HIST’s criteria for occupancy of an almshouse are: 
 
Strong Hallaton connection 
Preference to those having spent their childhood in Hallaton and attended Hallaton School 
Preference to those who are active in the village community 
No distinction on age 
Income – cottages going to the least well off 
Must be able to live independently 
HIST invites residents or people with close connections to Hallaton to apply from a 5 mile radius of Hallaton (as recently authorised by the Charity Commission).  This also includes the villages of East Norton and Tugby who previously benefited from the Katherine Parker Charity who have been incorporated by HIST.  Current occupants cannot normally be accepted for another cottage.  
 
For more information and an application pack please contact Dawn Jerman, Clerk to the Board of Trustees:  info@hallatontrust.org.uk or 07399 326889   
 
 The closing date for applications is Friday 24^th April at 5pm. 

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STRICTLY NO DOGS ALLOWED AT THE RECREATION GROUND  WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT FROM 27 SEPTEMBER 2023

Assistance Dogs

No person shall take a dog onto, or permit a dog to enter, or allow a dog to remain on any land within the boundary of Hallaton Recreation Ground unless:

(i) the person is registered as a blind person in a register compiled under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948, or

(ii) the person is deaf, in respect of a dog trained by the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and upon which he relies for assistance, or

(iii) the person has a disability which affects their mobility, manual dexterity, physical co-ordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects in respect of a dog trained by a prescribed charity and upon which he relies for assistance, provided that the dog is on a lead.

Accredited and fully trained assistance dogs are welcome at the Recreation Ground if they are ‘working’, allowing the owner to use the facilities (such as the playground).  Owners/handlers may not use the Recreation Ground for exercising their dog, especially the playing area of the sports field.  With regret, Emotional Support Animals/therapy dogs are not permitted.  This is to ensure the protection of all users of the Recreation Ground with regard to general safety, welfare, and hygiene.  Puppies or dogs in training are not permitted for the same reasons.  Groups of dogs (more than 1 assistance dog) are not permitted.

Owners/handlers of an assistance dog must ensure that:

• Faeces are cleared away immediately and disposed of appropriately.
• The dog is kept on a lead and under close control at all times.

Your co-operation is appreciated.

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The Trustees are delighted that HIST has received the ‘Inspirational Homes Award’ from the Almshouse Association for the construction of Isabella Cottage in Hunts Lane. This particular award is for charities who can demonstrate innovation in design, exceptional planning, quality of build, and value for money. The Trustees feel honoured that all the hard work has been recognised and are proud that this new almshouse continues the legacy of Isabella Stenning. Many thanks again to all those involved in the project who have helped to make it such a success, particularly brp architects for the design, project management, and unwavering support throughout.

Isabella Cottage – August 2021

In 2006 plans were first drawn up for the construction of a 3-bedroomed almshouse on a plot of land owned by HIST on Hunts Lane; the first new almshouse to be built for the charity since 1924.  Due to planning constraints, these plans were variously amended to a 1 x 2-bedroomed house or 2 x 1-bedroomed houses, followed by 2 flats and 1 house.  Letters of objection against affordable housing were rife from the outset.  From 2007 to 2011, HIST tried to overcome the planning hurdles and objections, and finally in June 2011 planning permission was granted for 2 semi-detached cottages – with almost unachievable conditions attached.  A new architect, BRP Architects, was appointed in 2016, the design was changed, and at last planning permission for a single-storey 2-bedroomed accessible bungalow was granted in 2017.  The build was eventually started in November 2019 with BRP Architects as project managers.  Their guidance and help throughout the project have been crucial for the Trustees. 

Then COVID hit.  Work was sporadic for approximately six months.  Fortunately, the project had progressed to a building which was watertight – but far from finished; supply issues and services delays took their toll.  This was followed by devastating news: the original contractor failed to survive COVID and went into administration in October 2020.  The build was far from complete with no services connected, and many trades were needed to finish the build.  Mick Hudson, a local builder, stepped into the breach to finish the project between his other commitments; his willingness to help was remarkable, and the Trustees are extremely grateful to him and his gang.

From this in 2019……. 

Finally, on 11th August 2021, the Trustees were able to host the Grand Opening and were proud to share the celebrations with HIST’s residents and with all those who have supported HIST throughout the long journey. They were very honoured that Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, and Rosie Sweeney, Head of Member Services at the Almshouse Association, attended the ceremony.  Their past and ongoing support is invaluable to the charity.  

As part of the celebrations, the Trustees had launched a Name Contest amongst the residents, and the most popular choice was Isabella Cottage in honour of Isabella Stenning.  The Trustees were very touched by some of the accompanying comments: 

‘I know it sounds cheesy but when I’d got absolutely nothing and I mean nothing the Stenning Trust gave me a lifeline – hope that things would get better and I shall be forever grateful for that!’ 

‘I was thinking of Isabella Bungalow in memory of the lady who made it possible for people like me to live in the village.’   

To this in 2021….

The Trustees are indebted to everyone who has helped in the project and took this opportunity to offer their heartfelt thanks.  This fabulous almshouse has 2 bedrooms, a large garden, plenty of off-road parking, and offers spacious accommodation for a family to enjoy, allowing them to remain in the village when private rental prices are beyond reach. 

20 April 2021 Allotments

Part of the allotment fencing has been replaced and it’s looking great!

Cancellation of Bonfire Night – November 2020

The traditional Bonfire and Fireworks Night event organised by HIST and due to take place on Saturday, 7th November 2020 at the Recreation Ground has sadly been cancelled.  In light of government restrictions with regard to Covid-19, and with the safety of everyone in mind, the Trustees have had to take the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event.  We hope to welcome you back in 2021.

Hunts Lane

On 18th November 2019 HIST, with the help of its architects BRP and builder Oakwood Construction, officially started the build at Hunts Lane for a 2 bedroomed accessible bungalow. A long-awaited almshouse for those with limited mobility.  Piles have been driven and filled with concrete.  Work over the next month is expected to include drainage below dwelling, brickwork, and beam and block floor.  Although completion was expected in April/May 2020, work has been delayed due to Covid-19.  Updates will be posted as they become available.

Basketry & Chair Seating

Jean Savage will be offering basketry and chair seating evening classes starting in spring 2020. Call Jean on 07751 242898 for more details.

Bowling End and Cricket Net

In response to a request from cricket users at the Recreation Ground to refurbish the bowling end and cricket nets, the Trustees are pleased to announce that this has now been done.  They hope that the facility will get a lot of use over the coming season and beyond.

Stenning Hall Floor

‘The floor looks amazing and everyone is talking about it.’ 

After a week of reburbishment, the floor at the Stenning Hall is looking lovely.  The Trustees are very pleased with the result and would like to thank all those who have passed on their compliments.  They hope that with proper maintenance the floor will now last for many years to come.  Nearly 40% of the necessary funds was raised from the generous contributions of the Bridge Drive group, donations, and events organised by the Stenning Hall Management Committee.  The rest has been provided by the Hallaton & Isabella Stenning Trust.   Many thanks to everyone involved for pitching in and making a difference! 

Tennis

Play tennis for free at Hallaton!

Did you know that, if you are a Hallaton resident, you can play tennis free of charge on the courts at the Recreation Ground?* All you need is a resident’s pass which you can obtain from the Clerk. For further details, please contact the Clerk on 07399 326889 or email j.aaron@hallatontrust.org.uk

*Terms and conditions apply.

Dogs

HALLATON AND ISABELLA STENNING TRUST – RECREATION GROUND
All DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON A LEAD

WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

The Trustees regret to announce that they have decided that, with immediate effect, no dogs will be allowed on the Recreation Ground unless they are kept on a lead at all times.

Despite our pleas for the community to help us tackle dog fouling, it has continued to be a problem.

Last week there was an horrific incident of an 8 month old child picking up dog poo whilst sitting in the middle of the children’s play area. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. It could have been life threatening, if the child’s parent had not acted so quickly to remove the child. The person whose dog fouled in the play area has been identified on CCTV and we are following it up. The dog was not on a lead.

The Trustees will review the situation in 2 months’ time. If it has not stopped dog fouling, we will regrettably have no option but to ban all dogs from the Recreation Ground.

At the Trustees’ meeting on Tuesday 19 June, we decided that we have no option but to take action. This is a sports field and children’s play area. We must ensure that it is a pleasant, safe place for our children, and adults, to use.

It is the responsibility of the owner or keeper to have control of their dogs at all times and to clear up after them. The Trust supplies bins and they are regularly emptied. There is no excuse.

We are sorry to have had to take this decision. We recognise that it penalises those many dog owners who use the Recreation Ground responsibly. But regular dog fouling has continued and last week’s incident has meant we have had to act to try to avoid it happening again in future.

The Trustees
Hallaton and Isabella Stenning Trust

20 June 2018