A residential home dedicated to looking after retired musicians is to close in October, it has been announced.
A residential home dedicated to looking after retired musicians is to close in October 2009, it has been announced.
Ivor Newton House, a 21-bed care home in Bromley, south-east London is the only such facility in the UK dedicated to retired musicians.
Ivor Newton House, a 21-bed care home in Bromley, south-east London is the only such facility in the UK dedicated to retired musicians.
The Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF), which runs the home said it had become increasingly difficult to fill beds.
The Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF), which runs the home said it had become increasingly difficult to fill beds.
Previous residents at the home include Czech conductor Vilem Tausky and British conductor Stanford Robinson.
Previous residents at the home include Czech conductor Vilem Tausky and British conductor Stanford Robinson.
Students and professional musicians often attend the house to give recitals.
Students and professional musicians often attend the house to give recitals.
I have lived in Ivor Newton House since 2004 and there is no way I want to move Len Davis, resident "This decision has not been taken without a great deal of thought," said MBF Chairman, Richard Lyttelton.
I have lived in Ivor Newton House since 2004 and there is no way I want to move Len Davis, resident "This decision has not been taken without a great deal of thought," said MBF Chairman, Richard Lyttelton.
"But it has become increasingly difficult to fill the home as more and more people seeking our support wish to go into residential care closer to where they live or near family and friends."
"But it has become increasingly difficult to fill the home as more and more people seeking our support wish to go into residential care closer to where they live or near family and friends."
The MBF added that the home was "unable to offer specialist nursing and dementia care" and that its facilities did not meet the levels "expected by extremely discerning and well-informed potential residents".
The MBF added that the home was "unable to offer specialist nursing and dementia care" and that its facilities did not meet the levels "expected by extremely discerning and well-informed potential residents".
'Angry'
'Angry'
Those living in the house had previously registered displeasure over rumours of closure.
Those living in the house have registered their displeasure over the closure.
"I have lived in Ivor Newton House since 2004 and there is no way I want to move," said long-term resident Len Davis last week.
"I have lived in Ivor Newton House since 2004 and there is no way I want to move," said long-term resident Len Davis.
"Ivor Newton House is entirely fit for purpose as far as the residents and staff are concerned, and has always received acceptable reports from the authorities.
"Ivor Newton House is entirely fit for purpose as far as the residents and staff are concerned, and has always received acceptable reports from the authorities.
"I would be very angry if the MBF, as a charity, decided to forcibly evict people from their home at this stage of their lives."
"I am very angry that the MBF, as a charity, is forcibly evicting people from their home at this stage of their lives."
The Musicians Union also expressed concern over the closure, and said it would do its "utmost to support the current residents", many of whom are in their 90s.
The Musicians Union also expressed concern over the closure, and said it would do its "utmost to support the current residents", many of whom are in their 90s.
The MBF said it would support current residents in finding new homes, and would cover the cost of removals.
The MBF said it would help current residents to find new homes, and would cover any moving costs.
It added that it also funds "a large number of older people in other residential, nursing and dementia care homes around the country, who have preferred to stay in their local area rather than move to Bromley".
It added that it also funds "a large number of older people in other residential, nursing and dementia care homes around the country, who have preferred to stay in their local area rather than move to Bromley".
Staff at the Ivor Newton Home will be given "enhanced" redundancy packages and support in finding new jobs.
Staff at the Ivor Newton Home will be given "enhanced" redundancy packages and support in finding new jobs.
What is your reaction to this story? Do you have friends or relatives at Ivor Newton House? Send your comments using the form below.
What is your reaction to this story? Do you have friends or relatives at Ivor Newton House? Send your comments using the form below.
