“In March 1911, it occurred to the then Secretary of the MHARA, that it would be most unfortunate if £1,700 lay dormant at the bank, with little being done to set the scheme in motion and to carry out its original intentions. A Committee meeting was called and Joe Elvin was invited to attend. At the meeting, it was put forward that instead of building a new home, the money be used to purchase a property suitable for the intended purpose, within easy reach of Central London, and available for the reception of former artistes”.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what happens to many of our best-loved entertainers when they reach their twilight years? Well, the answer is they come to Brinsworth House in Twickenham—a residential home with 40 bedrooms and a dedicated team of nurses and care workers. Nicknamed the ‘Old Pro’s Paradise, Brinsworth House prides itself on being a place of safety, peace and tranquillity. Set within three acres of land, this beautiful mansion is situated on the outskirts of Twickenham on Staines Road.
Several famous names have lived here over the years, including the comedian and entertainer Hylda Baker, Penny Calvert, the first wife of Bruce Forsyth, the entertainer Pearl Carr, the journalist Derek Cooper, the entertainer Charlie Drake, the prominent British band leader, Roy Fox, the disc jockey, Alan Freeman, Mona Hammond who appeared in Eastenders, Dame Thora Hird, the wrestler, Mick McManus, John Hewer, the original Captain Birdseye, the comedian, Ben Warriss, the impressionist Mike Yarwood, Sir Norman Wisdom, Eastenders actor, Leslie Grantham and currently Richard O’Sullivan of Man About The House, Robin’s Nest and Dick Turpin fame.
A Caring Environment
Run by the Royal Variety Charity, Brinsworth House has six living rooms, a library, an in-house bar, a library, a conservatory, a restaurant, television rooms, a hair salon and a stage. Run by 64 staff, the house was built in 1850 and became a residential home in 1911. The theatre architect Frank Matcham designed a wing free of charge in aid of the fund, with work starting in June 1912 and completed in October of the same year. Joe Gorman put forward the idea initially of a home for old performers, and in 1912, twelve former artists were housed at an existing Music Hall home at Gypsy Hill. Shortly after this, it was decided to move them to Brinsworth House. His Majesty King George V and Her Majesty Queen Mary agreed to attend a ‘Royal Command Performance’ at London’s Palace Theatre to aid the proposed plans. This evolved over the years into the Royal Variety Performance, which helps fund the house’s running in addition to private donations. Two new wings have been added over the years, and Brinsworth House was honoured on both occasions by the presence of one of its most ardent patrons, the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who performed both opening ceremonies. The Royal Variety Charity also helps fund retired entertainers who choose to live in their own homes but have fallen on hard times, misfortune or ill health. A house that has been visited by King Charles, Queen Camilla and Meghan Markle.
