The Southwold Trust was set up over 50 years ago to help finance projects for the benefit of the people of Southwold and Reydon. Since then the Trust has made grants totaling over £1 million to help good causes in the two parishes. These have ranged from welfare contributions to the Andrew Matthews Homes, the Southwold Parochial Charity, the Sole Bay Care Fund and the Voluntary Help Centre to new social facilities in St Edmund’s Church, sports facilities on the Common and cultural facilities at the Museum and the Southwold Arts Centre.
We have helped the Scouts, the Guides, the Loft, the skateboard park, the Primary School, and the Model Yacht Regatta, to mention only a few.
How Do We Do It?
The Trust encourages applications from charitable organisations which in one way or another benefit the people of Southwold and Reydon. Trustees also keep their eyes and ears open for good causes and projects which may need a shot in the arm to help them get going, or help them keep going. Trustees meet twice a year, usually in April and November, to consider applications from a wide range of good causes. Occasionally, trustees consult each other between meetings about projects needing urgent help, for example a special bed for the Sole Bay Care Fund.
Where Does The Money Come From?
The original trustees set the Trust going with their own money. Over the years donations and legacies have added very significantly to the Trust’s resources. At present, the Trust’s funds are invested at low risk by a major firm of fund managers in London, to provide both income and capital growth to help the Trust meet as many requests as posible while seeking new capital donations. The income from those investments provides the Trust with the resources to meet most of the requests it receives, but occasionally trustees dip into capital.
Who Are The Trustees?
The Trust was founded by ‘those who love the town of Southwold and its people’ and that has been the first requirement of trustees ever since. The present trustees all live in the area or have very close and long-standing connections with Southwold and Reydon.
Some are retired, some work locally and some bring special expertise, such as in law or investment management.
CAN WE HELP OR CAN YOU HELP THE TRUST?
Do you know of a good cause or community organisation which needs a shot in the arm?
Applications for help from the Trust should be made to the Secretary,
email: david@dgaffney.com
To maintain its funding base, the Trust depends on donations and legacies. If you love Southwold and want to show appreciation of happiness found there, please remember the Southwold Trust. Donations should be sent to the Treasurer, David Gaffney, via the above address.
If you provide for a legacy in your Will, please inform the Secretary or the Treasurer.
