For over 50 years, the Englefield Charitable Trust has been supporting charities, causes and projects in and around Berkshire.

Established in 1968 by Sir William Benyon, the Trust continues to reflect his broad philanthropic outlook. Since 2014, Catherine Haig has been continuing her father’s legacy as Chair of the Trust.

Commenting on some of the projects supported by the Trust over recent months, Catherine said: “We are so pleased to have been able to help fund such a diverse range of causes and to give adults and children alike the chance to come together through art, sports or as a community.

“Helping arts, education and social welfare projects in the county is part of what the Trust was established to do and all the projects that we support reflect this ethos.”

Whitley Fun Day

Organised by local churches, the 12th annual Whitley Fun Day took place on Saturday 8th July. Thought to be Reading’s biggest free family event, Whitley Fun Day offers an exciting afternoon of games, crafts, sports and activities for all ages, encouraging the community to get together and have fun.

The project is supported by local businesses, churches, charities and grants, including donations from the Englefield Charitable Trust, allowing the day to be completely free of charge.

Vernon Orr, Vicar at St Agnes Church who is involved in organising the event said: “We really appreciate the commitment from the Englefield Charitable Trust to the people of this community for whom we are able to put on a free fun day thanks to you and others like you.”

Chieveley Cricket Club

Chieveley Cricket Club is a fun and friendly village club which provides a full programme of coaching and matches for all ages. Bringing together people from neighbouring villages, Chieveley Cricket Club is at the heart of the community.

The Englefield Charitable Trust supported the club with a donation toward new nets. Mark Hutchison, Chair of Chieveley Cricket Club said: “I am thrilled that the next generation of cricketers will be able to use these nets to hone their cricket skills and I hope that this investment will inspire a continued sense of community that we undoubtedly have in Chieveley.”

Find out more about Chieveley Cricket Club here.

 

Open Studios

Children in Years 5 and 6 at Yattendon Church of England Primary School took part in the Pat Eastop Education Project, an art education day organised each year by Open Studios in West Berkshire and North Hampshire.

Johannes von Stumm, President of Open Studios, said: “The children were given a chance to explore the Yattendon Estate, guided by the manager David Slack. They learned a lot about the workings of a modern farm in their neighbourhood and, with the help of local artists from Open Studios, including Sarah Moorcroft and Diana Pattenden, they painted their colourful impressions on to silk screens.

“The paintings are a delight and I am sure that this excursion opened their eyes and hearts to the beauty in their immediate vicinity – an unforgettable experience. I would like to thank the Englefield Charitable Trust for their support of this wonderful project.”

The banners have been on display at an exhibition at the school.

For more information, visit Open Studios’ website.

 

Read more about how to apply for a grant from the Englefield Charitable Trust here or take a look at a project case study here.