"For 38 years, Rob McClearly was a black-cab driver in London, spending his days chatting to locals, tourists and celebrities. When the time came for him to retire, the sociable cabbie was reluctant to go from a life of near-constant socialising to what he feared could become a lonely existence. "I was always meeting different people every day, so retirement did worry me at first, the idea of stopping completely.""
"Nick Phillips, CEO of the Almshouse Association, said the "spirit of the almshouses goes right back to the medieval period". "The almshouse model is about providing a warm, safe, secure home where you know your neighbours." Mr Phillips said that much modern architecture was devoid of what he called "bumping opportunities" - the chance to bump into other people. "When you live in a community like Appleby Blue, you can't help but bump into your neighbours."
Rob McClearly spent 38 years as a London black-cab driver and feared retirement would lead to isolation. He and his wife moved into Appleby Blue Almshouse two years ago and found a lively community where he continues to make friends. Appleby Blue offers 59 flats for people aged over 65 and communal facilities including a roof garden, courtyard and community kitchen. Almshouses have provided sanctuary for people in need for over 1,000 years. The Appleby Blue Almshouse opened in July 2023 and won the RIBA Stirling Prize. Nick Phillips describes almshouses as creating 'bumping opportunities' that encourage everyday social contact.
Read at www.bbc.com
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