Set up in 1939 through the generosity of Mrs Lilian Cranfield and with inspiration from Dr CF Williamson, the Cranfield Court Charity is a privately funded and registered charity, which provides rented accommodation for retired people.

The charity is for “the benefit of deserving people on low/middle income who are of good character and education”.

The main accommodation takes the form of 26 one bedroom and 8 two bedroom flats, at either ground floor or first floor level and are set in a horseshoe shaped building away from the road and fronted by lawns and gardens.  At the rear there are more gardens and reserved car parking for tenants. All first floor flats are served by stair lifts.

In addition there are 15 flats in a separate building, which faces onto Chelsworth Avenue. This accommodation takes the form of apartments, one-bedroom flats and studio flats.  All have en-suite bathrooms and toilets and are self-contained.   There is a communal lounge for the use of all tenants and everyone has access to the gardens for sitting out.  A part-time House Manager is in attendance and, when she is not on duty, the Home Emergency Response Service, provided by Ipswich Borough Council, offer cover.  Those who require the assistance of a part-time carer are welcome but tenants must be able to look after themselves as no nursing care is provided.

The majority of our tenants are those who, although still active in mind and body, find their current homes and gardens too much to cope with and are looking to move to something smaller, comfortable, in a quiet area and yet within easy reach of town. Buses depart from outside Armstrong House to take people into town and back.

Applications are welcome from both couples and those living on their own.  You are invited to telephone the General Manager on 01473 400205 in the first instance to discuss your needs.

The Cranfield Court Charity is run by trustees, some of who have family connections to the founder and all give of their time on a voluntary basis.  The current trustees are:

Mrs V Armstrong
Mr R Hawkins [Chairman]
Mr David Hughes
Mrs M Gaskin
Clr. I Lockington
Mr D  McEllinney
Mr GJL Evans
Mrs Deborah Lister (General Manager)