About Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle and District Society
Find out all you need to know about us as a Society and our sheltered house in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire.
Welcoming residents into our community
Welcome to Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle and District Society, where we run the sheltered house, Abbeyfield House, exclusively for the elderly, as a member of The Abbeyfield Society. Our focus is to offer exceptional supported living for retired individuals.
With a history dating back to 1956, Abbeyfield has grown to be one of the largest organisations in the voluntary sector serving older people.
At Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle, we take great pride in our passionate volunteers and dedicated paid staff. Our devoted volunteers ensure that each resident feels truly at home, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Meanwhile, our staff members manage the day-to-day operations, and provide delicious meals and support.
Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle and District Society strives to create a caring and supportive haven for our residents, developing a sense of community and companionship. Together, we are committed to enhancing the lives of those who have contributed so much to our society, ensuring they enjoy their golden years with dignity and happiness.
Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle and District Society's heritage
Our time line
1955
The first Abbeyfield house opens in Bermondsey.
1956
The Abbeyfield Society is formally set up with the purchase of two more houses.
1999
Abbeyfield House's first residents move in.
2002
Abbeyfield House officially opens, offering retirement living in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire.
2024
We continue to enrich the lives of older people.
Meet our friendly team
Our Trustees all work on a voluntary basis and have overall responsibility for the running and management of Abbeyfield in Bishops Castle. At present there are seven trustees who serve on the Executive Committee in different roles. Should anyone in our area wish to contribute to the running of Abbeyfield please contact us by email initially. The current members of staff include a House Manager, a Deputy House Manager, a Relief House Manager, an Administrator and a Cleaner.
Bob Berry
Chair
Bob worked for 37 years as a Chartered Surveyor at offices in Newmarket, Nottingham, Huntingdon, London and Cambridge. In 2002, he moved to live near Bishop's Castle whilst working in Shrewsbury and retired in 2011. In 2013, Bob joined our board of Trustees and became the Chair in 2014. His negotiating skills and approachability have proved invaluable.
Clive Millard
Trustee
Clive was an original Trustee when Abbeyfield was formed in Bishop's Castle and was part of the team involved in raising funds for the establishment of the house. He was appointed Hon. Treasurer when the building was built in 1999. He remained Treasurer, with a short break, until March 2023, and is now working to raise the profile of Abbeyfield in this area. Clive, with his wife Joyce, who is also a volunteer at Abbeyfield, moved to Bishop's Castle in 1991 whilst a Director of a commercial insurance broker which he founded in the West Midlands and he retired in 1998.
Sue Scott-Powter
Hon. Treasurer
Sue has lived in Shropshire for most of her life and currently just outside Bishop's Castle. She worked for several years for HMRC and has run her own tax/accountancy practice from home since 1983. Sue is married with two grown up children and two grandchildren and became a Trustee earlier this year and was appointed as Hon. Treasurer at the AGM.
Gaynor Pinches
Chair of House Committee
Gaynor attended School in Bishop's Castle and returned in 1977 to open a clothes shop which she ran for 24 years. Currently retired, but a Commercial and Domestic Landlord, she still lives in the town. She has served as a Governor at the local school and was Mayoress of the town for 4 years. She has two daughters and two grandchildren. Her interests include collecting ceramics and serving as Secretary to the local Civic Society. Gaynor has been a member of the Abbeyfield House Committee for 8 years and Chairman for the last 5 years.
David Palliser
Trustee
David has lived in the South Shropshire area since 1986 and been a member of our Executive Committee at Bishop's Castle since 2014. Before retiring, he worked as a journalist for various newspapers and magazines as well as running his own public relations company. David is responsible for all our press, publicity and advertising.
Nigel Hirst
Trustee
Nigel is Chair of Haden Freeman Group and currently President of The Institution of Chemical Engineers. As well as a Trustee of Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle, Nigel takes an active interest in several areas of education and music. He also uses his skills for the benefit of his local village hall. His business experience and practical knowledge are invaluable to the Executive.
Adrian Penney
Trustee
Adrian was born in Bishop's Castle and in 1984, returned to the town as a GP and Partner in the local Medical Practice. Adrian has been involved with our home since its inception in the 1990's and joined the board in 2022. Adrian brings both knowledge and practical skills to the board.