Charitable Trust News

Having recently taken over as Chairman of the Company’s Charitable Trust, I can now fully appreciate the hard work over the years put in by our Master, when he was Chairman. I thought it would be helpful to give some insight into the work that the Trust does.

Over the last year we have continued to support a student in the sixth form at King Edwards School, Witley (a school supported by the City). We were delighted when we heard that the student had been made head boy. We also support with prizes the City of London School, the City of London Law School, and Kings College. Our support over the years has also been directed to the Guildhall School of Music, and this year is no exception, and I hope the person we are supporting will be performing in our charity concert on 2nd June 2009. Recently we have given grants to the College of Law to support their team partaking in the 2009 International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition. The grant will help defray some of their travel costs abroad.

We also supported ‘Centre for the Cell’, and innovative educational project for children and young people based in East London. If any members of the Company feel strongly that we should be supporting particular worthwhile causes, do contact Trustee Robert Crease who initially considers all grant applications.

The Trustees also run an apprentice scheme, and I am grateful to Trustee and Assistant Philip Fidler who coordinates all our efforts with apprentices.

Finally, I am delighted that in the last few months we have received several donations, including an anonymous donation of £1,500. This donation had a condition that £500 of it should go to The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which we readily accepted. This money was added to the Company’s donation that was presented to the Lord Mayor at our recent banquet.

All donations are welcome and allow us to benefit more worthy causes at this difficult economic time.

Michael Goodridge
Chairman of Trustees