COLCHESTER United’s former centre half insists he has never had it so good.

Reg Stewart, the man from Sheffield – he still has a Yorkshire twang – who gave his all to the U’s as player and captain between 1949 and 1957, has found his “little oasis”.

He was standing in the middle of his sitting room with his arms outstretched.

“I love this place,” he grinned. “I have never been so happy.”

Mr Stewart, now 83, and his wife, Maureen, 73, are “beneficiaries” of the 280-year-old Colchester-based Winsleys Charity.

In 1726, those living below the breadline depended on philanthropists who put their money where their mouths were. Arthur Winsley, alderman and, by 18th century standards, extremely rich, did just that, albeit in his will. This stated his farm should be turned into 12 almshouses and a chapel for “ancient” men of good character who had been left homeless.

The charity snowballed. Today, there are 80 homes on the Winsley Square estate, off Old Heath Road; the Stewarts are two of 120 people who live in what they describe as a “safe, supportive community”.

“We couldn’t move in immediately,” said Mrs Stewart. “But it was worth the wait. This is a real home.”

The Stewarts run Winsley Court’s social club. Bernie and Irene Lavin are regulars. They believe the sense of community – where everyone knows, and wants to know, their neighbours – is one of the best things about Winsley Court.

Mr Lavin, 75, looks after Winsley Court’s gardens. His final job before he retired was caretaker for Castle Methodist Church in Colchester.

Similar to Mr Stewart – who was sports officer for the now defunct Paxman Social Club – Mr Lavin had a tied house, and, like Mr Stewart, he lost that house when he retired.

“I used to help with Colchester’s soup run for the homeless,” said Mr Lavin, “and one of the organisers was also one of the charity’s trustees. He knew we would have to leave our home once I retired, so he put our name down for Winsley Court.

“We didn’t know – so, it was more by luck than judgement that we got this flat.”

“But it’s wonderful,” smiled Mrs Lavin, 68. “We have such a good life here.”

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