The charity, based in the centre of the town, still has £370,000 to raise for its £2 million re-development, which is already under way. The 18 new flats in Balkerne Gardens replace six flats which were unsuitable for modernisation. The new flats are specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible, with kitchens and bathrooms made for those with limited mobility.

Balkerne Gardens Trust has received a £630,000 grant from the Housing Corporation and plans to avoid incurring interest charges on a loan by raising the final funds itself. Established in 1833, today it provides homes for 170 elderly and frail people at Freda Gunton Lodge and Winsford House (residential homes), at Cheviot Nursing Home and in 51 sheltered flats.

Its latest fund raising event - part sponsored by Colchester solicitors Thompson Smith & Puxon - was a ‘Sounds Lyrical’ Italian Opera Evening which, despite the rain, was a great success, being attended by over 100 enthusiastic opera lovers and raising just over £3,000 for the charity.