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Work of the EABF

The EABF cares for thousands of entertainers throughout the UK who need help and assistance as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times, and Brinsworth House, in Twickenham, Middlesex, is the Fund's dedicated nursing home, caring for elderly members of the entertainment profession.

The EABF's help is UK-wide and is offered in numerous ways; sometimes with financial assistance for medical & nursing needs, or for general help with household repairs & maintenance, sometimes for funeral & travelling costs, and in some extreme cases, for debt crisis and supplementary pensions. Sometimes our help is given by simply giving practical advice and moral support.

Brinsworth House stands as a place of safety, peace, happiness and tranquility. Appropriately named 'The Old Pro's Paradise', Brinsworth House is a fully-equipped home, entirely compliant with the requirements of the Committee for Social Care Inspectorate, and our dedicated staff are continually on hand to care for the many needs of each resident. We provide regular services such as visits from doctors, chiropodists, opticians, physiotherapists, and pastoral care for all faiths.

At Brinsworth House we are proud of our regular in-house entertainment, hosting regular performances, but our help is far more wide reaching, including weekly bingo, various annual functions such as Christmas parties, Valentine's parties and Easter functions, and day trips to farms, museums, shows and exhibitions.

Please take a moment to watch our short two minute video on Brinsworth House:


History of the eabf and brinsworth house........more

See the facilities of Brinsworth House............more


Alan "Fluff" Freeman & Brinsworth House

 


"Alan never tired of praising the folks who run Brinsworth House. When it became clear that he could no longer look after himself, he was welcomed into Brinsworth’s care with warmth and professionalism. In particular, he struck up a mutually rewarding friendship with fellow resident Eileen Greenwood and counted Matron Sheila Gould as a very real ’soul mate’. Until his voice faltered, he would travel into London on a weekly basis to record ‘Their Greatest Bits’, the Radio Two programme that at the end of his career saw him return to his first love – the world of Opera and Classical music. I have no doubt that but for all that Brinsworth’s supporters make possible, his extended career, and the pleasure it brought to millions would not have been possible. Thank you to all at Brinsworth and to the Benevolent Fund".

Tim Blackmore


Dame Thora Hird & Brinsworth House

 

"When my Mother, Dame Thora Hird, moved into Brinsworth House for what turned out to be the last few months of her life, many people were surprised.Here she was with 5 BAFTA’s and an American Emmy Award for heavy and dramatic roles, numerous “straight” plays in London’s West End and a career count of over 500 plays in theatres up and down the land. And although her television career had included half a dozen comedy series she was best known for her Alan Bennett “Talking Heads” plays and her 20 years of “Songs of Praise” the BBC Sunday program.But if you scratched the surface a little you would soon discover strong links and friendships with Variety.Her Father, James Hird, started his career as a strolling Minstral on the sands in Morcombe, Lancs, and, her Mother, Marie Mayor met him while appearing in a summer show on the Central Pier.In the 1950’s Thora herself did many “Summer Seasons” in broad comedy plays at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool, Scarlborough, Torquay, Southsea, Bournemouth etc. and during each of these summers she struck up friendships that she kept going through the years.So it was no surprise to me that in her ninety’s when she needed a little help and tender loving care that she asked to visit Brinsworth House.

Sure enough, as we walked in, she met old and dear friends and started trading storiesand memories, from Blackpool Circus, the Black and White Minstral Show to a pianist who had accompanied her as she entertained troops during World War II. She moved in for “a rest” shortly afterwards and although she still made a couple of appearances in “Last of the Summer Wine” (a TV series that she had been in for over 16 years) it became very difficult for her to continue working.

It was as this point that the wisdom and understanding of the staff became so very important.With total love and patience they cared for her and showed kindness and thoughtfulness beyond anything I have ever encountered.They helped her and they helped me and I will never forget them all.

My heartfelt thanks to you Brinsworth House you are truly amazing in the job you do. Bravo!!"


Janette Scott




To continue our work we so welcome and need your support. Please get in touch should you feel you can help, or by simply making a donation through this website. Members of the entertainment profession have given us so very much enjoyment over so many years; many working tirelessly throughout their careers raising funds for our own chosen charities, so please give whatever you can back to them. Please make a donation to the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund by linking to our Donations page by clicking here. Every pound is so gratefully welcomed and will help us to ensure that we maintain a high standard of care for our many residents and dependants around the UK.

 

 

Quick Links

  • With a team of 64 staff, Brinsworth House is a dual registered nursing home for members of the entertainment profession... read more

    Facilities at Brinsworth

  • The history of the Royal Variety Performance is breathtaking; 80 shows over 100 years; a feat unsurpassed... read more

    Royal Variety Archive

  • Please make a donation to the EABF by visiting this page. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.......... read more

    Please make a donation