1863

United Kingdom Beneficent Association formed
The universal Old Age Pension is still fifty years away. There is no financial safety net for the poor. Many older people, including those from the higher classes, find themselves in penury overnight on the death of their male relatives. Job opportunities, especially for women, are severely limited. Six dedicated people set up a voluntary society to aid the newly poor – by providing those formerly of upper and middle class status with a regular income for life.

1866

Our 17-year-old fundraiser
Young Miss Ada Kirby begins work for the Association, recruiting, speaking and fundraising nationwide. She goes on to become our single most influential figure, working for us till her death age 94. The Kirby family have a close involvement with the Association, which is put on a sound financial footing when recipients begin to receive a regular £20 a year.

1870-4


 

Temporary relief fund set up and legacies boost the coffers
Huge numbers of people join but cannot qualify for the annual payment, so a new fund is set up to provide relief. People can begin to leave money as a memorial to their nearest and dearest.

1876

Merry Christmas from Ada
Ada Kirby introduces a seasonal gift for each older person by means of an appeal, a tradition that continues to this day.

1880

Social networking begins
A Miss Bullar publishes our first newsletter, ‘Con Amore’, and starts a group of friends for those who are on their own.

Our 100-year-old Area Representative
UKBA is now nationwide, with offices in Ireland, Scotland and the Channel Islands. Charles Winchester is our man in Aberdeen, a job he first took on aged 90.

1885

Small things make a big difference
During the cold winters, Ada Kirby encourages new clothes to be distributed to the many who do not qualify as regular recipients, eventually leading to the formation of the current clothing and bedlinen parcels scheme. Gifts as small as tea and coal can help. Keeping warm is an issue that persists for our older people to this day.

'The Golden Link' is launched
Our magazine is launched to spread the word about our work and keep our people, now 500 strong, in touch. It continues to this day.

1909-11

State pension introduced and RUKBA begins
People over 70 are now entitled to 5 shillings a week. King George V grants us Royal Charter status, giving us the clout to make a bigger social difference and enabling us to recruit more members.

1914-29

1948

Welfare state begins and Homes opened
The NHS is formed. Our research reveals that many of our older people, mainly in the south-east, would like to live in managed accommodation, resulting in the opening of our first residential home.

1963-66

Universal Beneficent Society (UBS) joins us
Now 4000 strong and newly arrived in Avonmore Road, West London, our head office accommodates many of our older people at several sites. UBS joins us. It serves the needs of a wider range of impoverished older people.

Here for those in need
The Charity Commission grants a more modern definition of the older people we help, so that we can take into account an individual’s lifetime contribution to society.

2005-07

Independent Age is our new name
Name adopted following a successful review. Janet Morrison becomes Chief Executive.