It is well known that the Church of England Pensions Board has varied accommodation for clergy pensioners throughout the country with their rented and mortgage schemes.
But for some reason, the seven supported housing units across the country seem to be far less known. Recent visitors to Dulverton Hall in Scarborough, North Yorkshire have called it the Pension Board’s ‘best kept secret’.
Within the Diocese of York, Dulverton Hall is a fairly new building on the South Cliff. This model of housing offers choice and support when required. Three meals a day are available as is help with the domestic tasks. It has 34 private flats in total, all facing the sea. Privacy and security is provided within a Christian community, the chapel playing a vital role for those in ministry allowing residents to minister and worship together.
At this time of year the Hall is looking towards Christmas. Staff and residents work together on the practical and spiritual planning. The carol concert rehearsals are well under way, Christmas cakes are baked and pudding steeping. In the season of Advent we prepare for Christmas as a community.
The religious side of life at Dulverton is an important aspect of the lives of the residents. At each act of worship in the chapel, prayers are offered for those within our community and those who have left us. We share in York diocesan Cycle of Prayer – for parishes around the diocese and for the Church in other lands.
Community extends beyond our front door with residents playing an active part in worship and activities in local churches. At this time of year especially, we seek to help on a practical level and collectively and individually support those local charities such as The Rainbow Centre who help the most vulnerable people in our area.
- If you would like to get in touch with anyone at Dulverton Hall please call Sharon or Kathy on 01723 340100 or email sharon.james@churchofengland.org.
Sharon James, Dulverton Hall