

A particularly powerful part of the event was our Resident Voices, where residents shared their personal journeys. Thank you to Stephen and Valerie, Anne, Olivia and Derek, and all the residents who worked behind the scenes to make this event happen.

We extend our sincere thanks to all our partners for joining us:
George Panteli and Kamila Duchnik (MNM); Pradeep De Silva (SS Classic Cleaners); Jan Rickler (Alwyns); Mr. Grout (Grouts); Tom Quicke (Rathbones); Caroline Monkhouse (FEAST with US); Matt Leach and Mathew Goodfellow (Magnet Kitchen); Chris Watkins (Commodore Designs); Natasha Mowatt (Saracens High School); Jeni Osbourne (Osbourne); Blue Weiss (Citizens UK); Helen Newman (Age UK); Fariba Nassiri (Yaran); Anesta Edge (Rephael House); Atia Lokhat (Zubeda Welcome).

Our thanks also go to all our Trustees and local Councillors. …

⬇️👇(continued in comments)

🏡Homefield Gardens and Continuing Growth ✨In 1979, following the demolition of Homefield House, trustees made a decision...
18/03/2026

🏡Homefield Gardens and Continuing Growth ✨

In 1979, following the demolition of Homefield House, trustees made a decision that would shape the Charity’s future.

Thirty-nine almshouse flats were built, opening in 1980 as Homefield Gardens. They were officially opened by Margaret Thatcher, then Prime Minister and MP for Finchley.

A further 48 flats followed in 1989, and in 1991 The Finchley Charities took over Pewterers Court from the Worshipful Company of Pewterers.

Each chapter reflects thoughtful growth — responding to changing needs while staying true to our founding purpose.
As we prepare to celebrate Heritage Day, we honour every benefactor, trustee and resident who has shaped our journey since 1488.

*We look forward to celebrating our shared heritage at Heritage Day.

Wilmot Close – A Place of Care Through the CenturiesAlmshouses have stood on the site now known as Wilmot Close since at...
17/03/2026

Wilmot Close – A Place of Care Through the Centuries

Almshouses have stood on the site now known as Wilmot Close since at least the 17th century.
New almshouses were constructed from the mid-19th century onwards, with further development in 1895. In 1966, the site was named Wilmot Close in memory of local Alderman Herbert Wilmot, a former Trustee whose service shaped the Charity’s work.

As demand for housing for older people increased, trustees responded — building new homes in 1958, 1972/73 and again in 1984. The 1985 block was named Thackrah Close, honouring Edgar and Ronald Thackrah, whose combined service as trustees spanned 55 years.

Most recently, in July 2018, 16 additional homes were opened on the Thackrah Close site — continuing a centuries-long commitment to providing safe, secure housing.

Our heritage lives not only in documents, but in the homes and communities we continue to nurture.

*Final part of our Heritage Series coming soon.

🌱 Oak Lodge College Students Back on the Community PlotAt The Finchley Charities, we support our community not only thro...
16/03/2026

🌱 Oak Lodge College Students Back on the Community Plot

At The Finchley Charities, we support our community not only through housing but also by creating green spaces that bring people together and support wellbeing.

Last Friday, we welcomed students from Oak Lodge School for their first spring session back on the community plot at Fuel Land Allotments.

The visit began with a short induction, including an introduction to our compost toilet and guidance on how to enjoy the plot safely. Students then explored the site, spotting birds, insects and other wildlife, learning about frogspawn, sowing chard and planting herbs.

It was a wonderful start to the new season. Teachers were especially pleased to see the newly repositioned raised beds, which will help make gardening more accessible for everyone using the space.

Our community plot continues to grow as a place for learning, nature and connection — and it’s a pleasure to see young people enjoying it. 🌿

A Growing Tradition of GivingThe story of The Finchley Charities did not end with one act of generosity.Throughout the 1...
12/03/2026

A Growing Tradition of Giving

The story of The Finchley Charities did not end with one act of generosity.
Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, further gifts of land and houses were entrusted to the Charity, including donations from benefactors such as Thomas Sanny.

Over time, additional local charities came under the Trust’s care. Support included the distribution of food to people facing hardship, and in the early 20th century, a nursing benevolent society joined the Charity’s work — providing food, medicine and medical comforts to the sick and poor.

Since the 1892 scheme, benefactors’ gifts have been carefully invested to generate income, ensuring long-term, sustainable support for the community.

Heritage is not only about history — it is about stewardship. We are honoured to continue that responsibility.

*Next post, we explore how our housing schemes developed over time.

Fuel Land Allotments: 130+ Years of Community Spirit and Green Heritage🌿At The Finchley Charities, our community work ex...
12/03/2026

Fuel Land Allotments: 130+ Years of Community Spirit and Green Heritage🌿

At The Finchley Charities, our community work extends beyond housing to creating spaces where people can connect, contribute and thrive.

Every Wednesday afternoon, the community plot at the Fuel Land Allotments comes to life with volunteers working together in nature. From 2–4 PM each week, the session welcomes anyone who would like to take part, helping to plant, garden and maintain the plot.

These sessions offer more than gardening. They create a welcoming space where people can connect with nature, learn new skills and spend time outdoors together. The produce grown on the plot is shared with the local food bank, extending the impact of the garden beyond the allotments themselves.

Located between St Pancras and Islington Cemetery and Chandos Road in East Finchley, the allotments have been a cornerstone of North London’s green heritage for over 130 years. Originally set aside in 1811 to provide fuel to local residents after the Finchley Common enclosures, the 15 acres were transformed into thriving garden allotments in 1890 thanks to determined local campaigners.

Today’s Highlights include:
🌱 Community Plot 26 – accessible raised beds and shaded orchard areas where people of all ages can enjoy gardening
🚻 Wheelchair-accessible composting toilet, installed in 2024, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
🐝 A haven for wildlife – slow worms, hedgehogs, bumblebees, birds and more

Last Wednesday’s session marked a milestone — Operation Raised Bed Relocation is complete! Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.

We are always happy to welcome new volunteers. If you are free on a Wednesday afternoon, please drop in and spend some time with us on the community plot.

For anyone interested, email [email protected] to find out more and get involved. 👋🏻

🎉 Celebrating Our New Year’s Day Parade ParticipantsOur residents Valerie and Stephen Gold, alongside our Trustee Helen ...
10/03/2026

🎉 Celebrating Our New Year’s Day Parade Participants

Our residents Valerie and Stephen Gold, alongside our Trustee Helen Gordon, were invited to a reception hosted by The Mayor, Cllr. Danny Rich, in recognition of their participation in the New Year’s Day Parade.

The reception took place on Thursday 5 March 2026 at Hendon Town Hall, where they attended as proud representatives of The Finchley Charities.

During the event, they were presented with medals to recognising the organisation’s participation in this wonderful city tradition.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to The Mayor, Cllr. Danny Rich, for hosting the reception and recognising the contribution of those who proudly represented our community.

Congratulations to Valerie, Stephen and Helen for representing The Finchley Charities so wonderfully on this special occasion.👏🏻

✨1488: Where it all began🏡On 23 March 1488, a local farmer, Robert Waren, made his ‘first gift’ — 11 acres of land to su...
05/03/2026

✨1488: Where it all began🏡

On 23 March 1488, a local farmer, Robert Waren, made his ‘first gift’ — 11 acres of land to support the church, repair highways and provide charitable relief to people in need. Nine men of the parish were appointed to administer this gift, laying the foundations of careful stewardship that continues today.

A year later, his second gift — including a shop, house, garden and adjoining tenements — was formally confirmed. With this agreement, The Finchley Charities was officially established.

More than five centuries later, our purpose remains rooted in that same spirit: supporting our community with care, responsibility and compassion.

Part 2 of our Heritage Series coming soon.💚

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41a Wilmot Close
London
N28HP

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