News From The Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses

The air was filled with the sweet scent of daffodils and the warm buzz of conversation at our recent March 2025 Residents Almshouse Coffee Morning, and for good reason! This wasn't just any gathering; it was a special celebration of International Women's Day, a day dedicated to honouring the achievements of women throughout history and across the globe.

What is International Women's Day?

International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global day acknowledging the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's also a call to action for accelerating gender equality. It's a day to reflect on progress made, to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

Here at the Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses, we wanted to mark this important day by showing our appreciation for the incredible women who make up our community. As a small token of our esteem, each of our wonderful female residents received a beautiful bunch of daffodils, a gift from the Trustees. The vibrant yellow blooms, symbolising new beginnings and resilience, were a perfect representation of the spirit of the day.

A Morning of Connection and Empowerment

Our celebration went beyond just flowers. We enjoyed a delightful buffet, filled with delicious treats, and plenty of warm tea and coffee to keep us cozy. It was a wonderful opportunity for our residents to connect, share stories, and enjoy each other's company.

Adding to the enriching morning, we were privileged to host special guest speakers, Louisa Phillip and Barry Halliday from Secure Inheritance. Barry provided an invaluable talk on Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney (LPAs), and future planning.

Barry and Louisa's expertise and compassionate approach were greatly appreciated, and the residents left feeling more informed and empowered to make informed decisions about their future. It was a fantastic example of local businesses supporting our community, something we truly value. Louisa thanked Trustee Hulya Kozan for organising the event and wrote the following thanks:

"It was an honour to be part of such an important topic at your premises such as Will Planning and not to mention being International Women's Day. The significance of the day added an extra layer of meaning and relevance to the event, and it was inspiring to contribute to the ongoing conversation about legal awareness in Wills (our voices when we have gone), Lasting Powers of Attorney’s (the living will).Thank you once again for the impeccable organisation and warm atmosphere."

A Community of Strength

The March Coffee Morning was a resounding success, a testament to the strong sense of community we foster here at the Bedford, Morison and Cordery Almshouses. We were thrilled to celebrate International Women's Day in such a meaningful way, recognising the vital role women play in our lives and in society as a whole.

We believe in creating a space where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. We're grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of the remarkable women in our Watford Almhouse community and thankful for each one of them.

We look forward to many more events that bring us together and celebrate the spirit of community.