With only 6 cottages vacancies come up infrequently but when they do a sub-committee of trustees constitute the panel that assesses applications and interviews shortlisted candidates.

The eligibility criteria for appointment as a resident (either single persons or married couples) are:

That they shall be persons in need, hardship or distress, of good character, who have resided or are working in one of the parishes or towns of the area of benefit for not less than two years next preceding the time of their appointment.

The parishes and towns in the area of benefit are Sonning, Charvil, Eye and Dunsden, Sonning Common and Woodley.

There is no age limit but the resident must be able to live independently, as there is no warden. They can have a local authority care package (care workers coming up to three times a day to help with washing, dressing, and meals) but must have sufficient mobility to be able to be able to carry out simple tasks for themselves once the carer has left for the day.

When a vacancy arises  notices are placed on the parish or town notice boards of the area of benefit by their respective clerks. The housing departments of Wokingham Borough Council and South Oxfordshire District Council are also informed. All applicants will be sent an application form to complete, a copy of which can be provided on request.

RPAC maintains a waiting list of applicants who have expressed interest in becoming a resident. If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to be placed on the waiting list, please send your name and contact details to [email protected]