Our Centenary marks a major step forward as we create new assisted living accommodation, modern facilities and accessible gardens designed to support independence, community and wellbeing.
This development, alongside the establishment of Alfred’s Fund, will secure Denville Hall’s future for the next 100 years.
Donate to the Centenary
As Denville Hall reaches its centenary we have discovered a growing need to look after those members of the industry who might not be in need of full time care but need a community in which to live in later life. We have over the past five years commissioned designs for and got planning permission to build two new buildings of assisted living accommodation in the grounds of Denville Hall for those in need of this. We have set up a Centenary Appeal to raise the money for this addition to our facilities, which will include new cafe, gym and rehabilitation facility, accessible cinema and relandscaping the grounds so they are fully accessible to everyone.
We are raising £13 million for the build costs for this new development and a further £13 million to set up an endowment fund named 'Alfred's Fund' after our founder Alfred Denville, to allow us to continue looking after those in our industry who need our help at Denville Hall for the next century.
We are honoured to have as our Centenary Appeal Presidents Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ian McKellen and Daniel Radcliffe. We also have support from over 100 other members of the industry. There will be a number of events during the year to celebrate our Centenary, and raise money for this Appeal.
“Even a very successful actor, director, writer, producer, composer or musician can reach the latter part of their life with no support in place. It is the nature of being an artist that so many decisions through life and work are made for reasons of culture, inspiration, education and communication, not for financial security. It is called dedication to art. It is a calling.
Unemployment is a constant in the 'Gig economy' of being a performing or creative artist, so it can be very hard to accumulate any nest egg. To be an artist by its very nature can mean sacrificing that financial future. Here is where Denville Hall steps in, to create security and care for those who have spent their lives giving us entertainment and inspiration, and creating the culture that we as the British are so rightfully proud of.
I am very proud to be, along with two genuinely extraordinary artists, Ian McKellen and Daniel Radcliffe, a President for the Centenary Appeal for Denville Hall. This appeal will mean Denville Hall can expand their services, and continue their important work for the next generations.”
“Making a play or producing a show, even when it's built around a mighty star, is a communal activity. From first rehearsal to closing night, the performers, creative teams, management bosses and lowly stage-sweepers all depend on each other in a way that other enterprises cannot match. So, every job I have done over 60 more years as a professional actor has felt like working and playing with a family of friends, old and new. It's that kinship which supports us when disaster strikes, when bad reviewsclose our show or Covid, for example, prevents us from working. This spirit inspired the establishment of the unique Denville Hall, where workers from the entertainment industry can find the care and shelter they so often need, when life and funds are running out.
With Dame Helen and Daniel I shall encourage colleagues who can afford it, to be generous in their support. But all contributions are welcome. If you have a suggestion how you and others could help, please be in touch.”
“I’m deeply honoured to have been invited to become a President for Denville Hall’s Centenary Appeal, an incredible residential home and organisation just outside of London which was first opened 100 years ago as a ‘haven for actors’ who had nowhere else to go.
Nowadays Denville Hall caters for actors, agents, performers, or any professional in the entertainment industry who needs support in their elder years whether it be full time care or a short break. Their door is always open and they don’t turn anyone away. And that is where you come in.
In celebration of their centenary Denville Hall is aiming to raise £26 million to fund new residential developments and also to support ‘Alfred’s Fund’, providing financial support to those in greatest of need. So please join us as we give back to those who have dedicated their lives to entertaining us, giving them safety, support and most importantly dignity.”
