14/08/2008
Further to our previous report, the Musicians Benevolent Fund (MBF) has made the decision to close Ivor Newton House, the last remaining residential home for retired musicians.
Ivor Newton House, in Kent, is currently home to 15 residents who will be forced to make alternative living arrangements when the home closes in October 2009.
MBF Chairman, Richard Lyttelton, said: "This decision has not been taken without a great deal of thought. 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.
"And as people are now staying in their own homes longer, they move into residential care when they need specialist nursing or dementia care facilities, which Ivor Newton House can not offer."
John Smith, General Secretary of the Musicians' Union, expressed his disappointment at the decision, saying: "It is a real shame that there will no longer be a residential home dedicated to retired musicians. The MU will now concentrate on doing our utmost to support the current residents of Ivor Newton House as they move to alternative accommodation.
"However, most of the residents of are now in their nineties, and we would urge the MBF to consider allowing these people to live out the rest of their lives in Ivor Newton House."