Bethany Residental Home

During 1985 a Hampshire farmer in the south of England was approached by the Trustees of Bethany Residential Home in Ealing, London, to see if he knew of suitable land in Hampshire upon which a new Residential Home could be built.

The Trustees were faced with the problem of having an old and largely sub-standard building in London as a Residential Home and in order to bring the property into line with new government legislation many structural alterations would be necessary if this work for the Lord was to continue. The cost was going to be prohibitive and being unable to find another suitable and affordable property in the city, the Trustees had prayerfully decided to explore other locations within easy travelling distance of London.

The Lord was working out His purpose and, before long, enquiries identified a site at the rear of an assembly building on the outskirts of Basingstoke. The land was made available and detailed research into the best design for a Residential Home commenced. Planning approval was granted and the building work completed towards the end of the year 1992.

The major part of the construction cost was financed by the proceeds of the sale of the building in Ealing and, additionally, valued gifts were received from the Laing Trust and many of the Lord’s people. John Laing, later to be knighted as Sir John Laing, was one of the founders of Bethany at Ealing and the plaque which commemorates the opening of that building by him, on 4th May 1957, today hangs in the entrance hall of the new Bethany.

The building is a superior purpose-built Retirement Home for elderly believers where their personal dignity and independence are encouraged in a relaxed and Christian atmosphere. Opened in November 1992, up to thirty-seven residents can be accommodated. The Home is under the control of a Trust which is registered with the Charities Commission for England and Wales. The staff are committed to providing a high standard of care and the residents enjoy the comfort of well-appointed bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities and their own sitting areas. Other facilities include a private telephone, personal laundry services hairdressing salon, two mini-lounges with facilities for making drinks and light refreshments, and a lift which serves the three floors of the building. Also, residents can take advantage of Bethany’s mini-bus which makes regular visits to the shops as well as to other places of interest in the area, such as the New Forest.

A Missionary Handwork Class for the ladies is held every week and all the residents can enjoy daily fellowship sessions in the main lounge with ministry of God’s word being given by visiting brethren. With the local assembly being so near, those who like to do so, have the opportunity of attending the various meetings, with help on hand for any who may find walking difficult.

Whenever a vacancy occurs in the Home, it is the policy of the Trust as a registered charity to give priority always to those who are most in need of care. A person’s financial situation, whether self-financed or eligible for government support with the payment of fees, never determines acceptance as a resident of Bethany.

In recent years, land adjoining the Home has been purchased with a view to providing sheltered accommodation. The Trustees have been very much before the Lord for His guidance in this connection and have obtained planning permission for a development of ten cottages, together with an octagonal coffee lounge situated beside a large pond and fountain. It is believed that to proceed now with the construction would be in accordance with His will and prayer support for this extension of the work which is being done for the Lord at Bethany will be very much appreciated.

For information on residency at Bethany and/or details of the sheltered accommodation cottages, please do not hesitate to contact The Secretary, Bethany Care Trust, 17A Pamber Heath Road, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 3TH. Telephone +44 (0)118 970 1710, Fax +44 (0)118 970 1705.