Village turns out to honour half a century of service
A TREE has been planted and a plaque unveiled to mark 50 years of voluntary service by villager Derek Hincks to the Stanley Burrough’s Almhouses in Sapcote.
As Mr Hincks reached his 90th birthday, family, friends, almshouse trustees and residents gathered to honour his commitment to the Grade II-listed properties over the past halfcentury.
Mr Hincks, who retired as a trustee last year, was thanked for his service by chairman of the Stanley Burroughs Almshouses Charity Mike Newton.
Upon Mr Hincks’s retirement, Mr Newton said: “I do feel that Derek’s hard work and dedication over so many years to this worthwhile facility deserves all the recognition he can be given.
“The dedication that Derek has shown, and the contribution he has made, has enabled the current trustees to continue to improve the accommodation, and safeguard the properties.
“Sapcote has been able to retain a fine building and it has it has also provided homes for people who otherwise may have had to leave.”
Mr Hincks first got involved with the almhouses in 1966, working as the trust’s treasurer.
Said to be an active trustee, who rarely missed a meeting, Mr Hincks was also hands-on, helping to carry out repairs and administer the upkeep of the village homes.
In 1987 he became chairman of the trustees.
However despite the appointment he continued to serve as treasurer, and continued in this dual capacity for seven years.
He has maintained a close interest in the properties throughout the years.
At the recent gathering to honour his work, well-wishers were given a tour of one of the almshouses by resident Louise Towers.
Afterwards refreshments were shared in the in the church hall.