Celebrating 125 years with nationwide Founder's Day events
Clarion
19th May 2025
This year, as part of our 125th anniversary, we will be celebrating our inaugural Founders Day on 20 May.
As part of the celebrations, we will be hosting resident events across the country, offering colleagues and residents the opportunity to give back through activities such as litter picking, fence painting, and other initiatives that enhance local environments.
Clarion Housing Group’s story began with the pioneering vision of William Sutton, born in 1833. A successful entrepreneur, Sutton not only built the UK’s first parcel delivery service but also saw the growing need for affordable housing for working class families.
His fortune, amassed through business ventures, was used to tackle the housing crisis of the time. In 1900, Sutton passed away, leaving behind a £1.5 million legacy (equivalent to £197 million today) to establish the Sutton Dwellings Trust. This has grown into Clarion, and we celebrate 125 years since our founding on 20 May.
How can you get involved?
We are hosting an array of events over the coming weeks – take a look below and come along to one of our resident events.
Alum Rock, Birmingham
Join us for our resident event in Alum Rock, where Michelle Reynolds, Chief Customer Officer, will be joining as we tidy up the monument area on the estate, including weeding and litter picking. This will be followed by a resident event and the unveiling of a 125 plaque.
There will be stalls showcasing Clarion services and offers, along with free food, ice cream, henna tattoos, and youth play activities for everyone to enjoy.
Two consultations will also take place during the event. One will be hosted by Saheli Hub to discuss the future use of the community centre, and the other will focus on plans to transform a piece of land on the estate into new allotments.
Location: Community Centre Saheli Hub, 1 Ward Close, Alum Rock, Birmingham, B8 3LT
Date: 20 May, 3-6pm
Charles Avenue, Chichester
Join us for a community event at Charles Avenue in Chichester, where we’ll be coming together to clean up and brighten the neighbourhood with litter picking, weeding, and painting the play area. Residents will also have the opportunity to dispose of any unwanted bulky items.
There will be stalls where residents can share feedback and get advice from Clarion, our partners, and other local stakeholders. Plus, residents can enter our free prize draw to win supermarket vouchers, and children can enjoy free refreshments.
Location: Between blocks 122-144 and 146–168 Charles Avenue, Chichester, PO19 7EZ
Date: 20 May, 1-4pm
Frost Close, Norwich
Join us for a resident event at Frost Close, Thorpe Street, where we’ll be refreshing the flower beds with new plants, picking up litter, sprucing up the communal area, and tidying the pathways to help make the space even more welcoming for everyone.
Location: Frost Close, Thorpe St Andrew. Norwich, NR7 0NJ
Date: 20 May, All day
Oak Tree Close Estate, Hatfield
Join us at Oak Tree Close for an estate-wide litter pick, where skips will be provided for residents to dispose of any bulky waste. There will also be an ice cream van on site for residents to enjoy as a treat.
Location: Oak Tree Close, Middlefield, Hatfield AL10 0EG
Date: 21 May, 1-5pm
The Groves, South London
Join us as a volunteer at our upcoming resident event in The Groves, South London.
Volunteers will support with setting up, welcoming and directing residents, signposting them to activities and services, and helping to clear the site at the end of the event.
There will be stalls showcasing Clarion services, local partners, and community organisations.
Residents can take part in a 125-year anniversary quiz and enter a free prize draw to win supermarket vouchers.
Location: The Grove Christ Church, 197 Anerley Road, London SE20 8ER, access via Maple Road.
Date: 28 May, 12-5pm
Gawthorne Court, Grove
Join us for a fun-filled resident event at our Livesmart scheme in North London, hosted at Gawthorne Court!
The day will feature intergenerational activities, free food, teas and coffees, and live entertainment for residents and the wider community.
There will also be information stands showcasing Clarion services, giving residents the chance to meet staff, get support, and discuss what matters to them. Plus, don’t miss the unveiling of special benches with 125 commemorative plaques.
Location: Gawthorne Court E3, Livesmart scheme 16 Mostyn Grove, London E3 2DU ML
Date: 21 May, 12-4pm
Eastfields Estate, South London
Join us for a resident event at Eastfields Estate in South London. The event will feature stands promoting Clarion services, along with local partners and stakeholders. Residents will be able to enjoy a variety of activities, including craft stalls, games, and entertainment. Plus, there will be free food for all those who attend.
Location: Eastfields Estate Clay Avenue, Mitcham South London CR4 1BT
Date: 23 July, 12-3pm