Sheltered housing in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire
The Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle and District Society operates a small sheltered house in Bishop's Castle, Shropshire. We are a member society of the Abbeyfield England Society, a national charity providing houses and homes to older people throughout the UK. Together we are one big family.
Our ethos is to provide a friendly and reliable service to keep our residents safe and to remain part of the local community. Our staff are specially trained and have an abundance of knowledge in caring for older people.
Welcome to our house
Built in 2002, Abbeyfield House offers retirement living in ten en-suite rooms and a one bedroom flat suitable for a couple. All rooms are unfurnished so that you can bring your own furniture, making it a home from home. Each apartment has its own en-suite shower room, hallway and kitchen cupboard with fridge and sink.
Abbeyfield House
Bishops Castle SY9 5PA
01588 630 000
Resident selection procedure
If you or a loved one are interested in becoming a resident, learn more about our resident selection procedure.
What's happening at Abbeyfield House
Coffee Mornings
Coffee mornings are held on the third Thursday of alternate months starting in January. Everyone is welcome to meet and have a chat with the residents and staff. Join us for a warm cup of tea or coffee and friendly conversations in a lovely setting.
Keeping fit
Keeping active is important for older people and we offer numerous opportunities for residents to stay active. Exercise classes take place once a week and are tailored to the individual so everyone can take part.
Events throughout the year
Throughout the summer, our House Committee organises outings to local places of interest. We also have a Strawberry Tea, which takes place each summer with various stalls, a raffle and delicious home made scones.
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.
2025
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.
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.
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.
Robert Bowles
Hon. Treasurer
Robert finally moved to Clun in 2022 having holidayed in the area exclusively for many years, drawn by the walking and the relaxed environment. Previously he had spent 33 years at a London university teaching and researching in applied mathematics.
Contact Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle & District Society
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about living with Abbeyfield Bishop's Castle.
Yes, this is to establish if our Home is suitable for them and they for us.
En suite shower, kitchen cabinet, fitted wardrobe and hall cupboard.
Assured tenancy agreement.
Not for over 75s.
Yes and an elected residents’ rep attends House Committee Meetings.
Direct to the House Manager.
An application to bring a pet will be considered.
Yes, we have experience of most diets.
Two main meals a day are freshly prepared in-house. With residents providing their own breakfast for which we provide bread and milk.
Yes, a washing machine and tumble drier for residents use are on each floor.
No, this is the responsibility of the resident.
The alarm goes to a call centre.
Yes, further details are on our website.
Yes, Careline is included.
Every effort is made to enable residents to maintain their independence in our Home and sign post them to external support, if required.