WHEN Sir William Turner's Almshouses at Kirkleatham offered to provide a speaker to visit local groups, the trustees had no idea of the popularity of the idea.

Peter Sotheran, chairman of the trustees, has just given three illustrated talks to groups scattered across Cleveland in the space of 48 hours.

"It seems that the end of the present run of engagements went out with a bang," said Mr Sotheran, a retired printer from Redcar.

The illustrated talks describe the life and times of Sir William Turner, a local man, born in Guisborough who moved to London and became Lord Mayor of the City and a prominent businessman.

Sir William built his almshouses at Kirkleatham in 1676, ten years after the Great Fire of London.

The residents of the almshouses must still observe one of the original rules, introduced by Sir William - they may not look under their beds with lighted candles.

"We probably have the oldest health and safety policy in the region," said Sheila Simpson, full-time resident warden at the almshouses.

The trustees are now accepting invitations to speak for the next 12 months.

There is no fixed fee but organisations are expected to make a donation to the charitable almshouses as they rely entirely on voluntary donations to maintain the 25 sheltered homes at Kirkleatham.

"Also, we are always pleased to welcome groups who wish to visit the almshouses and see inside the 17th century chapel with its brilliant altar window and fine furniture," said Mr Sotheran.

The chapel contains many interesting items, including the frighteningly realistic wax death mask of Sir William, which has stood in the chapel since his death in 1692, and a number of items discovered during the renovation work of three years ago.

To book a visit or invite a speaker, contact the chairman, 1 Sir William Turner's Court, Kirkleatham, Redcar, TS10 4QT, or tel 01642 471662 in the evenings.