Our History

Acorn Village only exists due to the families of children with learning disabilities determination to build a brighter future for their loved ones as they became adults.

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Origins and Founding Vision

Acorn Village was established as a charity in 1972 by a group of determined parents and carers who shared a deep concern for the future of their adult children with learning disabilities. At that time, mainstream services were often institutional and lacked the warmth, dignity, and independence that every person deserves. These families believed there had to be a better way—one built on love, community, and opportunity.

Their dream was to create a place where adults with learning disabilities could live not just safely, but fully and joyfully—a true home where they were treated as individuals, given real choices, and supported to grow in confidence, independence, and happiness.

This vision took root in Mistley, Essex, where land was secured and, brick by brick, Acorn Village began to take shape.

Why It Was Set Up

The founders wanted to address three major needs:

  1. Lifelong care with dignity:
    They sought an alternative to impersonal institutions—somewhere residents could live in a family-like setting, feeling truly valued.

  2. Meaningful activity and creativity:
    From the beginning, Acorn Village emphasised arts, crafts, and self-expression. The aim was to empower individuals to explore their talents and contribute to community life.

  3. A place of permanence:
    Many families were anxious about what would happen when they could no longer care for their loved ones. Acorn Village offered reassurance and security, ensuring no one would be left behind.

Key Milestones

  • 1972: Registered as a charity.
  • 1975: First residents moved in—marking the official founding of Acorn Village as a care community.
  • 1996: Founder Denzil Green was awarded the MBE for his dedication.
  • 2014: Opening of the Creative Craft Centre (now known as Day Services and Therapeutic Centre) to expand day services and artistic opportunities.
  • 2025: Celebrating 50 years of supporting adults with learning disabilities.

Acorn Village’s motto reflects the belief that disability should never be a barrier to living a full, vibrant life. Everything they do—housing, activities, support—is based on the principles of respect, community, and empowerment.

Residents are encouraged to develop skills, make friends, take part in social and cultural events, and enjoy real independence—with the right support behind them.

Rosalind Strover Rosalind Strover

Early Estate Origins

  • The Mistley estate came to Edward Rigby in 1680, passed down to his son, Richard Rigby Sr., who in the 1730s–1740s transformed it—constructing Mistley Hall, a new village, quays, maltings, warehouses, and the grand Mistley Towers church designed by Robert Adam.
  • After Richard Rigby Jr.'s death and later changes, the original Hall was demolished around 1844–45.

Reconstruction & Page Family Ownership

  • In 1845, parts of the estate were sold off. The Page family built a new Mistley Hall (the “third hall”), incorporating the former kitchen garden and adjusting roads—this is the hall that stands today.

Strovers Move In

  • Decades later, Reverend Ernest Strover, a clergyman and landowner, lived at Mistley Hall. After his death in 1962, his wife Rosalind Strover remained there, eventually selling the bungalow and garden in 2001.
  • In the early 1970s, Mrs Strover significantly reduced Mistley Hall’s sale price — a pivotal gift that enabled Acorn Villages to secure the property through fundraising, donations, and loans between 1973–75.

 

  • 1973–75:
    Acorn Villages raises funds to purchase Mistley Hall—Mrs Strover plays a central role by generously reducing the price 

  • 1975:
    Acorn Village officially opens at Mistley Hall, establishing its first residential community for adults with learning disabilities.

  • Present Day: Acorn Village offers Care Quality Commission–registered residential and supported living schemes and a Day Services and Therapeutic Centre. Our residents and tenants now live in a range of purpose built properties across the site and in the community. Mistley Hall is used as the reception, meeting space and administrative area.

Ann Green Ann Green
  • Founded in 1972 by Denzil and Phyllis Green and other local families, who wanted a safe and supportive community for their adult children with learning disabilities as they became adults.

  • Inspired by their daughter, Ann, whose needs and spirit became the driving force behind Acorn Village’s caring, family-based ethos.

  • Mistley Hall was purchased and transformed into the first Acorn home — a unique environment offering dignity, friendship, and lifelong opportunity.

  • Denzil Green served for over three decades in leadership roles, shaping Acorn’s inclusive, person-centred philosophy and earning the Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding community service.

  • The Greens’ legacy continued through their daughter Heather Ablett and her husband Ray, who led Acorn Village as Chief Executive and Company Secretary until 2016.

  • Ray and Heather Ablett upheld Acorn’s founding values of family-led care and sustainability, recognised in 2017 with the Pride of Tendring Award for their dedication to the community.

In 2016 Michelle Cook became Acorn’s new CEO and remains in post to this day.

  • Before becoming CEO, Michelle spent over 20 years at Acorn Village, working her way up through roles including Care Manager, Registered Manager, and eventually senior leadership. 

  • Michelle is a recognised voice in regional social care. She serves as a Director on the Essex Care Association’s management committee, helping to advocate for care providers across Essex, Southend, and Thurrock 

  • Under Michelle’s leadership, Acorn Village’s day services were formally commended

  • Michelle steered the Acorn team through the very tough Covid Pandemic and the difficult Cost of Living Crisis and enacts planning to future proof Acorn Village so it is able to support adults with learning disabilities for many years to come.

The Folley The Folley

Within the Acorn Village 14-acre site there are a number of buildings that are Grade II listed. These are Mistley Hall, The Walled Garden and The Folley. These structures are protected for their special architectural and historical significance and form an important part of Acorn’s heritage.

Preserving these buildings is central to our commitment to honour the past while creating safe, comfortable, and accessible homes for adults with learning disabilities. Every improvement or restoration project is carried out with care — respecting the site’s historic character while ensuring it remains fit for modern living and future generations.

“At Acorn Village, we’re proud to care not only for our people but also for the beautiful site that has been their home for generations. Preserving the history and character of our buildings is an important part of who we are — each property tells a story about our community and the values we hold dear.

At the same time, it’s vital that our accommodation remains safe, comfortable, and fully fit for purpose for the adults with learning disabilities who live here. Every upgrade and restoration project is carried out with that balance in mind — respecting our heritage while ensuring our homes meet modern standards of accessibility, comfort, and independence.”

Alice Stutter - Interim Deputy CEO and Head of Facilities