Our History
Greendown Trust Ltd was formed in December 1989 when two charities with shared values and a common purpose — Greendown Housing Association and Hewer-White Trust — came together to combine their experience and resources. Together, they developed Dyneley House in Leeds, which was completed in 1986.
The story of Greendown, however, began much earlier.
1972
In October 1972, a group of Christian Scientists recognised the growing need for sheltered accommodation for older members of the Christian Science community. Their vision was to create safe, comfortable and supportive homes where people could continue to live independently while remaining part of a caring community. Over the years, this vision has widened to welcome other like-minded people who value peace, dignity and companionship in later life.
The founder members were inspired by words written in 1901 by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science:
“But mortals in the advancing stages of their careers need the watchful and tender care of those who want to help them. The aged reformer should not be left to the mercy of those who are not glad to sacrifice for him even as he had sacrificed for others all the best of his earthly years.”
1976
Our first development, Stockwell Lodge in Knaresborough, opened in 1976 and provides 25 self-contained flats together with communal facilities. Later that same year, it was officially opened by Councillor Angela Matthews.
This was followed by Valley Lodge in Ilkley, which opened in 1977. Valley Lodge comprises 26 self-contained flats and communal facilities, and was officially opened by the late Joyce Grenfell, the much-loved actress, comedienne and Christian Scientist.
1986
As the needs of older people evolved, Greendown expanded further with the development of Dyneley House in Leeds. Opened in 1986 by actress and comedienne Janet Brown who was a Christian Scientist, Dyneley House provided accommodation, care and support for residents requiring 24-hour assistance and also became the registered office of the Trust.
2025
For many years, Dyneley House played an important role in the life of the Trust and the wider community. However, following the significant challenges faced throughout the Covid pandemic and the changing nature of residential care provision, Dyneley House closed in May 2025. While this marked the end of an important chapter in our history, it also provided an opportunity for the Trust to focus fully on its core mission of providing high-quality sheltered housing for older people.
Present
Today, Greendown Trust continues to provide welcoming, secure and supportive homes at Stockwell Lodge and Valley Lodge. Our schemes offer residents the opportunity to live independently within friendly communities, with the reassurance that support is available when needed.
Over the years, both our properties and the organisation itself have evolved and adapted, but the values at the heart of Greendown remain unchanged — providing comfort, security, dignity and a sense of belonging for the people who live with us.
The Trust is overseen by a dedicated Board of Trustees, with the day-to-day running of the organisation managed by our staff team, who remain committed to maintaining the warm and caring ethos on which Greendown was founded.