NEWS AND EVENTS

As usual, the Hospital participated in Heritage Open Weekends in September 2025.

We once again welcomed visitors to our almshouse for the annual Heritage Open Days and very much appreciate everyone's support. 

2025 visitor feedback:

• I recently visited St John's Hawkins during their open heritage day and had a wonderful experience. The setting itself was charming, and I enjoyed a light snack in the garden, which made for a peaceful break.  What really stood out was the volunteers. They were incredibly welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable, and their warmth added so much to the day. Their enthusiasm and care transformed the visit from simply pleasant into something truly memorable.  It's clear that the people here put their heart into what they do, and I left with a real appreciation for both the place and those who look after it. Highly recommended!
• We visit Sir John Hawkins every year on the Heritage Open Days. It has an interesting history and everyone is very welcoming. It has a lovely garden looking out on to the River Medway which we enjoy walking around. The gardener works very hard to keep the garden beautiful for the residents. The volunteers put a tremendous amount of effort into the open days, supplying delicious cream teas and other refreshments. They also put activities out for young children.
• So a most enjoyable and informative day. A big thank you to all concerned - it’s a great opportunity to visit places that are rarely accessible to the public. All the staff were friendly, helpful and well informed, so please pass on my gratitude.

Details of ours, and other Heritage Open Day events throughout the country can be found here.  

The 425th anniversary of the signing of the hospital’s founding royal charter fell on 27 August 2019 and was celebrated by the residents with a fascinating guided tour of The Old Naval College in Greenwich. The party, headed by 92 year-old Alf Smith, who has lived at the hospital for the last 25 years, delved into the College’s many sights, from the bowling alley in the basement to the newly-restored magnificent Painted Hall. The wealth of history was vividly brought to life by the guide who combined a deep knowledge of site with a wry sense of humour.

Further events to mark the anniversary took place at the beginning of October, starting with a fund-raising dinner aboard HMS Victory, in Portsmouth.  Over 90 guests enjoyed a meal that was a masterpiece of clever menu planning and improvisation necessitated by the lack of any cooking facilities on the flagship.  Admiral Sir Alan Massey, a former Second Sea Lord, was the guest speaker and he adroitly knitted together his thoughts on the continuity of service exemplified by Sir John Hawkins Hospital, HMS Victory and the today’s Royal Navy.  Guests left the ship in the teeth of an October squall but the weather failed to dampen or dim the memory of a splendid evening.

The year’s celebrations culminated at The Annual National Service for Seafarers, held in St Paul’s Cathedral on 9 October. The hospital shared the limelight with Greenwich Hospital Trust as the year’s featured charities in front of a congregation of 1,800, headed by the Lord Mayor of London and including senior figures from the Admiralty Board, Trinity House and maritime professions and charities. The service was a memorable experience for the residents and governors present and it was agreed that Sir John Hawkins Hospital was now primed to face whatever the next 425 years might bring..