Kate Charsley, daughter of Dr. Chris Booth the inspiration behind Horsfall House, along with many members of the Booth family, are enthusiastically joining us for this year’s 10-mile Charity Walk on Sunday 8 June 2025.
Over thirty years on from Dr Booth’s vision for a place where our elderly community can be cared for, and afforded the dignity and respect they deserve, we continue with this work. It was critical to the original vision, that services could be accessed to all members of the community, not just to those who could afford the full cost. The charity provides support to ensure there are funded beds in our Nursing Home for those who cannot afford the full cost of care; offers transport for those in the community who otherwise could not travel to our Day Centre; supports our Home Care services and ongoing improvements to the home for the benefit of all users and to ensure the home’s ongoing sustainability.
Mrs Charsley, a Trustee of Horsfall House, said: “Fundraising is critical in the running of Horsfall House and would not be possible without the support of our volunteer fundraisers who work tirelessly raising money on our behalf. The existence and continuance of Horsfall House, and all it offers, is largely due to the ongoing generosity of the people of Minchinhampton and surrounding Communities who support the home in many ways.”
If you would like to support Kate and her family’s participation in this year’s event, please click here to donate. Your support means everything to us. Thank you!
For more information about the charity walk, please visit our fundraising event page here
History of Horsfall House
The need for a robust care system for the elderly in Minchinhampton and its surrounding areas was first recognised in the early 1980s. This led to the founding of the Minchinhampton Centre for the Elderly (MCE). Initially, it operated as a day centre in the common room of a local sheltered housing unit, running three times a week under the supervision of a qualified nurse, with the help of local volunteers.
The day centre quickly demonstrated the immense value of community support for the elderly. Inspired by this success, fundraising efforts began for a dedicated day centre and residential nursing facilities. With generous donations and the hard work of many local residents, Horsfall House was officially opened in 1994. The home, built on land donated by Miss Jean Horsfall, initially provided day care for up to 20 people and residential nursing care for 30.
Following several extensions to the original building, Horsfall House now boasts a total of 44 nursing beds; 22 for the physically infirm in the Gatcombe Unit and 22 in the Cotswold Unit providing care for those with dementia and severe memory problems.
As well as the nursing home our busy day centre offers social and physical activities six days a week and we also have Home Care offices managing top quality care for those still living in their own homes, including a meals on wheels service locally.
Horsfall House is also extremely fortunate to have HRH The Princess Royal as our patron. She too has supported the home in numerous ways since it was first opened and her continued patronage is greatly appreciated.
