A GENEROUS £64,000 bequest from a Kendal man came as a very welcome surprise to an affordable homes charity which has also benefited from the receipt of a ‘beautiful’ Grade II-listed property.

The money was left to the Kendal-based Lakeland Housing Trust (LHT) by Barry Gooderham, who died aged 71 in 2018.

Malcolm Tillyer, chairman of LHT, which provides affordable rented homes for local people who cannot afford to live elsewhere, said it was ‘unusual’ for the trust to receive a cash donation of that size.

“It’s great because we have got plans to develop more properties, build more properties and this is a significant sum of money that can help us get to where we want to be. We have got plans to build a couple of properties in Grasmere so this money will help there,” he said.

“It was a really pleasant surprise and has come at a time when everyone’s struggling at the moment and any funds that can help us move forward are very welcome.”

Mr Gooderham, who worked for Barclays, was originally from Lytham St Annes but moved to Kendal in the 1990s. After taking early retirement he remained very active, walking, cycling, learning to play the trumpet and singing with Kendal Choral Society.

He also volunteered with Citizens Advice, spending a lot of time talking to people who were struggling financially and were unable to pay their mortgages or the rent on their homes. It is believed this is what led Mr Gooderham to leave money to LHT.

The money is one of two pieces of good news for the trust at the moment, with it being handed Grade II-listed Grandy Nook on Low Fellside, Kendal, as well as the cottage which sits behind it.
It was entrusted to LHT by the Kendal and Sedbergh Quakers. The Quakers received it in 1971 and had it converted into flats for people of modest means.

Mr Tillyer said: “I am very grateful to the Kendal and Sedbergh Quakers for entrusting such a significant property into the care of the Lakeland Housing Trust. Our charitable objectives are very similar and the property will continue to be offered to local people who cannot afford to rent or buy locally.”

Article written by Joe Fletcher, Westmorland Gazette

LAKEFIELD COTTAGES
NEAR SAWREY, AMBLESIDE
 
Two well presented Cottages with gardens and parking
3 Bedroomed  -  £160 per week  -  New Build Low Energy
4 Bedroomed  -  £175 per week  -  Fully Modernised

GENEROUS well-wishers bequeathed three homes to a Lake District charity.
The Lakeland Housing Trust, set up in 1937, provides affordable homes for local people.
Fern Cottage at Clappersgate was left to the trust by James Spedding, who lived there many years.
After refurbishment, the home will be let out and renamed Spedding Cottage.
High Crag at Gale Rigg, Ambleside, was left to the trust by a builders' merchant from the Midlands, Kenneth Smith.
He loved the Lakes and bought the property as a second home. As High Crag is quite large, a decision was made with Mr Smith's family to sell the house and use the proceeds to buy or develop other homes.
The trust purchased 12 Loughrigg Park, Ambleside, which will be lived in by a local family. The house was previously a holiday let but is now back in local occupancy, said the trust.
The remainder of the money from the sale will help to fund building projects by the trust.
The third property, High Green Gate Cottage, Sawrey, was generously bequeathed by Mrs Della Porter-Hargreaves and is now let.
Malcolm Tillyer, chairman of the Lakeland Housing Trust said: "Trustees are very grateful for these generous bequests.
"We are committed to providing homes for local people who cannot otherwise afford to buy or rent locally at prevailing prices.
"The growth of second-home ownership means, in some areas, the need for local housing is increasingly acute.
"We own 42 properties and I anticipate we will continue to grow in the coming months.”
For more, see www.thelakelandhousingtrust.co.uk

The applications are now closed for the property at Troutbeck. 

​A property has now become available to let. For more details please visit our available property section or contact the office on 01539 721673. ​