The History of Perran Bay
The Beginning
Parts of our building date back to the late 1800’s. Originally a family home, it changed hands several times before being extended and opening as The Perran Bay Hotel in the 1930’s.
During the Second World War, the hotel was requisitioned for use as a residential school for evacuated boys deemed “too difficult” to be billeted with local families. The property continued as a hotel for a few years after the War.
In 1948, a sub-committee of the Council of Social Services for Cornwall founded a Housing Society. Chaired by Mrs Mary F. Williams, they began searching for a property that would be suitable for elderly care. They visited locations across Cornwall but, according to records, ‘the path always seemed impeded’.
They eventually discovered The Perran Bay Hotel and set about acquiring the building. The first residents arrived for Christmas 1948 with the official opening on 1st January 1949 by The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall. The launch was mentioned in The Times newspaper.
As the number of residents increased, the Management Committee began improving the amenities and facilities. Heating was installed and the entire building was wired so that additional heaters could be added as required.
Cornwall County Council had a waiting list of elderly people, unable to pay their normal charge of ‘three pounds per week’ so, with vacant accommodation at Perran Bay, representations were made to recognise the home under the National Assistance Act 1948. The Housing Society retained the final word in accepting residents and could also give notice to leave.
Our current Chair is Mr Andrew Bown.
The values and principles of 1949 are still followed at Perran Bay today. In 2019, Perran Bay Care Home was awarded Champion of Champions by the Care Awards for Cornwall.
Sources:
Gwendroc Paper number 6 – Rev John Pearce MBE, Courtney Library. Royal Institution of Cornwall
Cornwall Old Peoples Housing Society Ltd. Minutes – County Records Office.
Private research by David Hancock and Glynis Kent.