Belmont Lodge  ..........where older people find care in housing.

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Abbeyfield History ....... Abbeyfield Belmont Lodge The first Abbeyfield Society was founded in 1956 by Richard Carr-Gomm in Bermondsey, London. Richard set out to meet the needs of active elderly persons by creating what was then, and still is, a unique form of social care - some 5 or 6 elderly persons, living independent lives but in shared accommodation with a housekeeper. Abbeyfield in those days was a Christian foundation, but they were anxious to expand and include us, and therefore the changed the wording of their Constitution to read "religious" fouindation and in March 1974, the Abbeyfield Canden (Jewish) Society Limited was formed. The first house under the umbrella of the Abbeyfield Camden Jewish Society was Peggy Lang House in Wllesden, followed in 1981 by Lily Montague House, in Edgware. Belmont Lodge opened it's doors in February 2002. The organising committee, headed by Rosemary Goldsmith, were delighted when they found Belmont Lodge, a lovely former nursing home in Bushey. Several years of research went in to looking for the right property. The result is the beautiful house we see today. Every apartment - there are studios and two-room apartments, some suitable for couples - has en-suite facilities and there are lovely lounges and a pretty garden for residents to enjoy. A full programme of activities is organised by our Activities Organiser. The house has a resident House Manager and staff and there is 24-hour cover. There are twelve residents who make breakfast in their own rooms, but lunch and supper are provided in the communal dining room. They all have keys to their own front doors. Five local Synagogues support us: Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Hertsmere Progressive Synagogue, Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue, Kol Chai Hatch End Jewish Community (Reform) and Middlesex New Synagogue (Reform). A warm Jewish atmosphere is evident, and major festivals are celebrated. At Belmont Lodge, a Friday night Kiddush is held with visiting local Rabbis attending when possible. We are fortunate to have a dedicated band of volunteers to whom we are most grateful. New volunteers are always welcome, and Vanda, our Volunteers Organiser would love to hear from you. Just give her a call on 01923 822919. If you would like to find out more about Belmont Lodge, do pick up a brochure or telephone our Secretary Dina Lecker on 020 8429 2317. Freddy Berdach - Belmont Lodge Chairman