Due to the unfortunate temporary ill-health of LEBRF Administrator, Anne Wardell, the Chairman of the Trustees, Andy Waring, gave the report which began by thanking everyone for their continued support for the fund.
Over the last 5 years the LEBRF has paid out over £134,000 in grants. So far in 2025 the LEBRF Trustees have approved grants to 2 towers (Downton St Lawrence & Marnhull); and the Fund has paid out grants to 4 towers (Worth Matravers; Mere; Calne & Marnhull).
The charity has recently received the principal interim payment of a significant legacy amounting to £650,000, which has put the fund on a much more secure financial footing and will enable the LEBRF to give larger grants for eligible projects.
However, we do not want the fact that the trust is currently in good financial health to impact the great work that members do in raising funds for our work. All donations, however large or small, are gratefully received – the LEBRF is a charity run by SDGR ringers, for SDGR ringers. The Trustees are also grateful that the Guild recognises the importance of the LEBRF’s work by granting 50p from each member’s subscription which means that every single member can be proud that they are supporting the expensive but worthwhile work of bell restoration within our diocese.
Please contact Anne Wardell, LEBRF Administrator, via the Guild website if you are planning a bells project, to see what support might be offered.
