​Felsted School support for the elderly

Schools across the country may be closed, but this hasn’t stopped staff and students at Felsted School from joining the fightback against the pandemic. Not only have they housed the East England Ambulance staff, made visors and donated PPE and Easter eggs to the NHS, but they are also brightening up the lockdown for a number of elderly residents in the village.

The Felsted Almshouses were left by the School founder, Richard Lord Riche, for those in need in the village. Managed by Felsted School as part of his legacy, seven Almshouse residents are being particularly nurtured by the School during this period of lockdown. Not only have they been contacted regularly by the School to ensure they are safe and well, but Lou Wilks, the School’s Function Manager, has been going the extra mile to do regular shopping for some of them. She has also coordinated with Felsted’s Catering Manager, René Hauret, for the residents to all be given a special Felsted hamper of food and drink every few weeks to lift their spirits. These have been personalised to include some of their favourite items, such as elderflower cordial and packets of jaffa cakes! The School Chaplain, Nigel Little, has also been lending a hand, mowing their communal front lawn in time for the VE celebrations.

Edna Cooper, age 88 and a retired employee of Felsted School, has lived in one of the Almshouses for 12 years and has been really grateful for the School’s support and Lou’s care in particular. Marina Davies, age 77, and another Felsted School former employee of twenty years, says that Lou’s visits and donations “are much appreciated and really make such a difference to their week.” Alan Dixon, aged 70, another resident of ten years confirms; “The School looks after us really well, supporting us and bringing us these lovely hampers filled with delicious items”.

It was a particularly poignant day last Friday for one resident in particular, Florence Manley, aged 103 years. She was evacuated during the war years with her young family from Southend to Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. She reminisces; "It was a tough seven years living in digs away from home, but I was lucky that my husband was not sent away. His skills were needed as an advisor for scientific instruments.” It was a quiet day of individual celebration for Florence, who was unable to see her children, but she did enjoy hearing the tunes of a solo bagpiper who serenaded them on his way around the village, as she enjoyed looking out on the newly mowed communal lawn, adorned with union jacks in the beautiful sunshine.

Lou Wilks comments; “It is really important that we look out for those more vulnerable in our community at this time and I really enjoy doing what I can to help. The School has been really generous in giving a bit extra to these residents during the lockdown to brighten their day.”