A respected trustee who has devoted more than half his life to a charity is stepping down from his role.

Last week, the ‘tireless efforts’ of Lou Henderson were celebrated by members of the Walthamstow and Chingford Almshouse charity, who gathered to wish him farewell.

The celebration, held at the garden of the garden of the George Monoux Almshouse, took place on August 15.

Mr Henderson has served as a charity trustee for over 34 years.

He has also held the position of chairman of trustees from 2008.

Residents, guests, staff paid tribute to Lou’s accomplishments.

Over his considerable tenure Lou oversaw numerous radical changes, most notably the merging of the Walthamstow and Chingford almshouse charities.

He continued to create new opportunities for local elderly residents even in recent years. In 2012, the charity purchased a development site, upon which 20 new almshouses will be built on the site of a former children’s home in The Drive, Walthamstow.

Resplendent with luxurious facilities such as communal gardens and a therapy room, these facilities will be open to local groups, and residents of other almshouses.

Addressing the party, Lou spoke highly of the modernisation the almshouses and the charity underwent.

He was presented with the gift of a framed, 18th Century original print of St. Mary’s Church and Monoux Almshouses. He also received a framed photograph of the modern day Sir George Monoux Almshouses.

The Walthamstow and Chingford Almhouse charity’s main aim is to provide housing for local elderly residents.

One of the oldest examples of social housing, almshouses enjoy a long and rich history.

Existing for over a millennium, they exist to permit the financially challenged to keep their independence and live within their local community.

The new almshouses are expected to be completed in 2017.

Councillor John Moss will take Lou’s place as the chairman of trustees.